On September 5th 1813, the Americans spotted a ship which proved to be the "H.M.S. Boxer". The British ship was under the command of Captain Samuel Blyth. The "Boxer" had 12 carronades, eighteen-pounders, and two long six pounders, and a crew of 66 men.
When the Boxer first spotted the American ship the crew hoisted three British flags and headed for the "Enterprise". When the two ships were still some four miles away from each other the wind died down. The wind picked up again around noon, and the two ships manoeuvred for position. The Americans hoisted their flags at about 3:00 p.m. and moved slowly toward the British ship. Captain Blyth had ordered the British flags nailed to the mast, and told his crew that they should not be lowered while he was still alive.
At 3:15, both ships opened fire, as both crews cheered wildly. The battle was intense, with both commanders falling early. The British commander was struck by an eighteen-pound shot and killed instantly. Lieutenant David McCreery was now in command of the "Boxer". The American commander, Lieutenant Burrows, was wounded severely. In spite of great pain Burrows refused to leave the deck, instead he cryed out that the flags must never be lowered.
At 3:30 p.m. the "Enterprise" came around and raked the "Boxer", at 3:35 p.m. the British ship lost her main-top mast and top-sail yard. The American ship moved into position and began to deliver broadside after broadside that raked the British ship's deck. The crew of the "Boxer" fought bravely on, except for four men who were later court martialed for cowardice. At 3:45 p.m. unable to manoeuvre the defenceless ship the "H.M.S. Boxer" surrendered.
Both ships had been damaged severely, but the British ship had suffered more.
The British had three killed and seventeen wounded.
The Americans had two killed and ten wounded
**NOTE** The American commander, Lieutenant Burrows after he receieved the sword of the British commander said: "I am satisfied, I die contented."