Home › CHAPTER XVII › Chapter XVII (IV)

Chapter XVII (IV)

A STIRRING YEAR. THE BOMBARDMENT OF TRIPOLI. - DECATUR'S HAND-TO-HAND FIGHT. - LIEUT. TRIPPE'S BRAVERY. - LIEUT. SPENCE'S BOLD DEED. SOMERS'S NARROW ESCAPE. -THE FLOATING MINE. - THE FATAL EXPLOSION. - CLOSE OF THE WAR. - THE END, ECATUR'S brilliant exploit set the key-note for the year 1804; and, for the remainder of that year, the Americans carried on the war with no less spirit and dash. A high degree of daring had been infused into the men by so notable an example; and long before the year was out, the blue-jackets began to consider themselves invincible, and were ready to undertake any exploit for which their services might be required.

The The lesser events of the year, we must pass over hastily. maintenance of the blockade of Tripoli led to one or two slight actions, and an occasional capture of little consequence. Thus, in March, the "Siren" captured the "Transfer," privateer, which was trying to run the blockade. A month or two later, a coasting felucca, loaded with supplies, was chased ashore near Tripoli, and two boats' crews were sent to take possession of her. The Tripolitans, as usual, sent out a body of cavalry to protect the felucca, and the Americans were driven off. Thereupon the American blockading squadron took up a position within range, and threw solid shot into the felucca until she was a Teinter by T. Sally Eng by Ahlhurand froan in Copy by James Boring.