Chapter X: Section 2: And be it further enacted, That on the (7)

On the 16th of July we arrived at Malta, where we were detained
by contrary gales until the 21st, when we left it, and arrived in
sight of Tripoli the 25th, and were joined by the Syren, Argus,
Vixen and Scourge. Our squadron now consisted of the
Constitution, three brigs, three schooners, two bombs, and six
gun-boats, our whole number of men one thousand and sixty. I
proceeded to make the necessary arrangements for an attack on
Tripoli, a city well walled, protected by batteries judiciously
constructed, mounting one hundred and fifteen pieces of heavy
cannon, and defended by twenty-five thousand Arabs and Turks; the
harbour protected by nineteen gun-boats, two galleys, two
schooners of eight guns each, and a brig mounting ten guns,
ranged in order of battle, forming a strong line of defence, at
secure moorings, inside a long range of rocks and shoals,
extending more than two miles to the eastward of the town, which
form the harbour, protects them from the northern gales, and
renders it impossible for a vessel of the Constitution's draught
of water to approach near enough to destroy them, as they are
sheltered by the rocks, and can retire under that shelter to the
shore, unless they choose to expose themselves in the different
channels and openings of the reefs, for the purpose of annoying
their enemies. Each of their gunboats mounts a heavy eighteen or
twenty-six pounder in the bow, and two brass howitzers on their
quarters, and carry from thirty-six to fifty men. The galleys
have each one hundred men, schooners and brigs about the same
number. The weather was not favourable for anchoring until the
28th, when, with the wind E. S. E., the squadron stood in (p. 138)
for the coast, and at 3 P.M. anchored, per signal, Tripoli
bearing S. two and a half miles distant. At this moment the wind
shifted suddenly from E. S. E. to N. N. W., and from thence to N.
N. E. At 5 o'clock it blew strong, with a heavy sea, setting
directly on shore. I made the signal to prepare to weigh. At 6,
the wind and sea having considerably increased the signal was
made for the squadron to weigh and gain an offing. The wind
continued veering to the eastward, which favoured our gaining
sea-room without being obliged to carry so great a press of sail
as to lose any of our gunboats, although they were in great
danger. The gale continued varying from N. E. to E. S. E. without
increasing much, until the 31st, when it blew away our reefed
foresail, and close-reefed main-topsail; fortunately, the sea did
not rise in proportion to the strength of the gale, or we must
have lost all our boats. August 1st the gale subsided, and we
stood towards the coast: every preparation was made for an attack
on the town and harbour. August 3d, pleasant weather, wind East;
stood in with the squadron towards Tripoli. At noon we were
between two or three miles from the batteries, which were all
manned, and observing several of their gunboats and galleys had
advanced, in two divisions, without the rocks, I determined to
take advantage of their temerity. At half-past 12 I wore off
shore, and made the signal to come within hail, when I
communicated to each of the commanders my intention of attacking
the enemy's shipping and batteries. The gun and mortar boats were
immediately manned and prepared to cast off, the gunboats in two
divisions of three each; the first division commanded by Captain
Somers, in No. 1; Lieutenant Decatur in No. 2, and Lieutenant
Blake in No. 3; the second division commanded by Captain Decatur,
in No. 4, Lieutenant Bainbridge in No. 5, and Lieutenant Trippe
in No. 6. The two bombards were commanded by Lieutenant-Commandant
Dent, and Mr. Robinson, First Lieutenant of this ship. At
half-past 1 o'clock, having made the necessary arrangements for
the attack, wore ship and stood towards the batteries. At 2
signal made to cast off the boats; at a quarter-past 2 signal for
bombs and gunboats to advance and attack the enemy. At half-past
2 general signal for battle. At three-quarters-past 2 the bombs
commenced the action, by throwing shells into the town. In an
instant the enemy's shipping and batteries opened a tremendous
fire, which was promptly returned by the whole squadron within
grape-shot distance; at the same time the second division, of
three gunboats, led by the gallant Captain Decatur, was
advancing, with sails and oars, to board the eastern division of
the enemy, consisting of nine boats. Our boats gave the enemy
showers of grape and musket balls as they advanced; they,
however, soon closed, when the pistol, sabre, pike and tomahawk
were made good use of by our brave tars. Captain Somers, being in
a dull sailer, made the best use of his sweeps, but was not able
to fetch far enough to windward to engage the same division of
the enemy's boats which Captain Decatur fell in with; he,
however, gallantly bore down with his single boat on five of the
enemy's western division, and engaged within pistol shot,
defeated and drove them within the rocks, in a shattered
condition, and with the loss of a great number of men. Lieutenant
Decatur, in No. 2, was closely engaged with one of the enemy's
largest boats of the eastern division, which struck to him, after
having lost a large proportion of men, and, at the instant that
brave officer was boarding her to take possession, he was (p. 139)
treacherously shot through the head by the captain of the
boat that had surrendered, which base conduct enabled the
poltroon (with the assistance he received from the other boats)
to escape. The third boat of Captain Somers' division kept to
windward, firing at the boats and shipping in the harbour; had
she gone down to his assistance, it is probable several of the
enemy's boats would have been captured in that quarter. Captain
Decatur, in No. 4, after having, with distinguished bravery,
boarded and carried one of the enemy of superior force, took his
prize in tow, and gallantly bore down to engage a second, which,
after a severe and bloody conflict, he also took possession of.
These two prizes had thirty-three officers and men killed, and
twenty-seven made prisoners, nineteen of which were badly
wounded. Lieutenant Trippe, of the Vixen, in No. 6, ran alongside
of one of the enemy's large boats, which he boarded with only
Midshipman John Henley and nine men, his boat falling off before
any more could get on board; thus was he left, compelled to
conquer or perish, with the odds of _thirty-six_ to _eleven_. The
Turks could not withstand the ardour of this brave officer and
his assistants; in a few minutes the decks were cleared, and her
colours hauled down. On board of this boat fourteen of the enemy
were killed, and twenty-two made prisoners, seven of which were
badly wounded. The rest of their boats retreated within the
rocks. Lieutenant Trippe received eleven sabre wounds, some of
which are very severe; he speaks in the highest terms of Mr.
Henley, and those who followed him. Lieutenant Bainbridge, in No.
5, had his latteen yard shot away early in the action, which
prevented his getting alongside the enemy's boats, but he galled
them by a steady and well directed fire, within musket shot;
indeed he pursued the enemy until his boat grounded under the
batteries; she was, fortunately, soon got off. The bomb vessels
kept their stations, although covered with the spray of the sea
occasioned by the enemy's shot. They were well conducted by
Lieutenants Dent and Robinson, who kept up a constant fire from
the mortars, and threw a great number of shells into the town.
Five of the enemy's gunboats, and two galleys, composing the
centre division, and stationed within the rocks, as a reserve,
joined by the boats that had been driven in, and supplied by
fresh men from the shore to replace those they had lost, twice
attempted to row out, to endeavour to surround our gunboats and
their prizes: I as often made the signal to cover them, which was
promptly attended to by the brigs and schooners, all of which
were gallantly conducted, and annoyed the enemy exceedingly, but
the fire from this ship kept their flotilla completely in check.
Our grape shot made great havoc among their men, not only on
board their shipping, but on shore. We were several times within
two cables length of the rocks, and within three of their
batteries, every one of which, in succession, were silenced, so
long as we could bring our broadside to bear upon them; but the
moment we passed a battery, it was re-animated, and a constant,
heavy fire kept up from all that we could not point our guns at.
We suffered most when wearing or tacking; it was then I most
sensibly felt the want of another frigate. At half-past four, the
wind inclining to the northward, I made the signal for the bombs
and gunboats to retire from action, and, immediately after, the
signal to tow off the gunboats and prizes, which was handsomely
executed by the brigs, schooners, and boats of the squadron,
covered by a heavy fire from the Constitution. At three-quarters
past 4, P.M., the light vessels, gunboats, and prizes being (p. 140)
out of reach of the enemy's shot, I hauled off to take the
bomb vessels in tow. We were two hours under the fire of the
enemy's batteries, and the only damage received in the ship is a
twenty-four pound shot nearly through the centre of the mainmast,
thirty feet from the deck; main royal yard and sail shot away;
one of our quarter-deck guns damaged by a thirty-two pound shot,
which, at the same time, shattered a mariner's arm; two lower
shrouds and two backstays were shot away, and our sails and
running rigging considerably cut. We must impute our getting off
thus well to our keeping so near that they overshot us, and to
the annoyance our grape shot gave them; they are, however, but
wretched gunners. Gunboat No. 5 had her main yard shot away, and
the rigging and sails of the brigs and schooners were
considerably cut. Lieutenant Decatur was the only officer killed,
but in him the service has lost a valuable officer. He was a
young man who gave strong promise of being an ornament to his
profession. His conduct in the action was highly honourable, and
he _died nobly_. The enemy must have suffered very much in killed
and wounded, both among the shipping and on shore. Three of their
gunboats were sunk in the harbour, several of them had their
decks nearly cleared of men by our shot, and a number of shells
burst in the town and batteries, which must have done great
execution. The officers, seamen, and marines, of the squadron
behaved in the most gallant manner. The Neapolitans, in emulating
the ardour of our seamen, answered my highest expectations.

