'lhe War C
aptain Carden, perhaps in the flush ofthe fine spirits that hadflowed most liberally, pointed out to our captain in a voice easily heard by all the shortcomings ofU nited States. "You know, my friend, "he offered, 'Macedonian is considered, by those who know, to be the finest frigate in the Royal Navy. Fast, weatherly, and renownedfor our gunnery. Even though only two years have passed since her launching, she has already established quite a fine record for success against the French. It is indeed too bad your Navy Department saw fit to provide you with twenty-fours; not nearly as efficient as our eighteens. Too difficult, by half they are, to manhandle into battery, and demand too many men to train 'em. I'd warrant your crews tire more quickly than were they handling an eighteen. " Decatur smiled at his opposite number; he was of a quite different opinion, but a well-developed sense ofpropriety denied him the luxury of hostility toward a guest in his home. 1he only indication that his smile belied his thoughts was the two bright blotches of color that had appeared on his cheeks. 1hen Carden went on. "You know, old fellow, should our ships ever meet in combat, I suspect there would be little doubt as to the outcome. After all what practice have you lads had with war? Very little, I think. At least since that business in the late century, and as I remember it, you chaps did not fare all that well. 1here is the rub. Of course, we meet now as friends, and may God grant that we never meet Commodore Stephen Decatur, USN, (1779-1820) as enemies, but, as officers ofour navies, we must follow the orders ofour governments. I would surely regret having to destroy that fine looking frigate ofyours!" Carden smiled ingratiatingly. '1 surely reciprocate your sentiment, Captain, about our meeting as enemies and offer that we may never do so. But, should our governments order us to war, and were we to meet with equal forces, you may rest assured that it would be a most severe conflict, as the flag of my nation will never again be lowered as long as there is a hull for it to wave from!" A profound silence filled the room and a look of surprise flashed across Carden's face. Decatur's veiled reference to Barron's surrender in 1807 had struck home. In the moment, the British captain regained his serene expression, smiled and proposed, "Captain: I would, in light ofyour considered opinion, offer you a wager. Should we ever meet in battle, though my hope, as yours, is that our two countries return to amity, and quickly, I will HMS Macedonian, 1812 purchase for you a new beaver hat, should they still be in fashion, were you to prevail in a contest between our two ships. And I would expect that you would reciprocate, should the outcome be as I predict. What say you to l'RO!l! LE BY H OWARD I. C llAl'ELLE, PUB LI Sll ED I N T i m AJ\'IERICAN SAI LI NG NAVY, W. W NORTON & CO., NEW YORK, 1949, 2 17 that, my friend?" "Would not the outcome ofsuch a meeting provide sufficient reward to the victor without the added inducement ofa new hat? But, should you desire to buy me one, were our paths to cross with hostile intent, I shall be most pleased to wear it with pride. " Decatur's smile had faded, leaving not a trace ofjocularity in its place. Indeed, both his grave look and his tone suggested he held no doubt about the accuracy ofhis words. -Con versation (apocryphal) excerpted fro m Jn Pursuit of Glory, ŠWilliam H . White, Till er Publishing, 2006. lO SEA HISTORY 135, SUMMER2011 I'.