Images - CaptainIsaacHull

United States Frigate, Constitution, SIR: I have the honor to inform you that on the 19th inst. at 2, P.M. being in latitude 40: 42, and longitude 55 : 48, with the Constitution under my command, a sail was discovered from the mast-head bearing E by S or E. S. E. but at such a distance we could not tell what she was. All sail was instantly made in chase, and soon found we came up with her. At 3, P.M. could plainly see that she was a ship on the star board track under easy sail, close on a wind; at half past 3, P.M. made her out to be a frigate; continued the chase until we were within about three miles, when I ordered the light sails taken in, the courses hauled up, and the ship cleared for action. At this time the chase had backed his main top-sail, waiting for us to come down. As soon as the Constitution was ready for action, I bore down with an intention to bring him to close action immediately, but on our coming within gun shot, she gave us a broad side and filled away, and wore,