position within range, and threw solid shot into the felucca until she
was a complete wreck. Nor did the Tripolitan cavalry escape without a
shot or two.

But while the smaller vessels of the Mediterranean squadron were
enforcing the blockade before Tripoli, Commodore Preble, with the
flag-ship and the larger vessels, was at Malta preparing for a
vigorous attack upon the city of the Bashaw itself. He had added to
the fleet he had brought with him from the United States two
bomb-vessels and six gunboats. He had also added somewhat to the
armament of the "Constitution," and now proposed to try the effect
upon Tripoli of a vigorous bombardment. By the 21st of July, the
commodore was able to leave Malta with his fleet, fully prepared for
active hostilities.

Tripoli was then defended by heavy batteries mounting a hundred and
fifteen guns. In the harbor were moored nineteen gunboats, two
galleys, two schooners, and a brig. The available force under the
command of the Bashaw numbered not less than twenty-five thousand men.
It was no pygmy undertaking upon which the Americans had embarked.

On the 31st of August, 1804, the first attack was made; and though
only a bombardment of the town had been contemplated, there followed
one of the most desperate hand-to-hand naval battles recorded in
history.

It was a sultry midsummer day, and the white walls of the city of
Tripoli glared under the fierce rays of a tropical sun. A light breeze
stirred the surface of the water, and made life on the ships bearable.
Before this breeze the American squadron ran down towards the town.
All preparations had been made for a spirited bombardment; and as the
Americans drew near the shore, they saw that the Tripolitans had
suspected the attack, and had made ready for it.

The attacking forces formed into two lines, with the regular naval
vessels in the rear, and the gunboats and bomb-vessels in front. As
the vessels in the van were to bear the brunt of the battle, they were
manned by picked crews from the larger vessels, and had for their
officers the most daring spirits of the Mediterranean squadron. At
half-past two the firing commenced, and soon from every vessel in the
American line shells and shot were being thrown into the city of the
Bashaw. The Tripolitan batteries returned the fire with vigor, and
their gunboats pressed forward to drive the assailants back. At the
approach of the Tripolitan gunboats, the Americans diverted their aim