The two
boarded by the Constitution were loaded with about sixteen
thousand bushels of wheat. Tripoli is in a state of starvation,
and there can be no doubt but these cargoes were meant as a
supply and relief to our enemies.

Considering the season too far advanced, and weather too
uncertain, to hazard any further operations against Tripoli, at
present, Commodore Barron determined that the prizes should be
sent to Malta, under convoy of the Constitution, it being
necessary she should go into port to be recaulked and refitted. I
notified to Commodore Barron that it was my wish to return to the
United States, in the frigate John Adams, Captain Chauncey; this
readily, and in the handsomest manner, met his acquiescence. I
shall accordingly return in that ship.

The service in this quarter cannot suffer from this arrangement,
as Captain Decatur is at present without a ship, and my return
will place him immediately in the exercise of the duties attached
to that commission which he has so gallantly earned, and his
country generously bestowed. I shall feel a pleasure in leaving
the Constitution under the command of that officer, whose
enterprising and manly conduct I have often witnessed, and whose
merits eminently entitle him to so handsome a command.

The other commanders merit the highest commendations for their
prompt obedience to orders, on all occasions, and for the zeal,
spirit and judgment which they displayed in the several attacks
on the enemy's shipping and batteries, as well as for the general
good order and discipline at all times observed on board their
respective vessels. The officers of the squadron have conducted
themselves in the most gallant and handsome manner; and the
conduct of the different ship's companies have merited my warmest
approbation since I have had the honour to command them.

It affords me much satisfaction to observe that we have neither
had a duel nor a court martial in the squadron since we left the
United States.

I most sincerely regret the loss of our gallant countrymen, who
have sacrificed their lives to the honour of the service, and
that it has not been in my power, consistent with the (p. 150)
interest and expectation of our country, to liberate Captain
Bainbridge and the unfortunate