In reply the officer ordered him back to his station and with notice that if the request was repeated he would be shot.

Sad to say, the sailor who made his wish known was one of the first killed in battle.
The two ships now began exchanging shots, but the distance was too great for any damage on either side.

A little after 9 o'clock on that bright sunshiny Sunday morning they were close enough for the wonderful marksmanship of the American to display itself.

The first shot that found the _Macedonian_ entered through the starboard bulwark and killed the sergeant of marines.

A minute later the mizzen topmast was sundered, and, cluttered with sails, yards and rigging, it fell into the maintop, where it hung suspended, liable to fall at any moment and crush those beneath.
The fire of the American became frightfully destructive.