I cannot but notice the active exertions and officer-like conduct
of Lieutenant Gordon, and the other lieutenants of the
Constitution. Mr. Harriden, the master, gave me full
satisfaction, as did all the officers and ship's company. I was
much gratified with the conduct of Captain Hall and Lieutenant
Greenleaf, and the marines belonging to his company, in the
management of six long twenty-six pounders, on the spar-deck,
which I placed under his direction. Captain Decatur speaks in the
highest terms of the conduct of Lieutenant Thorn and Midshipman
McDonough, of No. 4, as does Captain Somers of Midshipmen Ridgely
and Miller, attached to No. 1.

Annexed is a list of killed and wounded, and, enclosed, a copy of
my general orders on this occasion:

_Killed._ Gunboat No. 2: Lieutenant James Decatur.

_Wounded._ Constitution: one marine; gunboat No. 4: Captain
Decatur (slightly), one sergeant of marines and two seamen;
gunboat No. 6: Lieutenant Trippe (severely), one boatswain's mate
and two marines; gunboat No. 1: two seamen; gunboat No. 2: two
seamen. Total, one killed, thirteen wounded.

_August 5._ We were at anchor with the squadron about two leagues
north from the city of Tripoli; the Argus in chase of a small
vessel to the westward, which she soon came up with, and brought
within hail; she proved to be a French privateer, of four guns,
which put into Tripoli a few days since, for water, and left it
this morning. I prevailed on the captain, for a consideration, to
return to Tripoli, for the purpose of landing fourteen very badly
wounded Tripolitans, which I put on board his vessel, with a
letter to the Prime Minister, leaving it at the option of the
Bashaw to reciprocate this generous mode of conducting the war.
The sending these unfortunate men on shore, to be taken care of
by their friends, was an act of humanity on our part, which (p. 141)
I hope will make a proper impression on the minds of the
barbarians, but I doubt it. All hands were busily employed in
altering the rig of the three prizes from latteen vessels to
sloops, and preparing for a second attack. Observed one of the
enemy's schooners and the brig (two corsairs in the harbour) to
be dismasted; was informed by the French captain that the damage
these vessels received in the action of the 3d had occasioned
their masts being taken out.

