noon
Now the ship was soaring among the thunders of heaven , now sunk in the abyss of waters . The storm dispersed the fleet , so that when it abated , the ship in which Alonzo sailed was found alone ; they , however , kept on their course of destination , after repairing their rigging , which had been considerably disordered by the violence of the gale . The next morning they discovered a sail which they fondly hoped might prove to be one of their own fleet , and accordingly made for it . The ship they were in pursuit of shortened sail , and towards noon wore round and bore down upon them , when they discovered that it was not a ship belonging to their convoy . It appeared to be of equal force and dimensions with that of their own ; they therefore , in order to prepare for the worst , got ready with all speed for action . They slowly approached each other , manoeuvering for the advantage , till the strange ship ran up British colours , and fired a gun , which was immediately answered by the other , under the flag of the United States . It was not long before a close and severe action took place , which continued for three hours , when both ships were in so shattered a condition that they were unable to manage a gun .