HELPING THE OTHERS REALIZE THE ADVANTAGES OF OLD IRONSIDE

Hull departed for France on five August 1811, transporting the new Ambassador Joel Barlow and his relatives; they arrived on 1 September. Hull remained in the vicinity of France and also the Netherlands throughout the Winter season months, continuously Keeping sail and gun drills to maintain the crew Completely ready for attainable hostilities Whil

Constitution was becalmed and unable to operate from the 5 British ships, but Hull acted on a recommendation from his First Lieutenant Charles Morris. He requested the crew to put boats around the side to tow the ship outside of array, employing kedge anchors to draw the ship ahead and wetting the sails to take advantage of each breath of wind.[one