_August 7th._ The French privateer came out, and brought me a
letter from the French Consul, in which he observes, that our
attack of the 3d instant has disposed the Bashaw to accept of
reasonable terms, and invited me to send a boat to the rocks with
a flag of truce, which was declined, as the white flag was not
hoisted at the Bashaw's castle. At 9 A.M., with a very light
breeze from the eastward, and a strong current which obliged the
Constitution to remain at anchor, I made the signal for the light
vessels to weigh, and the gun and bomb boats to cast off, and
stand in shore toward the western batteries; the prize boats
having been completely fitted for service, and the command of
them given to Lieutenants Crane, of the Vixen, Thorn, of the
Enterprize, and Caldwell, of the Syren, the whole advanced with
sails and oars. The orders were for the bombs to take a position
in a small bay to the westward of the city, where but few of the
enemy's guns could be brought to bear on them, but from whence
they could annoy the town with shells; the gunboats to silence a
battery of seven heavy guns which guarded the approach to that
position, and the brigs and schooners to support them, in case
the enemy's flotilla should venture out. At half-past one P.M.,
a breeze from N. N. E., I weighed with the Constitution and stood
in for the town; but the wind being on shore, made it imprudent
to engage the batteries with the ship, as, in case of a mast
being shot away, the loss of the vessel would probably ensue,
unless a change of wind should favour our getting off. At
half-past two P.M., the bomb and gun boats having gained their
station, the signal was made for them to attack the town and
batteries. Our bombs immediately commenced throwing shells, and
the gunboats opened a sharp and well directed fire on the town
and batteries, within point blank shot, which was warmly returned
by the enemy. The seven gun battery, in less than two hours, was
silenced, except one gun; I presume the others were dismounted by
our shot, as the walls were almost totally destroyed. At a
quarter-past three P.M., a ship hove in sight to the northward,
standing for the town; made the Argus signal to chase. At
half-past three, one of our prize gunboats was blown up by hot
shot from the enemy, which passed through her magazine: she had
on board twenty-eight officers, seamen, and marines, ten of whom
were killed, and six wounded; among the killed were James R.
Caldwell, First Lieutenant of the Syren, and Midshipman John S.
Dorsey, both excellent officers; Midshipman Spence and eleven men
were taken up unhurt. Captain Decatur, whose division this boat
belonged to, and who was near at the time she blew up, reports to
me that Mr. Spence was superintending the loading of the gun at
that moment, and, notwithstanding the boat was sinking, he and
the brave fellows surviving, finished charging, gave three cheers
as the boat went from under them, and swam to the nearest boats,
where they assisted during the remainder of the action. The
enemy's gunboats and galleys (fifteen in number) were all in
motion close under the batteries, and appeared to meditate an
attack on our boats; the Constitution, Nautilus, and Enterprize,
were to windward, ready, at every hazard, to cut them off (p. 142)
from the harbour, if they should venture down; while the
Syren and Vixen were near our boats, to support and cover any
that might be disabled. The enemy thought it most prudent,
however, to retire to their snug retreat behind the rocks, after
firing a few shot. Our boats, in two divisions, under Captains
Somers and Decatur, were well conducted, as were our bomb
vessels, by Lieutenants Dent and Robinson. The town must have
suffered much from this attack, and their batteries, particularly
the seven gun battery, must have lost many men. At half-past five
P.M., the wind began to freshen from the N. N. E., I made the
signal for the gun and bomb boats to retire from action, and for
the vessels to which they were attached to take them in tow. The
Argus made signal that the strange sail was a friend.

In this day's action No. 4 had a twenty-four pound shot through
her hull; No. 6 her latteen yard shot away; No. 8 a twenty-four
pound shot through her hull, which killed two men; some of the
other boats had their rigging and sails considerably cut. We
threw forty-eight shells, and about five hundred twenty-four
pound shot into the town and batteries. All the officers and men
engaged in the action behaved with the utmost intrepidity. At
half-past six all the boats were in tow, and the squadron
standing to the northwest. At eight, the John Adams, Captain
Chauncey, from the United States, joined company. At nine the
squadron anchored, Tripoli bearing southeast, five miles distant.
Gunboat No. 3 was this day commanded by Mr. Brooks, master of the
Argus, and No. 6 by Lieutenant Wadsworth, of the Constitution.

Annexed is a return of our loss in this attack.

_Killed._ Gunboat No. 9: One lieutenant, one midshipman, one
boatswain's mate, one quarter gunner, one sergeant of marines,
and five seamen; Gunboat No. 8: Two seamen.

_Wounded._ Gunboat No. 9: Six seamen, two of whom mortally.
Total, twelve killed, six wounded.

Captain Chauncey brought me the first positive information that
any reinforcement was to be expected. By him I was honoured with
your letters of the 7th, 22d, and 31st of May, informing me that
four frigates were coming out, under Commodore Barren, who is to
supersede me in the command of our naval forces in these seas, at
the same time approbating my conduct, and conveying to me the
thanks of the President for my services. I beg you, Sir, to
accept my warmest thanks for the very obliging language in which
you have made these communications, and to assure the President
that to merit the applause of my country is my only aim, and to
receive it the highest gratification it can bestow.

