Semmes had three choices. He could ask for asylum in France. He could surrender to the Kearsarge. Or he could fight.

Duel to the Death

Not wanting to be trapped in a diplomatic impasse and concerned that other Union warships might arrive to aid the Kearsarge, Semmes sent a message to the Confederate agent in Cherbourg requesting him to inform Winslow through the U.S. Consul that if Winslow could wait until the Alabama was coaled, the Alabama would leave the harbor. In essence, this was a challenge to single combat, a duel to the death. Although the Kearsarge was somewhat larger and more heavily armed, Semmes was confident that his ship and crew were a fairly equal match to the Kearsarge, a screw sloop like the Alabama.

© C. Henze 1999