On Tuesday, June 14th, Captain Semmes writes:—­

“Great excitement on board, the Kearsarge having made her appearance off the eastern entrance of the breakwater, at about 11 A.M.  Sent an order on shore immediately for coal (one hundred tons), and sent down the yards on the mizen-mast, and the topgallant yards, and otherwise preparing the ship for action.

“Wednesday, June 15th.—­The Admiral sent off his aide to say that he considered my application for repairs withdrawn upon my making application for coal, to which I assented.  We commenced coaling this afternoon.  The Kearsarge is still in the offing; she has not been permitted to receive on board the prisoners landed by me, to which I had objected in a letter to the Admiral.  Mailed a note yesterday afternoon for Flagofficer Barrow, informing him of my intention to go out to engage the enemy as soon as I could make my preparations, and sent a written notice to the U.S. consul, through Mr. Bonfils, to the same effect.  My crew seems to be in the right spirit, a quiet spirit of determination pervading both officers and men.  The combat will no doubt be contested and obstinate; but the two ships are so equally matched, I do not feel at liberty to decline it.  God defend the right, and have mercy upon the souls of those who fall, as many of us must!”

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It has been denied that the captain of the Kearsarge sent a challenge to the Alabama.  Captain Semmes, indeed, says nothing of it himself.  What the Kearsarge did—­and with a particular object, there cannot be a doubt—­was, as recorded, to enter the breakwater at the east end, and “at about 11 A.M., on Tuesday, she passed through the west end without anchoring.”  These are the words of a French naval captain, who speaks of what he saw.  Few will deny that among brave men this would be considered something equivalent to a challenge.  It was more than a challenge—­it was a defiance.  The officer we have quoted adds, that “anyone could then see her outside protection.”  It is easy to see everything after the event.  The Kearsarge looked bulky in her middle section to an inspecting eye; but she was very low in the water, and that she was armed to resist shot and shell it was impossible to discern.  It is distinctly averred by the officers of the Alabama that from their vessel the armour of the Kearsarge could not be distinguished.  There were many reports abroad that she was protected on her sides in some peculiar way; but all were various and indistinct, and to a practical judgment untrustworthy.  Moreover, a year previous to this meeting, the Kearsarge had lain at anchor close under the critical eye of Captain Semmes.  He had on that occasion seen that his enemy was not artificially defended.  He believes now that the reports of her plating and armour were so much harbour-gossip, of which during his cruises he had experienced enough.