which was received with an enthusiasm peculiar to sailors. He communicated to them the request of the managers of the Theatre, that they would attend in the evening; and the whole pit was appropriated for their accomodation. The Commodore addressed them nearly in these words-" Sailors!-Your orderly and decorous conduct this day gives me high satisfaction. Continue it through this evening; and convince the hospitable and patriotic citizens of New-York, that you can maintain the same order in the midst of amusements, as you have done, when sailing upon the ocean and conquering the enemy." It was answered by the well known and respectful salute of sailors. The admirable band of the Macedonian again cheered them with patriotic airs. Excepting the lowering of an enemy's flag, this world could not afford a scene more exhilirating to such a man as STEPHEN DECATUR.

One act of noble munificence in this truly noble crew, must not be omitted. Upon receiving their prize money, every one of the seamen immediately paid two dollars each, making a fund of nearly nine hundred dollars, for the benefit of the orphan children of John Archibald, who died by wounds received in the action with the Macedonian. Com. Deca

tur placed the money in the hands of suitable trustees, and received from the father of Archibald, an address of thanks, couched in the impressive language of a grateful heart. But he looked his gratitude more forcibly than he expressed it. On such an

occasion

"A glance sends volumes to the heart,
While words impassioned die."

The benevolent, the humane, the generous Decatur, upon this, and on numerous other occasions, enjoyed the luxury of doing good." It was not to his friends alone, to whom he extended the helping hand of humanity—to his enemies, when not in. consistent with his duty, he was a ministering angel of mercy.

When he took possession of the Macedonian, he found her filled, not only with every munition and material of war, but with almost all the luxuries of the palace. He found an opportunity to repay the accomplished and gallant Capt. Carden for the many civilities he had shown to American officers, while upon the American station. Every thing in the ship which belonged to the government as prize, he scrupulously accounted for; but every individual article that belonged to the officers and seamen, he punctiliously restored, or liberally paid for. Capt. Carden had the finest band of music in the British Navy, and the choicest supply of wine, &c. for his own cabin. These and other conveniences to the amount of nearly a thousand dollars, Com. Decatur paid him for. Let the face of the commander of the Poictiers 74, be crimsoned with shame, or turn pale with fear, when reminded that after capturing the Wasp, 18, he deprived the gallant Capt. Jones and his crew of every article except the clothes that covered their bodies; and that these noble Americans

never shifted their dress, until they were exchanged, and arrived in a cartel in America*. Let another fact connected with the Macedonian which this same Capt. Jones was appointed to command, be mentioned by way of contrast between the American and British governments, and between American and British naval officers. The following is an extract from the Muster-Roll of the Macedonian, when captured by Com. Decatur.

Christopher Dodge, American, aged 32, prest by the Thisbe, late Dedaigneuse, shipped in the Macedonian, July 1, 1810.

Peter Johnson, American, aged 32, prest by the Dedalus, entered August 24, 1810.

John Alexander, of Cape Ann, aged 29, prest by the Dedalus, entered August 25, 1810.

C. Dolphin, of Connecticut, aged 22, prest by the Namur, late Ceres, entered August 4, 1810.

Major Cook, of Baltimore, aged 27, prest by the Royal William, late Mercury, entered Sept. 10,

1810.

William Thompson, of Boston, aged 20, prest at Lisbon, entered Jan. 16, 1811, drowned at sea in boarding an American.

* When the gallant seamen of the late ship Wasp arrived at the seat of government, the Secretary of the Navy, and other gentlemen visited them in their destitute situation: the Secretary shook them each by the hand-applauded them for their gallantry in action, and fortitude under privations; and gave orders for an immediate supply of every comfort and convenience. These men ever afterwards would fight desperately against the brutal enemy, and valiantly for their country.

John Wallis, American, aged 23, prest by the Triton, entered Feb. 16, 1811, killed in action in the Macedonian !

John Card, American, aged 27, prest by the North Star, entered April 13, 1811, killed in action in the Macedonian !"

Let the vaunting "Queen of the Ocean" boast of her thousand ships and matchless commanders; and as Macbeth shuddered at the ghost of Banquo, let her shudder at the ghosts of Thompson, Wallis and Card, compelled to fight their own countrymen, and perhaps to spill their brother's blood. But their blood has been avenged, so far as man can avenge; and it is for that Being who "reigns in the armies of heaven above" to administer eternal justice.

CHAPTER XIII.

Honours conferred upon Com. Decatur-He takes command of a Squadron-Immense disparity between American and British Naval force on the American coast-List of both-Com. Decatur sails from New-York in Squadron-His ship struck by lightning-Sails for a British 74—Retreats to New-London—Prepares for defence-Razees-British Squadron-Contrast between Hardy and Cockburn-Stratagems of War-Passport for the bodies of Lawrence and Ludlow-Com. Decatur attempts to escape-Blue Lights-Steam Frigate-Challenge to the enemy -Impressed seamen-Dignified and humane officers-Com. Decatur and Com. Macdonough.

COM. Decatur might now be said to be at the zenith of glory. Honours flowed in upon him in such rapid succession, that if the thirst for fame and the appetite for glory could ever be satisfied, he might well say "it is enough,"-and yet, when acknowledging the honours conferred upon him and his gallant officers and seamen, his unassuming language

was-"

MAY THEY STIMULATE US TO ACTS MORE PRO

PORTIONED TO THEIR APPROBATION." It might well be asked what deeds could DECATUR perform, that would be "more proportioned" to the highest approbation that could be bestowed, than what he had already achieved? I do not here allude to his last achievement-brilliant as it surely was, it was even surpassed by those of his early life, and such, I trust,