Each carried a carronade, with which they opened fire on the privateer.

The reply of the latter was so well directed and effective that three of the boats were sunk and their crews left struggling in the water.

The cries that sounded across the harbor left no doubt of the effect of the fire of the American.
The four remaining boats were not frightened off, but, rowing with might and main, reached the side of the vessel and began clambering on board.
They were enraged, and as their heads rose above the gunwales they shouted, "No quarter!" "No quarter!" replied the Americans, discharging their pistols in their faces and pressing them back into the water with their pikes.

The assailants displayed great bravery and made desperate efforts to board the privateer; but the Americans needed not the incentive of the warning that no quarter would be given to fight with all the vigor and skill at their command.

The struggle was a furious one, but in the end the British were so decisively defeated that only two of the boats returned to the ships.