than from on board
the ketch. The enemy had already commenced firing on them from their
batteries and castle, and from two corsairs that were lying near.
Perceiving that the launches did not attempt to approach, he ordered the
ship should be set on fire, which was done, at the same time, in
different parts. As soon as this was done, they left her; and such was
the rapidity of the flames, that it was with the utmost difficulty they
preserved the ketch. At this critical moment a most propitious breeze
sprang up, blowing directly out of the harbor, which, in a few moments,
carried them out of reach of the enemy's guns, and they made good their
retreat without the loss of a single man, and with but four wounded.

For this gallant and romantic achievement, Lieutenant Decatur was
promoted to the rank of post captain, there being at that time no
intermediate grade. This promotion was peculiarly gratifying to him,
insomuch as it was done with the consent of the officers over whose
heads he was raised.

In the ensuing spring, it being determined to make an attack upon
Tripoli, Commodore Preble obtained from the King of Naples, the loan of
six gunboats and two bombards, which he formed into two divisions, and
gave the command of one of them to Captain Decatur, the other to
Lieutenant Somers. The squadron sailed from Syracuse, consisting of the
frigate Constitution, the brig Syren, the schooners Nautilus and Vixen,
and the gunboats.

Having arrived on the coast of Barbary, they were for some days
prevented from making the attack, by adverse wind and weather. At
length on the morning of the 3d of August, the weather being favorable,
the signal was made from the commodore's ship to prepare for action, the
light vessels towing the gunboats to windward. At nine o'clock, the
signal was given for bombarding the enemy's vessels and the town.

The gunboats were cast off, and advanced in a line ahead, led on by
Captain Decatur, and covered by the frigate Constitution, and the brigs
and schooners.

The enemy's gunboats were moored along the harbor under the batteries
and within musket shot. Their sails had been taken from them, and they
were ordered to sink, rather than abandon their position. They were
aided and covered, likewise, by a brig of sixteen, and a schooner of ten
guns.

Before entering into close action, Captain Decatur went alongside each
of his boats, and ordered them to unship their bowsprits and follow him,
as it was