Captain Chauncey informed me that the frigates might be expected
every moment, as they were to sail from Hampton Roads four days
after him. In consequence of this information (and as I could not
bring the John Adams into action, she having left all her gun
carriages for her gun deck, except eight, on board the Congress
and Constellation, a day or two previous to her sailing), I
determined to wait a few days for the arrival of Commodore
Barron, before another attack, when, if he should arrive, the
fate of Tripoli must be decided in a few hours, and the Bashaw
completely humbled. Had the John Adams brought out her gun
carriages, I should not have waited a moment, and can have (p. 143)
no doubt but the next attack would make the arrival of more
ships unnecessary for the termination of the Tripoline war. I
gave Captain Chauncey orders to remain on the station, that we
might be benefited by the assistance of his boats and men, as
nearly half the crews of the Constitution, brigs and schooners,
were taken out to man the bombs, gun and ship's boats when
prepared for an attack.

_August 9th._ We were engaged supplying the bombs and gunboats
with ammunition and stores, and getting everything in readiness
for an attack, the moment Commodore Barron should arrive and make
the signal. I cannot but regret that our naval establishment is
so limited as to deprive me of the means and glory of completely
subduing the haughty tyrant of Tripoli, while in the chief
command; it will, however, afford me satisfaction to give my
successor all the assistance in my power. At three P.M. I went
on board the Argus, for the purpose of reconnoitering the harbour
of Tripoli; we stood in towards the town, and were near being
sunk by the enemy's fire; one of their heaviest shot, which
struck about three feet short of the water line, raked the copper
off her bottom under water, and cut the plank half through. In
the evening the wind blew strong from the N. N. E.; the squadron
weighed, and kept under sail all night. The day following we
anchored, Tripoli bearing S. S. W., six miles distant. At ten A.M.
the French Consul hoisted a white flag at his flagstaff, under
the national colours, which was a signal that the Bashaw was
ready to treat. I sent a boat into the harbour, and took this
opportunity to forward Captain Bainbridge, and his officers,
letters from their friends. The boat was not allowed to land, but
returned in the afternoon, and brought me a letter, advising that
the Bashaw was ready to receive five hundred dollars for the
ransom of each of the prisoners, and terminate the war, without
any consideration for peace or tribute. This is three hundred and
fifty thousand dollars less than was demanded previous to the
action of the 3d instant. These terms I did not hesitate to
reject, as I was informed by Captain Chauncey that it was the
expectation of our Government, on the arrival of four frigates,
to obtain the release of the officers and crew of the
Philadelphia without ransom, and dictate the terms of peace. I
enclose you copies of our correspondence, which will convince you
that our attacks have not been made without effect.

_August 16th._ No news of the frigates, and but short allowance
of water in the squadron. I sent the Enterprize to Malta, with
orders to the agent there to hire transports, and send off
immediately a supply of fresh water, provision, and other stores
which have become necessary, as some of the squadron have now
been upwards of five months in sight of this dismal coast,
without once visiting a friendly port. Those vessels, as well as
the gunboats, received their supply of water and provisions from
the Constitution.

_August 18th._ As the season is fast approaching when we may
expect bad weather, and no news of the frigates, I have
determined to make an attack as soon as the wind proves
favourable. At eight P.M. I sent Captains Decatur and Chauncey,
in two small boats, to reconnoitre the harbour, and observe the
disposition of the enemy's flotilla at night. They returned at
midnight, and reported that they were anchored in a line abreast,
from the mole to the Bashaw's castle, with their heads to the
eastward, for the defence of the inner harbour. At daylight (p. 144)
the wind shifted suddenly from northeast to north-northwest, and
brought a heavy sea on shore, which obliged us, for greater
safety, to weigh and stand to sea.

_August 20th._ We had gained an offing of nine or ten leagues;
still blowing hard. We had met with the ketch Intrepid, from
Syracuse, with a cargo of fresh water, stock, and vegetables, for
the squadron.

_August 22d._ Fell in with a ship from Malta, with water and live
stock for the squadron. These cargoes arrived very opportunely,
as we have for some time past been on a short allowance of water.
The wind having moderated, we stood in and anchored with the
squadron, six miles northeast by north from Tripoli. All the
boats were engaged in discharging the transports. The Enterprize
arrived from Malta, but brought no intelligence of the long
expected frigates.

_August 24th._ With a light breeze from the northeast, we stood
in with the squadron, prepared for action, intending to attack
the town and shipping in the night. At eight in the evening,
anchored about two and a half miles from the batteries. At
midnight it fell calm. I sent the bomb vessels, under the
protection of the gunboats, to bombard the town; the boats of the
squadron were employed in towing them in. At two A.M. the
bombardment commenced, and continued until daylight, but with
what effect is uncertain. At six all the boats joined us, and
were taken in tow by the squadron, which was under weigh and
standing off. At seven, anchored four miles north of the town.
The weather for several days, proved unfavourable for approaching
the shore.

