Life, 1898-05-26 · page 11 of 24
Life — May 26, 1898 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 443 This page recounts a naval engagement during what appears to be the War of 1812, featuring the American frigate *Constellation* defeating the British frigate *Guerrière*. The text includes dialogue between Captain Isaac Hull (whose portrait appears on the left) and his officers during combat. The main cartoon depicts two naval officers in heated conversation aboard ship, with one appearing to offer his sword to the other—likely illustrating a moment of tension or honor between commanders. The smaller cartoon at bottom right labeled "Ma-Ma" appears to be an unrelated domestic humor sketch. This content celebrates American naval victory and heroism, presenting Hull as a bold, witty commander—patriotic content typical of Life's early historical narratives.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
August 19th he sighted a British frigate. “Good!” said Hull. “I hope it’s Dacres.” The frigate hoisted the British colors, and the two vessels drew near, when the enemy opeved fire. “Shall we return the fire?” asked Lieu- tenant Morris, “Not yet,” said Hull. The Constitution then stranger's quarter. “Let her have it!” shouted Hull, So excited was that able Commander that he jumped up and down on the quarter- deck, and his trousers being a tight fit, he split them up the side. “If that’s Dacres,” he muttered to him- self, “I wish I had bet him a whole uni- form.” The fire between the two frigates was now territic. “Hull her!” sang out Lieutenant Morris. In their excitement the crew, not yet so far s¢parated from old England that they didn’t know a pun, repeated the cry,“ Hull her!” bore upon the . * « N fifteen minutes the enemy's mizzen- mast went, in a few minutes more the foremast and mainmast followed, and the Guerriéive was a hopeless wreck, having been raked fore and aft by the terrible tire of the Consfitution’s guns, The Constitution then hauled off for repairs, and, when they were made, prepared to continue the action; butthe British colors came down justin time, Third Lieutenant Read got in a boat and ran upalongside the Guerri¢re, for then there was no doubt as to her identity, Dacres Isaac Hunt. ‘LIFE: poked his head over the after-bul- warks, “Captain Hull's compliments to Captain Dacres,” shouted Read. “Have you struck” “Well,” replied Dacres, “our mizzenmast, foremast and main “Ll trouble you for that bat.” mast have gone, We're not in good con- dition to continue.” “Have you struck ?” asked Read again. “I—don't—know,” said Dacres, “I—" * You'd better make up your mind pretty quick,” roared Read. “This is no time for parley. I ask you again if you have sur+ rendered.” “Well,” replied Dacres, “I suppose I have.” “All right,” said Read, a surgeon?” “Don’t you need him yourself +” “Why, po,” replied Read, “* We have only seven wounded, aud they've been attended to.” Captain Dacres was wounded himself, but he was transferred to the Constitution, “Let me help you, Dacres,” said Hull, as he came over the gangwa, you're hurt.” “Thank you,” said Dacres, despondently. “Here's my sword.” “Keep it,” said Hull; “you deserve to keep it; but I'll trouble you for that hat.” In this action the Constitution was some- what superior to the Gucrriére, but there is no comparison between the force of the two vessels and the amount of damage “Do you need inflicted, The Guerrivre was so badly shattered that she had to be blown up, while the Constitution was practically un- hurt. This victory on the part of the United States frigate was due to three things: grit, gumption, and gunnery. Nothing could exceed the universal joy over Hull's victory. Hitherto defeat had perched on our banuers both by land and sea, but this showed that the war was not going to be altogether a one-sided affair. continued.) comicbooks.com