It proved to be the British 74-gun ship of the line _Poictiers_, which, surmising what had taken place, bore down, took possession of both ships and carried them to Bermuda.
This battle, one of the most fiercely contested of the war, naturally caused much rejoicing throughout the United States.

Congress voted $25,000 to the officers and crew of the _Wasp_ as prize money, and gave a gold medal to Master-Commandant Jones and a silver one to each of his officers, while the Legislature of Pennsylvania presented a sword to Lieutenant James Biddle.
This gallant young officer is entitled to more notice than has been given him.

He was born in Philadelphia in 1783, and died in 1848.

After his exchange, he was appointed to the command of the _Hornet_, and sailed from New York in the month of January, 1815, in company with the _Peacock_ and _Tom Bowline_, but the three became separated, each making for Tristan d'Acunha, which had been named as the rendezvous of the squadron under the command of Stephen Decatur.
This was on the last day of February, and Captain Biddle was about to drop anchor when a sail appeared, and the _Hornet_ went out to reconnoitre.

The stranger approached as if anxious to fight him, and, when within musket range, ran up the English flag and fired a shot, to which the _Hornet_ replied with a broadside.