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Foreign News October 11, 1841

Daily Cincinnati Republican

Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio

What is this article about?

A letter from a U.S. frigate Constitution officer describes the Chinese squadron preparing for battle upon hearing of a U.S.-Britain war declaration, which proved false after encountering the British ship Melville.

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OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

Ready for Action.—A letter from an officer of the U. S. frigate Constitution, mentions the fact that our Chinese squadron having heard that war had been declared between the U. S. and Great Britain, prepared for a desperate fight. The Constitution had her rigging down and top-mast housed, when the boatswain called all hands to rig ship.—Up went topmast, and top gallant mast, rigging, top-sail yards crossed, sails bent, all hands beat to quarters and the guns shotted. In three hours the ship was ready for action, and sailing out of the harbor in line of battle, to meet an English ship of war which was reported off the harbor. The ship proved to be the Melville, 71, from England, which informed the squadron that the report of war was premature. This fact goes to show the energy and determination of our naval officers, and the readiness and promptitude which they would display should occasion require it.

What sub-type of article is it?

Naval Affairs

What keywords are associated?

Chinese Squadron Us Constitution False War Alarm Naval Readiness British Melville

Where did it happen?

China

Foreign News Details

Primary Location

China

Outcome

no action occurred; the report of war was premature as informed by the british ship melville.

Event Details

The U.S. Chinese squadron, including the frigate Constitution, prepared for battle upon hearing of war declared between the U.S. and Great Britain. In three hours, the Constitution was rigged, sails bent, guns shotted, and sailed out in line of battle to meet a reported English ship of war, which was the Melville, 71 guns, informing them the war report was false.

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