Democratic Sentinel, Volume 14, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 September 1890 — “Old Ironsides.” [ARTICLE]

“Old Ironsides.”

The frigate Constitution (Old punsides), that stands at the head in the list of o honor of the ships of America’s early naval history, is now a receiving ship at the navy yard at 'Portsmouth, N. H. There are not many men who have not recited in their school days Oliver Wendell Holmes’ tribute to the gallant old vessel, beginning: Aye, tear her tattered enslvn down! 'Long has it waved on high; And many an eye has daueed to see That banner in the sky. “Old Ironsides” was built in Boston in the years 1794-7, under a law approved by Washington March 27,1794, and was launched ©n the 20th of September, 1797. The list of her captains contains the names of Nicholson, Talbot, Preble, Decatur, Rogers, Hull, Bainbridge and others—men ivnowned for nautical skill, bravery an 1 devotion to their country, and no or s of whom ever brought defeat or di - honor upon the gallant craft intrust* 1 to his command. Her first gun at an enemy was dincharged August 3, 180,4, when an attack was made on the American squadron then in the Mediterranean Sea b r the Tripolitan forts. In 1812, shortly after the declaration of war with England, the Constitution met and captured the British ship Guerriere, an action that will ever be memorable ia the records of naval warfare. Th 9 Constitution was under command cf Capt. Isaac Hull, with a crew of 30) men, while the Guerriere was commanded by Capt. J. R. Dacres, wit‘l 400 men. Both Captains had met socially before the war, and had the.) discussed the merits of the two vessels. When they spoke of what woul 1 happen if, in the event of war, they should come into collision, Hull said : “Take care of that ship of yours, if I ever catch her in the Constitution. " Dacres laughed, and offered a handsome bet that if they ever did meet as antagonists his friend would find out .his mistake. Hull refused a money wager, but offered to stake on the issue a hat. Years after, when the conjectured encounter did occur, and when, after a desperate fight, the English frigate became a total wreck, Capt. Dacres came on board the Constitution and offered his sword to his captor, “No, no,” said Hull, “I will not take a sword from one who knows so well how to use it. but I’ll trouble you for that hat!”—Boston Herald.