A GREAT BATTLE OFF THE HAVANNA, IN 1844. 'Coming events cast their shadows before." “Go forth, brave champion of your native land; CHURCHILL, FAR above the parapets of the Moro Castle, like a pyramid of clouds, towered the white swelling sails of a man-of-war of the largest class. From her peak streamed forth, in ample folds, a well-known flag, upon whose azure field sparkled the stars of a constellation, increasing every day in lustre. The dark hull of this gigantic warrior passed out of the bay, and majestically bowed to the swell which now heaved in from the broad ocean against her bright cleaving bow, which scattered aside the opposing fluid into jets of milk-white foam and spray. Every thing about this magnificent craft was trimmed with nautical precision. Her bright sides bristled with a triple array of heavy artillery. As if by magic, the lower, and lighter sails aloft, were furled to the yardsand like a gladiator stripped for the fight, this grim warrior was prepared to battle with her country's foes or ocean's storms. Upon the quarter-deck of that ship stood the veteran commander, calm and collected. For a moment he cast a hasty glance aloft, then gave a brief but stern order to an officer near him, and again was calm and absorbed in meditation. "What's the report, sir?" he said sharply to the officer who had returned. "Is our squadron in sight?" "Yes, sir, hull down, but coming on with a spanking breeze." Almost within hail, a fleet of men-of-war were slowly approaching under easy sail. The leading vessel, a seventy-four, carried the Admiral's flag, whilst the cross of Saint George waved over the taffrail. The American lay broadside on to the British cruiser, her main-topsail hove to the mast. The same manœuvre was performed by the British man-of-war, and those two ocean cavaliers, at the distance of some hundred fathoms apart, as if in knightly courtesy, gracefully saluted as they rose and fell upon the waves. A boat dropped from the quarter of each vessel at the same moment. For an instant the glittering oars were held aloft; at the words "let fall, give way!" they both sprung from the respective ships, with a speed that quickly brought them together. "What ship is that, sir?" said the British officer, slightly touching his hat. "The United States Ship of the Line Pennsylvania," replied the American. "And her commander?" "Commodore Charles Stewart. What ship is that, sir?" "Her Britannic Majesty's Ship Bellerophon." "Her commander?" "Admiral Sir George Brooke." "And permit me to ask," continued the American Lieutenant, "where are you bound, and for what purpose?" In a clear, firm voice the prompt reply was, "To the Havanna, to take possession of the island of Cuba." "I am directed by the orders of Commodore Stewart, to repeat to you for the information of the Admiral, that such a movement cannot be permitted." The two officers civilly bowed to each other, seated themselves in the stern sheets of their respective boats, and whirled off to the ships. Upon the quarter-deck of the Pennsylvania, the old Commodore was quietly seated upon a gun; as the officer advanced, he drily inquired if he had obeyed orders. "Yes, sir." "Then beat to quarters"-and the lively tones of the fife and drum were quickly heard sounding that inspiring call. A thousand active, hardy-looking fellows in a moment stood to their tackle and stations. The ship was ready for action. In the meantime, signals had been passing from the British Admiral's ship to his squadron. Soon after, a barge dashed alongside of the American ship, and an officer of gallant bearing mounted the companion ladder, to whom was paid the highest military honours, and conducted to the presence of the old tar, who received his distinguished visiter with that gentlemanly courtesy for which he is so remarkable. The following conversation took place : "I have the honour to address Commodore Stewart, I believe?" My name is Charles Stewart, sir," replied he smiling; " and I have the honour to command the Home Squadron of the United States Navy." After a pause of a few moments, the Admiral, for such was the rank of the officer with the star upon his breast, said, "I am informed, sir, that it is your intention to interrupt the passage of Her Britannic Majesty's fleet into that harbour," pointing towards the Havanna; “am I rightly informed, sir ?” "If for the purpose of taking possession of the Island, -you are rightly informed." "You certainly, sir," repeated the Admiral with much warmth, "can have no such instructions from your Government. It was thought that there was a perfect understanding between Her Majesty's Ministers, and the late Secretary of State at Washington, upon this subject. It is far from the wish of Her Majesty's Government to enter into any hostile collision with the United States, with whom it is the well known and expressed wish of Her Majesty to remain upon the most friendly and pacific terms. Any interference upon your part in a matter of such deep and lively interest to Great Britain, would certainly involve the two nations in a war; I may add, nothing could be more unlooked for, and nothing more unwarrantable." "Now look ye, Sir George," said the Commodore, mildly and respectfully, but with a peculiar air of determination not to be misunderstood, "whether I have positive orders or not, is immaterial to you; I shall act in this instance without regard to consequences, and for the good of my country. I shall be plain, explicit and frank with you-our diplomacy will be brief. So long as the confederacy of the States exists, Cuba must not pass into the hands of Great Britain, nor any other scheming, enterprising, mercantile power. Havanna is the key to the Gulf, into which pours through the channel of the Mississippi, the wealth of all the Western and Southern States, nor can my country be insensible to the danger of her peace and union, which must instantly follow from that timid policy which would permit this Island and her vast military fortification to become a point d'appui for a British crusade against her Southern domestic institutions. At all events, I am prepared to assume the responsibility of my present position, and to sacrifice, if necessary, in maintaining it, my own life and the lives of all those whom I now have the honour to command. While that flag waves over the head of Charles Stewart, your avowed movement will be resisted to the last ;" and mildly turning to his chief executive officer, he observed in low tones, "I think my country will applaud the act, and should I fall, do justice to my memory." For a moment the Admiral gazed at the imperturbable features of the veteran tar, and said "Are you resolved, Commodore Stewart ?" "Admiral Sir George Brooke," said the Commodore, advancing close to him, but with solemnity and respect, said in the most impressive manner-" Do you see yon distant Moro Castle? its foundations are not more firm than my determination." "Very well, sir," was the prompt reply. "I shall return to my vessel, and shall be under the unpleasant |