elaration of war, he had been appointed to the frigate Constitution, then lying at Washington, where a short time after be entered upon the duties of his station. That ship, when provided with a crew and ample munitions of war, sailed upon a cruise from the Chesapeake in the month of July. After being at sea a short time, she was chased by a British squadron for sixty-five successive hours, when, by the unparalleled skill and exertions of her officers and crew, she escaped the grasp of the enemy. In this preeminent display of nautical science, so honourable to the brave seamen who accomplished it, and so portentous of their future glory, we are not to look for any essential services on the part of lieutenant Bush. His post in the marine department, which has no agency in the navigation of the ship, deprived him of opportunities for the exercise of his mental energies and talents. To those alone, who achieved the splendid exploit, be all the merit ascribed.

But the Genius of our happy land, during the continuance of this hard struggle for safety, did not rest an idle spectator of the interesting scene

From realms of light beyond our mortal reach,
She views her war-like sons undaunted brave,
With manly nerve, the toil of sleepless nights,
With steps as fleet as Sol's diurnal course,
She bends her way to Heaven's exalted fane,
Where sat in council, all the host of war.
Her near approach, the crested Pallas hails,
With courteous mein and language bland. she thus
Anticipates the object of her haste.

"Be cheerful daughter," spake the maid divine,

Two inoons shall not their wonted routes perform, "Till thy brave sons, whose worth we've now essay'd, "Behold their batt'ries whelm the humbled foe.

"E'en now for valour's brow is thrice prepared, "A crown of laurels, of unfading hue;

"The names of Hull, of Morris, and of Bush,

"Are on the records of eternal fame

"Most deeply graved.” The joyous news proclaimed, A heart-felt gladness did at once inspire. Columbia's guardian with becoming grace, Expressed her gratitude for this renown, Intended for her highly favour'd charge. But when prepared the martial court to leave, Her mirth was saddened by this stern decrce: "Man, proud, rebellious, must be oft chastised; "Without the scourge of Adverse fortune's school, "He would exalt himself above the gods,

"Would dare their power, and their thrones assail. "This promised glory must be bought with blood: "But, whose the doom to pay the forfeit price, "Must be from all, save the dread fates, concealed. "The cruel sisters, never to divulge

"The solemn secrets of their court, are bound. "Their victims mark'd, their shafts are quickly aimed,

“And sent, like rays of light, unerring down,

"At times, to force a tyrant from the earth, "But oft to call a valued friend to Heav'n." Enough was said, th' etherial vision ceased: The spangled arch of space immense in view, Our Guardian Genius leaves the vaulted sky.

The event of the nineteenth of August, that ever memorable day, when the skill and valour of our nation was arrayed in hostile combat against the prowess of a brave and powerful foe, affords us all an ample source of exultation. If ever as a people, we had just cause for the excitement of our national pride, it was upon that illustrious occasion. We behold a ship notorious for her insults to our flag, and confessedly one of the stateliest frigates in the British service, engaged in single action with an American frigate. We behold the enemy commence his fire at the moment that his adversary had approached within the reach of his guns, and continue it without intermission as he advanced, with all that confidence of superiority and success, so generally displayed by an ostentatious commander. We perceive on the other hand-an American ship of somewhat superior force-but navigated by a raw and inexperienced crew-without returning a shot in exchange, approach under the galling fire of her assailant-with all that coolness and intrepidity, so characteristic of her dauntless officers. We see the gallant Hull, with veteran firmness and composure, restrain the resolute ardour of his men. We hear, between the roaring peals of British thunder, his cheering voice exclaim-"Not yetnot yet-nor yet-fire!"-The ships are now in close and bloody conflict-the mizenmast of the enemy goes by the board, and renders his ship ungovernable-His prow becomes entangled in our mizen shrouds-and now is the fury of the battle. Our brave marines, with their heroic commander at their head, leading them on to glory, and rushing himself to death-prepare to cover our boarders or repel those of the enemy. But this desperate resort is ren

dered unnecessary. The main and foremasts of the British ship fall over her side, precipitating into a watery grave, many honest hearts that deserved a better fate. The three flags of the enemy so tauntingly displayed at her topmasts' heads now humbly float upon the bosom of the oceanwhilst the victorious colours of the Republic, are seen triumphantly waving before the breeze. But, my brethren, to us, as Masons, the most interesting scene of this glorious achievement, remains to be told. We behold the enemy's ship in a wrecked and sinking state. We hear the conquerors hail their vanquished foes as friends. We see them extend the hand of benevolence and protection towards the wretched sufferers, and relieve their wants. We see them bind up the wounds of the languishing prisoners, and rescue them from a sepulchre of waves. This is indeed, to administer the corn of nourishment, the oil of consolation, and the wine of refreshment. These are actions, my brethren, ❝dear to the best feelings of masonry and humanity, and enjoined even by the rigid laws of honour and of war."

But, my brethren, we must not suffer an excess of joy at the prosperity of our country's arms, to obliterate our masonic duties. As citizens, we have much cause of pride--as masons, great occasion for regret. In the noble contest, we have lost a highly valued brother-one whose moral virtues promised, at a future day, to do honour to the principles of our order; and whose heroic powers were calculated to achieve for his country, the most brilliant services. To use the language of the immortal poet,

"I do not think a braver gentleman,

"More active-valiant, or more valiant-young,

"More daring or more bold, is now alive
"To grace this latter age with noble deeds."

When an intimate companion of our departed brother was taking leave of him a few months since, the latter thus expressed himself, with all the fervency of youthful courage: "My dear friend, I scarcely hope to see you again. I expect to be ordered to the Constitution. Should we get into an engagement, I am resolved to distinguish myself, or fall in the attempt. Should an opportunity be afforded for boarding the enemy, I will be the first man upon his deck." Such language as this bespoke the intrepidity of his soul, and proclaimed the firmness of the hero. Similar to the spirit of this also was his address to his men, prior to the action which terminated his illustrious career: "You are this day, my brave fellows, called upon to avenge the injured rights of your country, and I trust your conduct will be such, as to reflect honour upon yourselves, and upon the nation." "His whole conduct during the action," to use the words of one of his associates in danger, "was indicative of daring intrepidity, united with great coolness and presence of mind." It was, whilst in the performance of the exposed and hazardous duty, of arranging his men to protect the boarders of his ship, or repel those of the enemy, and near the conclusion of the battle, that our gallant brother met his untimely fate. A musket ball entered by the left cheek-bone, and passing obliquely through the brain, terminated, at the instant, his short-lived glory. "His spirit ascended amid the roar of cannon and the din of arms, the first herald to the skies of the naval glory of his country"whilst his lifeless visage, by a placid smile, proclaimed what his speechless tongue could no longer utter-