He put on every stitch of canvas, threw overboard everything that could be spared and wet his sails, but the _President_ was so badly crippled from having run aground that, despite all that was done, she steadily lost ground.

The _Endymion_ led the pursuers and soon drew up within range, her position such that Decatur could not reply to the shots which began to injure his ship and kill and wound his crew.
He formed a desperate scheme that was characteristic of him.

The _Endymion_ was so far in advance of the other pursuers that there was a possibility of turning about and capturing her.

Then, by transferring the American crew to her, the worthless _President_ could be abandoned and swift flight be made in the _Endymion_, which had already demonstrated her superior speed.
The great risk in this attempt (for no one among the Americans doubted their ability to overcome the other crew) was that before the capture could be accomplished the other vessels would come up and Decatur be assailed by an overwhelming force, but he did not hesitate.

He explained his plan to his men and they responded with cheers.