_August 28th._ We were favoured with a pleasant breeze from the
eastward; at three P.M. we weighed, and stood in for Tripoli; at
five, anchored the Constitution, two miles north by east from
Fort English, and two miles and a half from the Bashaw's castle;
the light vessels ordered to keep under way; we were employed
until eight P.M. in making arrangements for attacking the town;
a number of the officers, and many of the seamen, of the
Constitution being attached to the bomb, gun and ship's boats;
Captain Chauncey, with several of his officers, and about seventy
seamen and marines, volunteered their services on board the
Constitution. All the boats in the squadron were officered and
manned, and attached to the several gunboats. The two bomb
vessels could not be brought into action, as one was leaky and
the mortar-bed of the other had given way. The John Adams,
Scourge, transports and bombs, were anchored seven miles to the
northward of the town. Lieutenant Commander Dent, of the Scourge,
came on board the Constitution, and took charge on the gun-deck.
Lieutenant Izard, of the Scourge, also joined me. Lieutenant
Gordon commands gunboat No. 2, and Lieutenant Lawrence, of the
Enterprize, No. 5; these are the only changes. At half past one,
A.M., the gunboats, in two divisions, led by Captains Decatur
and Somers, were ordered to advance and take their stations close
to the rocks at the entrance of the harbour, within grape-shot
distance of the Bashaw's castle. The Syren, Argus, Vixen,
Nautilus, Enterprize, and boats of the squadron accompanied them.
At three, A.M., the boats anchored with springs on, within
pistol shot of the rocks, and commenced a brisk fire on the
shipping, town, batteries, and Bashaw's castle, which was warmly
returned, but not as well directed. The ship's boats remained
with the gunboats, to assist in boarding the enemy's (p. 145)
flotilla, if it should venture out, while the brigs and schooners
kept under way, ready for the same service, or for annoying the
enemy as occasion might present. At daylight, presuming that the
gunboats had nearly expended their ammunition, we weighed with
the Constitution, and stood in for the harbour. Fort English, the
Bashaw's castle, crown and mole batteries, kept up a heavy fire
upon us as we advanced. At half past five, I made the signal for
the gunboats to retire from action, and for the brigs and
schooners to take them in tow. We were then within two cables
length of the rocks, and commenced a heavy fire of round and
grape on thirteen of the enemy's gunboats and galleys, which were
in pretty close action with our boats. We sunk one of the enemy's
boats, at the same time, two more, disabled, ran on shore to
avoid sinking; the remainder immediately retreated. We continued
running in until we were within musket shot of the crown and mole
batteries, when we brought to and fired upwards of three hundred
round shot, besides grape and canister, into the town, Bashaw's
castle, and batteries. We silenced the castle and two of the
batteries for some time. At a quarter past six, the gunboats
being all out of shot and in tow, I hauled off, after having been
three-quarters of an hour in close action. The gunboats fired
upwards of four hundred round shot, besides grape and canister,
with good effect. A large Tunisian galliot was sunk in the mole.
A Spanish ship, which had entered with an ambassador from the
Grand Seignor, received considerable damage. The Tripoline
galleys and gunboats lost many men, and were much cut. The
Bashaw's castle and town have suffered very much; as have their
crown and mole batteries.

Captains Decatur and Somers conducted their divisions of gunboats
with their usual firmness and address, and were well supported by
the officers and men attached to them. The brigs and schooners
were also well conducted during the action, and fired a number of
shot at the enemy, but their guns are too light to do much
execution. They suffered considerably in their sails and rigging.
The officers and crew of the Constitution behaved well. I cannot,
in justice to Captain Chauncey, omit noticing the very able
assistance I received from him on the quarter-deck of the
Constitution during the whole of the action. The damage which we
have received is principally above the hull. Three lower shrouds,
two spring stays, two top-mast back stays, trusses, chains, and
lifts of the main yard, shot away. Our sails had several cannon
shot through them, and were beside considerably cut by grape;
much of our running rigging cut to pieces. One of our anchor
stocks, and our larboard cable, shot away, and a number of grape
shot were sticking in different parts of the hull, but not a man
hurt! A boat belonging to the John Adams, with a master's mate
(Mr. Creighton) and eight men, was sunk by a double-headed shot
from the batteries, while in tow of the Nautilus, which killed
three men, and badly wounded one, who, with Mr. Creighton and the
other four, were picked up by one of our boats. The only damage
our gunboats sustained was in their rigging and sails, which were
considerably cut by the enemy's round and grape shot. At eleven,
A.M., we anchored with the squadron, five miles northeast by
north from Tripoli, and repaired the damage received in the
action.

_August 29th_ and _30th_. Preparing the bomb vessels for service;
supplying the gunboats with ammunition, etc.

_August 31st._ A vessel arrived from Malta with provisions (p. 146)
and stores; brought no news of Commodore Barron or the frigates.
We discharged this vessel's cargo and ordered her to return.

_September 2d._ The bomb vessels having been repaired and ready
for service, Lieutenants Dent and Robinson resumed the command of
them. Lieutenant Morris of the Argus, took command of No. 3, and
Lieutenant Trippe, having nearly recovered from his wounds,
resumed the command of No. 6, which he so gallantly conducted the
3d ultimo. Captain Chauncey, with several young gentlemen, and
sixty men from the John Adams, volunteered on board the
Constitution. At four P.M., made the signal to weigh; kept under
sail all night. At eleven P.M., a general signal to prepare for
battle. A Spanish polacre in ballast came out of Tripoli, with an
ambassador of the Grand Seignor on board, who had been sent from
Constantinople to Tripoli to confirm the Bashaw in his title;
this ceremony takes place in all the Barbary regencies every five
years. The captain of this vessel informed us that our shot and
shells had made great havoc and destruction in the city, and
among the shipping, and that a vast number of people had been
killed: also informs us that three of the boats which were sunk
by our shot in the actions of the 3d and 28th ultimo, had been
got up, repaired, and fitted for service.

