nd unusual tides, not only got the _Philadelphia_
afloat, but, as the scuttling had been hastily done, towed her into
port, and weighed all the guns and anchors that lay in shallow water
on the reef. The ship was immediately repaired, the guns were
re-mounted, and the gallant but unfortunate Bainbridge had the final
misery of seeing his old command safely moored off the town, and about
a quarter of a mile from the Pasha's castle.

[Illustration: TRIPOLI.

(_Ogilby's Africa, 1670._)]

Preble heard of this catastrophe from an English frigate to which he
spoke off Sardinia on his way to Tripoli. The blow was a severe one,
for the ship represented over one-third of his fighting force, and the
great number of captives gave the enemy a material and sentimental
strength which he would be sure to use pitilessly in all future
negotiations. But the energetic sailor was only stimulated by the
disaster to greater exertions, and plans were immediately made for the
destruction of the captured ship. Fortunately there was no lack of
material, and, in selecting the leaders, it became an embarrassment to
decide between the claims of the volunteers. Finally the choice fell
upon Lieutenant Stephen Decatur. He was at this time twenty-four years
of age, and had by his marked qualities so distinguished himself as to
have been appointed to the command of the _Enterprise_. To great
prudence, self-control, and judgment, he united the dash, daring, and
readiness of resources which have always characterized the famous
sailors of the world; and in the victory which made his name renowned
in naval annals, he displayed these qualities in such a high degree as
to deserve the greatest credit for what he achieved as well as for
what, under great temptation, he declined to do.

After taking on board a load of combustibles, the _Intrepid_ sailed
from Syracuse for Tripoli upon the 3rd of February, 1804. The ketch
itself had a varied history, for she was originally a French gun
vessel, which had been captured by the English in Egypt and presented
to Tripoli, and which finally was seized by Decatur while running for
Constantinople with a present of female slaves for the Grand Vez[=i]r.
The brig _Siren_, Lieutenant Charles Stewart, commanding, convoyed the
expedition, and had orders to cover the retreat, and if feasible to
assist the attack with its boats. In affairs of this kind personal
comfort is always the least consideration, but had not the weather