The true reasons of our success are to be found in our superior gunnery and the greater aptitude of the Americans for the sea. We are a maritime people, and have since outstripped England in the peaceful paths of commerce as much as we outmanoeuvred, outsailed, and beat her in the war. Whether the ships of the two countries dash side by side in fraternal feeling through the heavy floes of the northern seas, or in a spirit of rivalry press together across the Atlantic, or sweep where the monsoons blow, ours still lead those of England. The elements of such a maritime nation as ours is destined to be, have never existed since the creation. Let the rate of progress which her commerce has maintained for the last thirty-five years be as a rule to gauge where she will be thirty-five years hence, and the mind is amazed at the result. CHAPTER XIII. PRIVATEERS. Character and daring of our Privateers -- Skill of American seamen -- Acts of Congress relative to privateering -- Names of ships -- Gallant action of the "Nonsuch" -- Success of the Dolphin -- Cruise of the Comet -- Narrow escape of the "Governor Tompkins" -- Desperate action of the Globe with two brigs -- The Decatur takes a British sloop of war -- Action of the Neufchatel with the crew of the Endymion -- Desperate defence of Captain Reed against the crews of a British squadron -- The Chasseur captures a British schooner of war -- Character of the commanders of privateers -- Anecdote.