_September 3d._ At two P.M., Tripoli bore south southwest, two
miles and a half distant; wind east by north. At half-past two
the signals were made for the gunboats to cast off, advance, and
attack the enemy's galleys and gunboats, which were all under
weigh in the eastern part of the harbour, whither they had for
some time been working up against the wind. This was certainly a
judicious movement of theirs, as it precluded the possibility of
our boats going down to attack the town, without leaving the
enemy's flotilla in their rear, and directly to windward. I
accordingly ordered the bomb vessels to run down within proper
distance of the town and bombard it, while our gunboats were to
engage the enemy's galleys and boats to windward. At half-past
three P.M., our bombs having gained the station to which they
were directed, anchored, and commenced throwing shells into the
city; at the same time our gunboats opened a brisk fire on the
galleys, &c., within point blank shot, which was warmly returned
by them and Fort English, and by a new battery a little to the
westward; but as soon as our boats arrived within good musket
shot of their galleys and boats, they gave way and retreated to
the shore within the rocks, and under cover of musketry from Fort
English. They were followed by our boats, and by the Syren,
Argus, Vixen, Nautilus and Enterprize, as far as the reefs would
permit them to go with prudence. The action was then divided. One
division of our boats, with the brigs and schooners, attacked
Fort English, whilst the other was engaged with the enemy's
galleys and boats. The Bashaw's castle, the mole, crown, and
several other batteries kept up a constant fire on our bomb
vessels, which were well conducted, and threw shells briskly into
the town; but, from their situation, they were very much exposed,
and in great danger of being sunk. I accordingly ran within them
with the Constitution, to draw off the enemy's attention and
amuse them whilst the bombardment was kept up. We brought to
within reach of grape, and fired eleven broadsides into the
Bashaw's castle, town and batteries, in a situation where more
than seventy guns could bear upon us. One of their batteries was
silenced. The town, castle and other batteries considerably (p. 147)
damaged. By this time, it was half-past four o'clock; the wind
was increasing, and inclining rapidly to the northward. I made
the signal for the boats to retire from action, and for the brigs
and schooners to take them in tow, and soon after hauled off with
the Constitution to repair damages. Our main-topsail was
totally disabled by a shell from the batteries, which cut away
the leech rope, and several cloths of the sail; another shell
went through the fore-top-sail, and one through the jib; all our
sails considerably cut; two top-mast backstays shot away, main
sheets, fore tacks, lifts, braces, bowlines, and the running
rigging, generally, very much cut, but no shot in our hull,
excepting a few grape. Our gunboats were an hour and fifteen
minutes in action. They disabled several of the enemy's galleys
and boats, and considerably damaged Fort English. Most of our
boats received damage in their rigging and sails. The bomb vessel
No. 1, commanded by Lieutenant Robinson, was disabled, every
shroud being shot away; the bed of the mortar rendered useless,
and the vessel near sinking; she was, however, towed off. About
fifty shells were thrown into the town, and our boats fired four
hundred round shot, besides grape and canister. They were led
into action by Captains Decatur and Somers, with their usual
gallantry. The brigs and schooners were handsomely conducted, and
fired many shot with effect at Fort English, which they were near
enough to reach with their carronades; they suffered considerably
in their rigging, and the Argus received a thirty-two pound shot
in the hull forward, which cut off a bower cable as it entered.
We kept under weigh until eleven P.M., when we anchored, Tripoli
bearing south southwest three leagues. I again, with pleasure,
acknowledge the services of an able and active officer in Captain
Chauncey, serving on the quarter-deck of the Constitution. At
sunrise I made the signal for the squadron to prepare for action.
The carpenters were sent on board the bombs to repair damages,
and our boats employed in supplying the bombs and gunboats with
ammunition, and to replace the expenditures.

Desirous of annoying the enemy by all the means in my power, I
directed to be put into execution a long contemplated plan of
sending a fire ship, or _infernal_, into the harbour of Tripoli,
in the night, for the purpose of endeavouring to destroy the
enemy's shipping, and shatter the Bashaw's castle and town.
Captain Somers, of the Nautilus, having volunteered his services,
had, for several days before this period, been directing the
preparation of the ketch Intrepid, assisted by Lieutenants
Wadsworth and Israel. About one hundred barrels of powder, and
one hundred and fifty fixed shells, were apparently judiciously
disposed of on board her. The fusees leading to the magazine,
where all the powder was deposited, were calculated to burn for a
quarter of an hour.

_September 4th._ The Intrepid being prepared for the intended
service, Captain Somers and Lieutenant Wadsworth made choice of
two of the fastest rowing boats in the squadron, for bringing
them out, after reaching their destination, and firing the
combustible materials which were to communicate with the fusees.
Captain Somers' boat was manned with four seamen from the
Nautilus, and Lieutenant Wadsworth's with six from the
Constitution. Lieutenant Israel accompanied them. At eight in the
evening, the Intrepid was under sail, and standing for the port,
with a leading breeze from the eastward. The Argus, Vixen, and
Nautilus, convoyed her as far as the rocks. On entering the (p. 148)
harbour, several shot were fired at her from the batteries.
In a few minutes after, when she had apparently nearly gained the
intended place of destination, she suddenly exploded, without
their having previously fired a room filled with splinters and
other combustibles, which were intended to create a blaze in
order to deter the enemy from boarding while the fire was
communicating to the fusees which led to the magazine. The effect
of the explosion awed their batteries into profound silence with
astonishment; not a gun was afterwards fired for the night. The
shrieks of the inhabitants informed us that the town was thrown
into the greatest terror and consternation by the explosion of
the magazine, and the bursting and falling of shells in all
directions. The whole squadron waited, with the utmost anxiety,
to learn the fate of the adventurers, from a signal previously
agreed on, in case of success; but waited in vain. No signs of
their safety were to be observed. The Argus, Vixen and Nautilus,
hovered round the entrance of the port until sunrise, when they
had a fair view of the whole harbour. Not a vestige of the ketch
or her boats was to be seen. One of the enemy's largest gunboats
was missing, and three others were seen very much shattered and
damaged, which the enemy were hauling on shore. From these
circumstances, I am led to believe that these boats were detached
from the enemy's flotilla to intercept the ketch, and, without
suspecting her to be a fire ship, the missing boat had suddenly
boarded her, when the gallant Somers and heroes of his party,
observing the other three boats surrounding them, and no prospect
of escape, determined, at once, to prefer _death_ and the
_destruction of the enemy_ to _captivity_ and _torturing
slavery_, put a match to the tram leading directly to the
magazine, which at once blew the whole into the air, and
terminated their existence. My conjectures respecting this affair
are founded on a resolution which Captain Somers, Lieutenants
Wadsworth and Israel had formed--neither to be taken by the
enemy, nor suffer him to get possession of the powder on board
the Intrepid. They expected to enter the harbour without
discovery, but had declared that should they be disappointed, and
the enemy should board them, before they reached the point of
destination, in such force as to leave them no hopes of a safe
retreat, that they would put a match to the magazine, and blow
themselves and their enemies up together; determined, as there
was no exchange of prisoners, that their country should never pay
ransom for them, nor the enemy receive a supply of powder through
their means. The disappearance of one of the enemy's boats, and
the shattered condition of three others, confirm me in my opinion
that they were an advanced guard, detached from the main body of
the flotilla on discovering the approach of the Intrepid, and
that they attempted to board her before she had reached her point
of destination; otherwise the whole of their shipping must have
suffered, and perhaps would have been totally destroyed. That she
was blown up before she had gained her station is certain, by
which the service has lost three very gallant officers. Captain
Somers, and Lieutenants Wadsworth and Israel were officers of
conspicuous bravery, talents, and merit. They had uniformly
distinguished themselves in the several actions; were beloved and
lamented by the whole squadron.

