322 SOLDIERS AND SAILORS and tumbling over them, and it was with the utmost difficulty that Decatur freed himself from them and rose to his feet." While this fierce struggle was going on, a Turk fought his way forward and aimed a fearful blow at Decatur, who was not aware of his danger. Reuben Jones, an American sailor, so desperately wounded that he could not use his arms, flung himself between them and received the blow on his skull, which was fractured. It is a pleasure to record, however, that the brave fellow finally re- covered and lived many years on a pension from his government. Decatur succeeded in withdrawing with both prizes, and the next day was honored with the highest commendation in general orders from Commodore Preble. When the latter was superseded in command of the squadron, he gave the command of the Constitution to Decatur, who had some time before received his commission. From that ship he was removed to the Congress, returning home on her on the conclusion of peace with Tripoli. Decatur was next employed as superintendent of gunboats, and March 6, 1806, was married to Miss Susan Wheeler of Norfolk, the only child of wealthy and cultured parents. The union was a most happy one, though no children were bom to the couple. In the month of June, 1807, the British frigate. Leopard, while cruising off the coast of Virginia, poured several broadsides into the American frigate Chesa- peake, commanded by Captain James Barron. England, as will be remembered, insisted on the " right of search," and the British Captain Humphreys claimed that the American had several English deserters on board. The Chesapeake had three men killed and eighteen wounded, and being unprepared for action, struck her colors. Captain Barron was courtmartialed and sentenced to five years' suspension without pay from the service, for what was deemed a cowardly act on his part Commodore Decatur succeeded him in command of the ship, being transferred to the United States, when she was again put in commission. October 25, 181 2, in latitude 29 N., longitude 29 30' W., Decatur fell in with the British ship Macedonian, of 49 carriage guns (the odd one shifting). This frigate was the largest of her class, two years old, four months out of dock, and reputed one of the best sailers in the English service. Taking advantage of the wind, the enemy fought at her own distance. The battle lasted one hour and fifty minutes. The United States poured such an incessant fire into the Mace- donian that the shouts of her crew were plainly heard. She lost her mizzenmast, fore and main topsails and main yard, and was much damaged in the hull. Her official list was. 36 killed and 48 wounded, that of the Americans being 5 killed and 7 wounded. Decatur could have continued his cruise, but was obliged to accompany his crippled prize into port, where she was equipped as an American frigate. The yoimg officer, as may be supposed, was hailed by the country as its foremost naval hero. Congress and several of the States voted him valuable tes- timonials for his gallantry. The following year, Decatur attempted to gain the open sea from New York,
