august 19 occurred the naval fight between the constitution and guerriere, off the massachusetts coast. the constitution, called "old ironsides," was commanded by captain isaac hull. the guerriere was first to attack, but got no reply until both vessels were very close together, when into her starboard captain hull poured such a load of hardware that the guerriere was soon down by the head and lop-sided on the off side. she surrendered, but was of no value, being so full of holes that she would not hold a cargo of railroad-trestles.