The reader must understand the way which opposing officers related to each other in these former times. It might be best expressed by the relationship of Captains Hull and Dacres. Hull, captain of the USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides") during its fight with the British frigate Guerrier under Captain Dacres, defeated and captured his enemy in August of 1812. Dacres was returned to the British, and after the war the two naval officers remained in contact. It is told that, once when both were in Rome, they strolled about the "Eternal City" together and visited cafe's, talking of their old battle and events since. The reader might liken the relationship to that of lawyers today; fighting in court with fierce contenance, yet friendly around town.
