rgue: ANTE TRIPOLI MDCCCIV. (_Off Tripoli,
1804_).[73]

[Footnote 73: See INTRODUCTION, pages xxiv and
xxx.]

EDWARD PREBLE was born at Falmouth Neck, now Portland, Maine, August
15, 1761. He served as midshipman and lieutenant during the War of
Independence, was appointed lieutenant in the navy in 1798, and
commanded the brig Pickering. In 1799 he became captain, and was
appointed to the Essex. Owing to ill health he was unemployed till
1803, when he was given the command of the squadron sent against
Tripoli. For his skill and bravery on this expedition Congress gave
him a vote of thanks and a gold medal. In 1806, President Jefferson
offered him the Navy Department, which he declined on account of ill
health. He died in Portland, August 25, 1807.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. (p. 136)

_Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to Commodore Preble._

_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
thanks of Congress be, and the same are hereby, presented to
Commodore Edward Preble, and through him to the officers, seamen,
and marines attached to the squadron under his command, for their
gallantry and good conduct displayed in the several attacks on
the town, batteries and naval force of Tripoli, in the year one
thousand eight hundred and four.

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be requested
to cause a gold medal to be struck, emblematical of the attacks
on the town, batteries, and naval force of Tripoli, by the
squadron under Commodore Preble's command, and to present it to
Commodore Preble in such a manner as, in his opinion, will be
most honourable to him; and that the President be further
requested to cause a sword to be presented to each of the
commissioned officers and midshipmen who have distinguished
themselves in the several attacks.

_Resolved_, That one month's pay be allowed, exclusively of the
common allowance, to all the petty officers, seamen, and marines,
of the squadron, who so gloriously supported the honour of the
American flag, under the orders of their gallant commander, in
the several attacks.

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be also
requeste