my opinion
that they were an advanced guard, detached from the main body of
the flotilla on discovering the approach of the Intrepid, and
that they attempted to board her before she had reached her point
of destination; otherwise the whole of their shipping must have
suffered, and perhaps would have been totally destroyed. That she
was blown up before she had gained her station is certain, by
which the service has lost three very gallant officers. Captain
Somers, and Lieutenants Wadsworth and Israel were officers of
conspicuous bravery, talents, and merit. They had uniformly
distinguished themselves in the several actions; were beloved and
lamented by the whole squadron.

_September 5th._ We were employed in supplying the gunboats with
ammunition, &c., and repairing the bomb vessels for another
attack, but, the wind shifting to the N. N. E., a heavy swell
setting on shore, and other indications of bad weather,
determined me, for greater safety, to take the guns, mortars, (p. 149)
shot and shells out of the boats into the Constitution and
John Adams, which was accordingly done. The weather continuing
to wear a threatening aspect until the 7th, and our ammunition
being reduced to a quantity not more than sufficient for three
vessels to keep up the blockade, no intelligence of the expected
reinforcement, and the season so far advanced as to render it
imprudent to hazard the gunboats any longer on the station, I
gave orders for the John Adams, Syren, Nautilus, Enterprize and
Scourge, to take the bombs and gunboats in tow, and proceed to
Syracuse with them. The Argus and Vixen to remain with the
Constitution, to keep up the blockade.

_September 10th._ The United States ship President, Commodore
Barron, and Constellation, Captain Campbell, hove in sight, and
soon joined company, when the command of the squadron was
surrendered to Commodore Barron with the usual ceremony. I
continued in company with the squadron until the 12th, when three
strange ships came in sight, standing direct for Tripoli. Chase
was given, and two of them boarded and taken possession of by the
Constitution, the President in company, about four leagues from
Tripoli, but not more than five miles from the land, while the
Constellation and Argus were in chase of the third.