The British commander mustered his men to board the American, but they were driven back by the firing from the rigging of the _Bonhomme Richard_.

The condition of the latter could not have been more desperate.

She was so mangled that she began to settle, most of her guns had been disabled, a fire that could not be checked was already close to her magazine and several hundred prisoners were stealing here and there, waiting for a chance to strike from behind.
[Illustration: OLD-TIME BATTLESHIPS.] A deserter had slipped on board of the _Serapis_ in the confusion and acquainted the commander with the frightful plight of the American.
After firing with renewed ardor for several minutes Captain Pearson again called to know whether Jones had surrendered.

He shouted back a defiant negative, and, pistol in hand, ordered his men to the guns, threatening to kill the first one who refused.

All knew his temper too well to hesitate, and the battle was renewed with greater fury than before.