Each felt the gravity of the situation.

Somers, though cool and composed, seemed to feel a presentiment that he would not return.

He took a ring off his finger, and breaking it apart, gave one portion to Decatur, one to Stewart, and kept the other for himself.

He told his friends what he wished done in case of his death, and they assured him that every wish should be respected.
During that last impressive interview Stewart asked Somers what he would do if discovered and attacked by the enemy.
"Blow us all up together!" was the instant response; "I shall never be taken prisoner." I may remark here that no writer has recorded this expression of the gallant Somers, and I give it because Admiral Stewart assured me of its truth.

His recollection of the incident, more than sixty years afterward, was as vivid as on the succeeding day.