The lower Chesapeake Bay was empty, only two vessels in sight under damp and cloudy skies. The ships warily circled each other, then closed in. Suddenly the CRACK! of gunfire and a flash of flame burst out, followed by roiling smoke that soon enveloped both ships. Cheers from crew members were easily heard aboard both ships as they maneuvered close in. If the captains had chosen to, they could have come alongside to board and engage in hand-to-hand combat.
War of 1812 comes alive on Chesapeake Bay




