Americans could fight, after all.

Popular toasts of the day were: OUR INFANT NAVY--_We must nurture the young Hercules in his cradle, if we mean to profit by the labors of his manhood._ THE VICTORY WE CELEBRATE--_An invaluable proof that we are able to defend our rights on the ocean._ Handbills spread the news through the country, and artillery salutes proclaimed it from Carolina to the Wabash.

Congress voted fifty thousand dollars as prize money to the heroes of the _Constitution_ and medals to her officers.

The people of New York gave them swords, and Captain Hull and Lieutenant Morris received pieces of plate from the patriots of Philadelphia.

Federalists laid aside for the moment their opposition to the war and proclaimed that their party had founded and supported the navy.