1812	Light Squadrons and Single Ships	138

Bainbridge, his officers, and crew may readily be conceived ; as well as the exaggerated accounts that were published of his victory. We shall merely state, that the Congress of the United States voted 50,000 dollars, and their thanks, to the captain, officers and crew of the Constitution; also a gold medal to Commodore Bainbridge, and silver medals to each of his officers, with suitable devices.

At this moment our eyes light upon a passage in a book before us, giving an account of the reception of Commodore Bainbridge by the citizens of Boston, and we cannot resist the temptation of placing it before the British public. " On the following Thursday (that succeeding the frigate's arrival), Commodore Bainbridge landed at the long wharf from the frigate Constitution, amidst acclamations, and roaring of cannon from the shore. All the way from the end of the pier to the Exchange coffee-house, was decorated with colours and streamers. In State-street they were strung across from the opposite buildings, while the windows and balconies of the houses were filled with ladies, and the tops of the houses were covered with spectators, and an immense crowd filled the streets, so as to render it difficult for the military escort to march. The commodore was distinguished by his noble figure, and his walking uncovered. On his right hand was the veteran Commodore Rodgers, and on his left Brigadier-general Welles; then followed the brave Captain Hull, Colonel Blake, and a number of officers and citizens ; but the crowd was so immense that it was difficult to keep the order of procession. The band of music in the balcony of the State Bank, and the music of the New England guards, had a fine effect.'' * Here was a compliment to the British navy !

The surviving officers and crew of the Java, having quitted the Brazils in two cartels, arrived at Portsmouth early in April ; and, on the 23d of the same month a court-martial sat on board the Gladiator in the harbour, to try them for the loss of their ship. The court agreed, that the capture of the late Java was caused by her being totally dismasted in a very spirited action with, the United States' ship Constitution, of considerably superior force; in which the zeal, ability, and bravery of the late Captain Lambert, her commander, was highly conspicuous and honourable, being constantly the assailant, until the moment of his much-lamented fall ; and that, subsequently thereto, the action was continued with equal zeal, ability, and bravery, by Lieutenant Henry Ducie Chads, the first lieutenant, and the other surviving officers and ship's company, and other officers and persons who were passengers on board her, until she became a perfect wreck, and the continuance of the action mould have been a useless sacrifice of lives; and did adjudge

* Naval Monument, p. 279.

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