nd the next instant the flying
shot cut away the flagstaff just above him. When the action was over,
Lieut. Somers stood by the pole, and found that the shot had cut it at
the exact height of his chin.

After firing for about three hours, the American squadron drew off.
Little had been accomplished, for the stone walls and fortresses of
Tripoli were not to be damaged very greatly by marine artillery. The
Americans themselves had suffered seriously. Their killed and wounded
amounted to eighteen men. They had lost one gunboat by an explosion,
and all the vessels had suffered somewhat from the Tripolitan fire.

That night the Americans were gladdened by the arrival of the frigate
"John Adams," bringing letters and news from home. She brought also
the information that re-enforcements were coming. Accordingly Preble
determined to defer any further attack upon Tripoli until the arrival
of the expected vessels. In the mean time he had several interviews
with the Bashaw upon the subject of peace; but, as the Turk would not
relinquish his claim of five hundred dollars ransom for each captive
in his hands, no settlement was reached.

While waiting for the re-enforcements, Preble continued his
preparations for another attack. The ships were put into fighting
trim, munition hauled over, and repeated and thorough reconnoissances
of the enemy's works made. It was while on the latter duty, that the
brig "Argus" narrowly escaped destruction. With Preble on board, she
stood into the harbor, and was just coming about before one of the
batteries, when a heavy shot raked her bottom, cutting several planks
half through. Had the shot been an inch higher, it would have sunk the
brig.

By the 24th of August, Preble's patience was exhausted; and, without
waiting longer for the expected squadron, he began an attack upon the
town. On the night of the 24th, a few shells were thrown into Tripoli,
but did little damage. Four days later, a more determined attack was
made, in which every vessel in the squadron took part. Two of the
enemy's gunboats were sunk; but with this exception little material
damage was done, though the Americans chose the most advantageous
positions, and fired fast and well. It was becoming evident that
men-of-war were no match for stone walls.

During this engagement, the American fleet came within range of the
Bashaw's palace, and the flying shot and shell drove that dignitary
and his suite to a bomb-proof dungeon. One