by John Marshall

“ Having attended to the whole of the evidence, and also to the defence of Captain Dacres, the Court agreed,–
“That the surrender of the Guerriere was proper, in order to preserve the lives of her valuable remaining crew; and that her being in that lamentable situation was from the accident of her masts going, which was occasioned more by their defective state, than from the fire of the enemy, though so greatly superior in guns and men. The Court did, therefore, unanimously and honorably acquit Captain Dacres, his officers, and rew, of all blame on account of her capture.” ”

“ By my letter to Vice-Admiral Sawyer, and the narrative of the principal officers, I trust that you will be satisfied that every exertion was used in defending the ship, as long as there was the smallest prospect of resistance being useful. In my letter, I mention the boarders being called: it was my intention, after having driven back the enemy, to have boarded in return; and in consequence I ordered the first Lieutenant down on the main-deck to send every body up from the guns ”

“ I hope, though success has not crowned our efforts, you will not think it presumptuous in me to say, the greatest credit is due to the officers and ship’s company for their exertions, particularly when exposed to the heavy raking fire of the enemy: I feel particularly obliged for the exertions of Lieutenant Kent, who, though wounded early by a splinter, continued to assist me ”