Denmark had never been engaged in so arduous a contest, and never did the Danes more nobly display their national courage--a courage not more unhappily than impolitically exerted in subserviency to the interests of France.
Captain Thura, of the INDFOEDSRETTEN, fell early in the action; and all his officers, except one lieutenant and one marine officer, were either killed or wounded In the confusion, the colours were either struck or shot away; but she was moored athwart one of the batteries in such a situation that the British made no attempt to board her; and a boat was despatched to the prince, to inform him of her situation.

He turned to those about him, and said, "Gentlemen, Thura is killed; which of you will take the command ?" Schroedersee, a captain who had lately resigned on account of extreme ill-health, answered in a feeble voice, "I will!" and hastened on board.

The crew, perceiving a new commander coming alongside, hoisted their colours again, and fired a broadside.
Schroedersee, when he came on deck, found himself surrounded by the dead and wounded, and called to those in the boat to get quickly on board: a ball struck him at that moment.

A lieutenant, who had accompanied him, then took the command, and continued to fight the ship.

A youth of seventeen, by name Villemoes, particularly distinguished himself on this memorable day.