Little Belt affair
Battle
### Battle

The British and American accounts disagree on what followed. As *President* closed with *Little Belt*, Bingham thought the frigate was manoeuvreing to [rake](/wiki/Raking_fire "Raking fire") his ship with gunfire. Bingham [wore ship](/wiki/Jibe "Jibe") three times to avoid the threat. The ships were not within hailing range until long after sunset. At about 10:15, each captain demanded the other identify his ship. Each refused to answer before the other. Each captain later claimed he had been the first to ask. Shortly after this a shot was fired, but it is disputed who shot it.Toll, Ian W., pp. 321–323\. The ships were soon engaged in a battle which the sloop had no chance of winning. After fifteen minutes, most of Bingham's guns had been put out of action, and Rodgers ordered a cease fire. *President* returned and Rodgers asked Bingham if he had struck. Bingham replied he had not, and *President* withdrew.


Why did Rodgers order a cease fire?