Indiana State Sentinel

Anecdote of Old Ironsides.—The most brilliant naval action of the last war undoubtedly was that of the old American frigate Constitution, 44, commanded by Commodore Stewart, when she captured the two British corvettes, Cyane and Levant, of greatly superior force, each of them being equal to the old fashioned 32 gun frigates. The handling of the American frigate was throughout scientific and unexceptionable. By no manœuvring could either of the British vessels obtain a position to rake the Constitution. Shift their ground as they would, Old Ironsides was between them, blazing away at both vessels at the same time. During the whole action Stewart, instead of mounting the horse-block, sat in a more exposed situation astride of the hammock nettings, the better to observe the manœuvring of his antagonist. The Cyane was the first to strike to Brother Jonathan—not an unusual thing with British vessels during that war. The first lieutenant came in haste to the Commodore to announce the fact. 'The starboard ship has struck, sir,' said the officer. 'I know it, sir,' said the Commodore. 'The battle is just half won.' 'Shall I order the band to strike up Yankee Doodle, sir?' inquired the lieutenant. Here the Commodore took a huge pinch of snuff, and then answered quickly, 'Had we not better whip the other first, sir!' 'Ay, ay, sir,' replied the lieutenant, taking the hint, and went to his quarters. In a few minutes afterwards the Levant lowered the cross of Old England to the stars and stripes, and the battle was ended. The lieutenant feeling somewhat rebuked at his premature exultation upon the surrender of the first vessel, was rather shy of approaching his commander again; but Stewart, beckoning to him, said with a smile—'Don't you think the band had better strike up Yankee Doodle now, sir?' In an instant that spirit-stirring strain was floating in the breeze, played as no other than a Yankee band can play it, and the gallant crew shouted forth their cheers of victory, as no other than a Yankee crew can shout.—N. Y. Globe.