_September 5th._ We were employed in supplying the gunboats with
ammunition, &c., and repairing the bomb vessels for another
attack, but, the wind shifting to the N. N. E., a heavy swell
setting on shore, and other indications of bad weather,
determined me, for greater safety, to take the guns, mortars, (p. 149)
shot and shells out of the boats into the Constitution and
John Adams, which was accordingly done. The weather continuing
to wear a threatening aspect until the 7th, and our ammunition
being reduced to a quantity not more than sufficient for three
vessels to keep up the blockade, no intelligence of the expected
reinforcement, and the season so far advanced as to render it
imprudent to hazard the gunboats any longer on the station, I
gave orders for the John Adams, Syren, Nautilus, Enterprize and
Scourge, to take the bombs and gunboats in tow, and proceed to
Syracuse with them. The Argus and Vixen to remain with the
Constitution, to keep up the blockade.

_September 10th._ The United States ship President, Commodore
Barron, and Constellation, Captain Campbell, hove in sight, and
soon joined company, when the command of the squadron was
surrendered to Commodore Barron with the usual ceremony. I
continued in company with the squadron until the 12th, when three
strange ships came in sight, standing direct for Tripoli. Chase
was given, and two of them boarded and taken possession of by the
Constitution, the President in company, about four leagues from
Tripoli, but not more than five miles from the land, while the
Constellation and Argus were in chase of the third. The two
boarded by the Constitution were loaded with about sixteen
thousand bushels of wheat. Tripoli is in a state of starvation,
and there can be no doubt but these cargoes were meant as a
supply and relief to our enemies.

Considering the season too far advanced, and weather too
uncertain, to hazard any further operations against Tripoli, at
present, Commodore Barron determined that the prizes should be
sent to Malta, under convoy of the Constitution, it being
necessary she should go into port to be recaulked and refitted. I
notified to Commodore Barron that it was my wish to return to the
United States, in the frigate John Adams, Captain Chauncey; this
readily, and in the handsomest manner, met his acquiescence. I
shall accordingly return in that ship.

The service in this quarter cannot suffer from this arrangement,
as Captain Decatur is at present without a ship, and my return
will place him immediately in the exercise of the duties attached
to that commission which he has so gallantly earned, and his
country generously bestowed. I shall feel a pleasure in leaving
the Constitution under the command of that officer, whose
enterprising and manly conduct I have often witnessed, and whose
merits eminently entitle him to so handsome a command.

The other commanders merit the highest commendations for their
prompt obedience to orders, on all occasions, and for the zeal,
spirit and judgment which they displayed in the several attacks
on the enemy's shipping and batteries, as well as for the general
good order and discipline at all times observed on board their
respective vessels. The officers of the squadron have conducted
themselves in the most gallant and handsome manner; and the
conduct of the different ship's companies have merited my warmest
approbation since I have had the honour to command them.

It affords me much satisfaction to observe that we have neither
had a duel nor a court martial in the squadron since we left the
United States.

I most sincerely regret the loss of our gallant countrymen, who
have sacrificed their lives to the honour of the service, and
that it has not been in my power, consistent with the (p. 150)
interest and expectation of our country, to liberate Captain
Bainbridge and the unfortunate officers and crew of the
Philadelphia. Be assured, sir, I have incessantly endeavoured to
effect this desirable object. I have no doubt but my successor
will be able to effect their release, and establish peace, on
such terms as will reflect the highest honour on himself and his
country.

_September 17th._ Arrived at Malta with the two detained Greek
vessels. We experienced very bad weather, but had the
satisfaction to learn that the bombs and gunboats had arrived
safe at Syracuse, the 15th instant, without accident. Each of the
Tripoline gunboats which we have captured has two brass howitzers
abaft, and a handsome copper gun in the bow, which carries a
twenty-nine pound shot, is eleven and a half feet long, and
weighs six thousand six hundred pounds.

I send you a plan of the town and harbour of Tripoli, with the
disposition of our squadron, and the enemy's flotilla, at the
time of the several attacks, with sundry other papers.

I have the honour to be, with the highest respect, sir,

Your most obedient servant,
Edward PREBLE.

_____

_R. Smith to George Harrison._

To
George HARRISON, Esq., Navy Department,
Philadelphia. June 26, 1805.

