Captain John A. Winslow held Kearsarge's fire until the range was below 1,000 yards, while Alabama fired earlier. Both ships tried to cross the other's T and consequently circled one another. Alabama's gunnery was poor, and possible failures in her stored powder, fuzes, and shells may have reduced its effectiveness. Those possible ammunition failures were still stores problems for which command bore responsibility. Kearsarge carried chain cable along both sides of her midsection, though its protective value remains uncertain. Holding fire conserved her crew's effort while Alabama's men tired themselves and wore their guns. Accurate fire from Kearsarge's heavy Dahlgren guns left Alabama sinking by the stern within about an hour of Kearsarge's first salvo. Semmes struck his colours, threw his sword into the sea to prevent its capture, and sent a surrender message requesting rescue for his crew. He and some of his men escaped to Britain aboard the yacht Deerhound, while other survivors went aboard Kearsarge.
Chapter · 33:47-36:06
Kearsarge defeats Alabama off Cherbourg
Kearsarge held fire to close range while both ships circled, then inflicted decisive damage on Alabama with heavy shell guns.