hreaded the narrow channels, and
skimmed over shoals whither the heavy men-of-war could not hope to
follow them. Scarcely had they reached the shore when preparations
were made for their defence against any cutting-out party the
Americans might send for their capture. On the shore near the spot
where the feluccas were beached, stood a heavy stone building, which
was taken possession of by a party of troops hastily despatched from
the city. The feluccas were laden with wheat, packed in sacks; and
these sacks were taken ashore in great numbers, and piled up on either
side of the great building so as to form breastworks. So well were the
works planned, that they formed an almost impregnable fortress. Behind
its walls the Tripolitans stood ready to defend their stranded
vessels.

That night Lieut. Porter took a light boat, and carefully reconnoitred
the position of the enemy. He was discovered, and driven away by a
heavy fire of musketry, but not before he had taken the bearings of
the feluccas and their defences. The next morning he volunteered to go
in and destroy the boats, and, having obtained permission, set out,
accompanied by Lieut. James Lawrence and a strong party of sailors.
There was no attempt at concealment or surprise. The Americans pushed
boldly forward, in the teeth of a heavy fire from the Tripolitans. No
attempt was made to return the fire, for the enemy was securely posted
behind his ramparts. The Yankees could only bend to their oars, and
press forward with all possible speed. At last the beach was reached,
and boats-prows grated upon the pebbly sand. Quickly the jackies
leaped from their places; and while some engaged the Tripolitans,
others, torch in hand, clambered upon the feluccas, and set fire to
the woodwork and the tarred cordage. When the flames had gained some
headway, the incendiaries returned to their boats, and made for the
squadron again, feeling confident that the Tripolitans could do
nothing to arrest the conflagration. But they had underestimated the
courage of the barbarians; for no sooner had the boats pushed off,
than the Tripolitans rushed down to the shore, and strained every
muscle for the preservation of their ships. The men-of-war rained
grape-shot upon them; but they persevered, and before Porter and his
followers regained their ships, the triumphant cries of the
Tripolitans gave notice the flames were extinguished. Porter had been
severely wounded in the thigh, and twelve or f