Sir: I have received your letter, accompanied by drawings of the
medal for Commodore Preble. I now return you the Commodore's
likeness and one of the drawings sent to me by you. I approve the
drawings, excepting as to size, which appears to me to be too
large. I doubt whether any die can be made to impress so large a
surface. We should depart, too, from general custom, by making
this medal so large. The medal voted by the old Congress, for
General Washington, was three inches diameter, those for General
Greene, Gates, &c., were two and a half inches, and those for
Morgan, Wayne, &c., were two inches. The drawings of the medal
for Commodore Preble are four inches. I have no objections to the
medal for Commodore Preble being two and a half inches. Confer
with artists upon the subject and let me hear from you. It is my
determination to have it made by Mr. Reich, and you may so inform
him, that he may not engage in other business to interfere with
this.

I am respectfully, sir, your most obedient servant,
R. SMITH.

No. 24. (p. 151) PLATE XXV.

_March 4, 1809--March 4, 1817._

James Madison President of the U. S. A. D. 1809. [Rx]. Peace and
friendship.

PRESIDENT JAMES MADISON.

[_Fourth President of the United States of America._]

JAMES MADISON PRESIDENT OF THE U. S. (_United States_) A. D. (_Anno Domini: The year of our Lord_) 1809. Bust of President Madison, facing the left. On ring, R. (_Reich_).

PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP. Two hands clasped, in token of amity; on the cuff of the left wrist three stripes and as many buttons with the American eagle on them; the other wrist bare; above the hands, a calumet and a tomahawk crossed--Indian emblems of peace and war.[74]

[Footnote 74: See INTRODUCTION, page xxiv.]

The dies of the reverse of this medal served for all the Indian Presidential medals struck previous to July, 1846, when new ones had to be made, as will be seen from the following extracts from despatches of R. M. Patterson, director of the Mint, to William Merrill, commissioner of Indian affairs, bearing date, Philadelphia, July 18, 1846:

"As the dies for the Indian medals belong to the War Department,
it is proper that I should mention that the reverses are no
longer in a condition to be employed. They have been used for all
the medals struck since the time of President Jefferson, and it
was with difficulty that they could be made to answer for those
which we have just completed. A new set will be absolutely
necessary, and it seems not unreasonable that they should be paid
out of the appropriation made for these medals, in striking which
they have finally failed."

And Philadelphia, December 5, 1846: (p. 152)

"In a letter which I addressed to you on the 18th of July last, I
stated that the reverses used for the Indian medals were no
longer in a condition to be again employed. I mentioned that the
cost of a new set would be $300, and I asked your authority to
have them made without further delay. This authority you gave me
in your letter of the 21st of July. I have now to report that
complete sets both of hubs and dies have been made, and that the
hubs will put it in our power to replace a die, at any time, if
it should be injured. All apprehension from this source is
therefore removed for the future."

JAMES MADISON was born at King George, on the Rappahannock river, Virginia, March 16, 1751. He was graduated at the College of New Jersey, Princeton, 1771; studied law; was member of the General Assembly of Virginia, 1776; of the Continental Congress, 1780-1783; of the State Legislature of Virginia, 1784; of the Philadelphia Convention, 1787; representative in Congress from Virginia, 1789-1797; secretary of State to President Jefferson, 1801-1809; President of the United States (first term), 1809-1813; (second term), 1813-1817. He died at his estate of Montpelier, Orange County, Virginia, June 28, 1836.

No. 25. (p. 153) PLATE XXVI.

_August 19, 1812._

Isaacus Hull peritos arte superat Jul MDCCCXII Aug. certamine
fortes. [Rx]. Horae memento victoria.

CAPTAIN ISAAC HULL.

[_Capture of the Guerrière._]

ISAACUS HULL PERITOS ARTE SUPERAT JUL. (_Julii_), MDCCCXII AUG. (_Augusti_) CERTAMINE FORTES.[75] (_Isaac Hull conquers in July, 1812, the skilled by stratagem, and in August, the strong in battle._) Bust of Captain Hull, in uniform, facing the left. On edge of bust, R. (_Reich_).

[Footnote 75: As this legend refers to two events,
Hull's celebrated escape from a British fleet in
July, and his capture of the Guerrière in August,
1812, the official reports of both those important
affairs are given.]

HORAE MOMENTO VICTORIA. (_Victory in the space of an hour._) Naval action between the United States frigate Constitution, of forty-four guns, Captain Hull, and the British frigate Guerrière, of forty-nine guns, Captain Dacres. The Constitution, firing her starboard battery, carries away the Guerrière's mizzenmast, which, in falling, takes with it the mainmast; the Guerrière, having already lost her foremast, is completely dismasted; the Constitution, on the contrary, is but slightly injured in her rigging. Exergue: INTER CONST. NAV. AMER. ET GUER. ANGL. (_Inter Constitution navem Americanam et Guerrière Anglicanam: Between the American vessel Constitution and the English vessel Guerrière_).[76]

[Footnote 76: See INTRODUCTION, page xxiv.]

ISAAC HULL was born at Derby, Connecticut, March 9, 1775. He was first in the merchant service, but entered the navy as lieutenant in 1798, and served under Commodores Preble and Barron before Tripoli, (p. 154) 1802-1805. In May, 1804, he was appointed master-commandant, and in April, 1806, captain. On July 17, 1812, and on the following two days, while in command of the frigate Constitution, he found himself becalmed, with a fleet of five British vessels in pursuit of him, but by repeatedly sending out his kedge anchors and hauling his ship up to them, he kept out of their reach until the breeze sprung up again, when he soon left them far astern. A few weeks later, August 19, he fell in with and captured the British frigate Guerrière, Captain J. A. Dacres, for which gallant action Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal. After the war, he commanded in the Pacific and the Mediterranean. He was a member of the Naval Board, and was at the head of the navy yards at Boston and at Washington. He died in Philadelphia, February 3, 1843.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_Resolutions of Congress Voting Medals to Captains Hull, Decatur, Jones, etc._