She was steering off from the wind, with her head to the southwest, evidently with the intention of cutting us off as soon as possible.
Signals were soon made by the _Guerriere_, but as they were not answered the conclusion was, of course, that she was either a French or American frigate.

Captain Dacres appeared anxious to ascertain her character and after looking at her for that purpose, handed me his spyglass, requesting me to give him my opinion of the stranger.

I soon saw from the peculiarity of her sails and from her general appearance that she was, without doubt, an American frigate, and communicated the same to Captain Dacres.

He immediately replied that he thought she came down too boldly for an American, but soon after added, "The better he behaves, the more honor we shall gain by taking him." When the strange frigate came down to within two or three miles' distance, he hauled upon the wind, took in all his light sails, reefed his topsails, and deliberately prepared for action.

It was now about five o'clock in the afternoon when he filled away and ran down for the _Guerriere_.