Lieutenant Little possessed a powerful voice, and he was directed to hail the enemy; at the same time the quartermaster was ordered to stand ready to haul down the English flag and to hoist up the American.

Our lieutenant took his station on the after part of the starboard gangway, and elevating his trumpet, exclaimed: 'Hullo.

Whence come you ?' "'From Jamaica, bound to London,' was the answer.
"'What is the ship's name ?' inquired the lieutenant.
"'The "Admiral Duff",' was the reply.
"The English captain then thought it his turn to interrogate, and asked the name of our ship.

Lieutenant Little, in order to gain time, put the trumpet to his ear, pretending not to hear the question.

During the short interval thus gained, Captain Williams called upon the gunner to ascertain how many guns could be brought to bear upon the enemy.