Absorbed in the greater issue against Napoleon, England was nevertheless aroused to more vigorous action against the United States and devised strong blockading measures for the spring of 1813. Unable to operate against the enemy's ships in force or to escape from ports which were sealed by vigilant squadrons, the American navy to a large extent was condemned to inactivity for the remainder of the war. Occasional actions were fought and merit was justly won, but there was nothing like the glory of 1812, which shone undimmed by defeat and which gave to the annals of the nation one of its great chapters of heroic and masterful achievement. It was singularly apt that the noble and victorious American frigates should have been called the _Constitution_ and the _United States_. They inspired a new respect for the flag with the stripes and the stars and for all that it symbolized. [Illustration: _ISAAC HULL_ Painting by J. W. Jarvis. In the City Hall, New York, owned by the Corporation.] [Illustration: _WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE_ Painting by J. W. Jarvis. In the City Hall, New York, owned by the Corporation.] CHAPTER VII "DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP!" The second year of the war by sea opened brilliantly enough to satisfy the American people, who were now in a mood to expect too much of their navy. In February the story of the _Wasp_ and the _Frolic_ was repeated by two ships of precisely the same class. The American sloop-of-war _Hornet_ had sailed to South America with the _Constitution_ and was detached to blockade, in the port of Bahia, the British naval sloop _Bonne Citoyenne_, which contained treasure to the amount of half a million pounds in specie. Captain James Lawrence of the _Hornet_ sent in a challenge to fight, ship against ship, pledging his word that the _Constitution_ would not interfere, but the British commander, perhaps mindful of his precious cargo, declined the invitation. Instead of this, he sensibly sent word to a great seventy-four at Rio de Janeiro, begging her to come and drive the pestiferous _Hornet_ away.