Meanwhile the riflemen in the rigging were working with destructive energy.

In each of the _Constitution's_ tops were seven marines, six loading for the seventh, who was the best marksman.

A good many officers were wounded and killed on both sides.
[Illustration: THE "CONSTITUTION" AND THE "GUERRIERE."] Although the vessels had been lashed together, their lurching broke them apart, and the Englishman gained a chance to use his broadsides.

A fire broke out on the _Constitution_, but it was quickly extinguished, and the shot of the American soon made a complete wreck of the enemy.
When it became clear that the _Guerriere_ could make no further resistance, Captain Hull drew off to repair the damages to his own ship.
Another English frigate was likely to appear at any moment, and she would make short work of the _Constitution_ in her crippled condition.
It took but a short time to complete the work, when she returned to her former position beside the wallowing _Guerriere_.

A lieutenant was sent on board to receive the surrender, which Dacres gave with painful reluctance.