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 fr