more
ships unnecessary for the termination of the Tripoline war. I
gave Captain Chauncey orders to remain on the station, that we
might be benefited by the assistance of his boats and men, as
nearly half the crews of the Constitution, brigs and schooners,
were taken out to man the bombs, gun and ship's boats when
prepared for an attack.

_August 9th._ We were engaged supplying the bombs and gunboats
with ammunition and stores, and getting everything in readiness
for an attack, the moment Commodore Barron should arrive and make
the signal. I cannot but regret that our naval establishment is
so limited as to deprive me of the means and glory of completely
subduing the haughty tyrant of Tripoli, while in the chief
command; it will, however, afford me satisfaction to give my
successor all the assistance in my power. At three P.M. I went
on board the Argus, for the purpose of reconnoitering the harbour
of Tripoli; we stood in towards the town, and were near being
sunk by the enemy's fire; one of their heaviest shot, which
struck about three feet short of the water line, raked the copper
off her bottom under water, and cut the plank half through. In
the evening the wind blew strong from the N. N. E.; the squadron
weighed, and kept under sail all night. The day following we
anchored, Tripoli bearing S. S. W., six miles distant. At ten A.M.
the French Consul hoisted a white flag at his flagstaff, under
the national colours, which was a signal that the Bashaw was
ready to treat. I sent a boat into the harbour, and took this
opportunity to forward Captain Bainbridge, and his officers,
letters from their friends. The boat was not allowed to land, but
returned in the afternoon, and brought me a letter, advising that
the Bashaw was ready to receive five hundred dollars for the
ransom of each of the prisoners, and terminate the war, without
any consideration for peace or tribute. This is three hundred and
fifty thousand dollars less than was demanded previous to the
action of the 3d instant. These terms I did not hesitate to
reject, as I was informed by Captain Chauncey that it was the
expectation of our Government, on the arrival of four frigates,
to obtain the release of the officers and crew of the
Philadelphia without ransom, and dictate the term