On the 5th of September, 1813, the United States brig Enterprize,
of fourteen guns, commanded by Lieutenant Burrows, sailed from
Portsmouth, and the next day fell in with the British brig, Boxer, of
fourteen guns, commanded by Captain Blythe. The latter immediately
fired a shot as a challenge, hoisted English colors, and bore down on
the Enterprize. The American vessel manœuvered until she gained the
weathergage, and then returned the fire. Obtaining a raking position,
the Enterprize soon gained the advantage, and after an action of three
quarters of an hour, compelled the British to cry for quarter. Their
colors were nailed to the mast, but the firing ceased. Captain Blythe
and Lieutenant Burrows were mortally wounded in the early part of the
action. Burrows refused to be carried below until the sword of the
enemy was presented to him, when he exclaimed, “I am now satisfied--I
die contented.” The Boxer had twenty-five men killed, and fourteen
wounded. The Enterprize had four men killed, and eleven wounded.
[Illustration: BATTLE OF LUNDY’S LANE.]
[Illustration]