ifteen of his men had
been killed or wounded; so that the failure of the expedition to fully
accomplish its purpose was bitterly lamented. The loss of the enemy
was never definitely ascertained, though several were seen to fall
during the conflict. On both sides the most conspicuous gallantry was
shown; the fighting was at times almost hand to hand, and once,
embarrassed by the lack of ammunition, the Tripolitans seized heavy
stones, and hurled them down upon their assailants.

For some weeks after this occurrence, no conflict took place between
the belligerents. Commodore Morris, after vainly trying to negotiate a
peace with Tripoli, sailed away to Malta, leaving the "John Adams" and
the "Adams" to blockade the harbor. To them soon returned the
"Enterprise," and the three vessels soon after robbed the Bey of his
largest corsair.

On the night of the 21st of June, an unusual commotion about the
harbor led the Americans to suspect that an attempt was being made to
run the blockade. A strict watch was kept; and, before morning, the
"Enterprise" discovered a large cruiser sneaking along the coast
toward the harbor's mouth. The Tripolitan was heavy enough to have
blown the Yankee schooner out of the water; but, instead of engaging
her, she retreated to a small cove, and took up a favorable position
for action. Signals from the "Enterprise" soon brought the other
United States vessels to the spot; while in response to rockets and
signal guns from the corsair, a large body of Tripolitan cavalry came
galloping down the beach, and a detachment of nine gunboats came to
the assistance of the beleaguered craft.

No time was lost in manoeuvring. Taking up a position within
point-blank range, the "John Adams" and the "Enterprise" opened fire
on the enemy, who returned it with no less spirit. For forty-five
minutes the cannonade was unabated. The shot of the American gunners
were seen to hull the enemy repeatedly, and at last the Tripolitans
began to desert their ship. Over the rail and through the open ports
the panic-stricken corsairs dropped into the water. The shot of the
Yankees had made the ship's deck too hot a spot for the Tripolitans,
and they fled with great alacrity. When the last had left the ship,
the "John Adams" prepared to send boats to take possession of the
prize. But at this moment a boat-load of Tripolitans returned to the
corsair; and the Americans, thinking they were rallying, began again
their cannonade. Fi