The Library of American Biography (Volume 22)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1847. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... euse, he assembled his whole force off Tripoli. It should be remembered, that the cannon of the Constitution were the only ones in the fleet, that he could hope would make any impression upon the walls and fortresses of the enemy. CHAPTER V. The Squadron in Force off Tripoli.--Driven off by a Gale. -- First Attack. -- Second Attack. -- Preble's Plans interrupted. --Squadron again driven off by a Gale. -- Three other Attacks. -- The Intrepid sent in as a Fireship. -- Explodes. -- Preparations for a sixth Attack. -- Barron arrives and takes the Command. The Bashaw boasted that he was perfectly secure, and could defy the utmost exertions of his foe. Bainbridge appears to have doubted whether an attack upon Tripoli by sea would result favorably, and in more than one letter expressed his conviction, that it was only vulnerable to the United Statea in one way; and that *was, as he wrote to Preble, by eight or ten thousand men landing near the town. This measure, or money, is the alternative. And with regard to a blockade, he gave the opinion, that it had and ever would be found a wrong system to pursue with this regency; it is only hazarding a great risk, as I have fatally experienced, without the least effect, except the interest of a few Jewish merchants and others, whom the Bashaw totally disregarded. From these views the Commodore dissented. The defences were, in truth, appallingly formidable. The city was well walled, and protected by batteries judiciously constructed, and mounting one hundred and fifteen pieces of heavy cannon; and a force of twenty-five thousand Arabs and Turks was at hand to man them, and otherwise act against an assailing enemy. The harbor was guarded by nineteen gunboats, two galleys, two schooners of eight guns each, and a bri...