The manner in which Captain Carden was received by his generous enemy, after the surrender of the Macedonian, is worthy of mention. On presenting his sword to Commodore Decatur, the latter started back, declared he never could take the sword of a man who had so nobly defended the honor of it, requested the hand of that gallant officer, whom it had been his fortune in war to subdue, and added, that though he could not claim any merit for capturing a ship so inferior, he felt assured Captain Carden would gain much, by his persevering and truly gallant defence[1]. The Commodore subsequently gave up all the British officers’ private property, extending his generosity to even a quantity of wine, which they had purchased at Madeira for their friends in England.
Captain Carden, his officers, and surviving crew, returned to Bermuda in Mar. 1813; and on the 27th May following, a court-martial was assembled on board the St. Domingo 74, to inquire into their conduct during the above action, and to try them for surrendering their ship. The following is an extract from the sentence:–
“The Court having most strictly investigated (during its sitting of four days) every circumstance, and examined the different officers, and many of the crew, and having very deliberately and maturely weighed and considered the whole and every part thereof, is of opinion–
“That, previous to the commencement of the action, from an over anxiety to keep the weather gage, an opportunity was lost of closing with the enemy; and that, owing to this circumstance, the Macedonian was unable to bring the United States to close action, until she had received material damage; but as it does not appear that this omission originated in the most distant wish to keep back from the engagement, the Court is of opinion, that Captain John Surman Carden, the officers, and ship’s company, in every instance throughout the action, behaved with the firmest and most determined courage, resolution, and coolness, and that the colours of the Macedonian were not struck until she was unable to make further resistance. The Court does, therefore, most honorably acquit Captain John Surman Carden, the officers and remaining company of his Majesty’s late ship Macedonian; and they are most honorably acquitted accordingly.
- ↑ The national legislature voted their thanks to Commodore Decatur, the officers, and crew, of the frigate United States; also a gold medal to Commodore Decatur, and silver medals to each of the officers, in honor of the brilliant victory gained by that frigate over the Macedonian! See James’s Nav. Occ. Appendix, p. xxxi.
