140     LIGHT SQUADRONS AND SINGLE SHIPS     1812

The Diligent now, under the fire of her two bow guns and her numerous musketry, made repeated attempts to board ; but the Laura, although, from having 25 American prisoners to guard below, she could muster no more than 34 officers and men on deck, resisted every attempt. At 4 h. 55 m. Lieutenant Hunter, after having been several times slightly grazed, received a musket-ball near the left ear, which, passing obliquely down the lower part of the back of the head, made its way out. He of course fell, and from excess of bleeding was incapable of further efforts. Unfortunately no officer was left to take the command, the principal officers being absent in the three prizes, and Mr. John C. Griffith, a young midshipman who had been but a short time at sea, having been previously wounded. In this situation, there was no possibility of opposing further resistance to the overwhelming crew of the Diligent; who accordingly rushed on board and hauled down the Laura's colours.

The Laura had 15 killed and severely wounded, including, as already stated, her commander and his only remaining officer. The Diligent, as acknowledged by Captain Grassin, had nine killed and 10 badly wounded ; a decided proof that the Laura's small crew had made the best possible use of their 18-pounder carronades. Captain Grassin carried his prize to Philadelphia, and behaved to Lieutenant Hunter in the most honourable and attentive manner. Lieutenant Hunter was landed and taken to the hospital ; and, on subsequently reaching Halifax, Nova Scotia, was tried for the loss of the Laura and most honourably acquitted. The president, Vice-admiral Sawyer, then returned Lieutenant Hunter his sword with a very handsome eulogium.

^ back to top ^