The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1932-10-14

The marines had corresponding accommodations
on the opposite side, and the sailors had only
the surface of the casks in the hold. To these
inconvenience were added the want of any
room on the deck for exercise and the attacks
of innumerable vermin which our predecessors.
the slaves had left behind them. The provisions
proved to be decayed and offensive"
Finally, however. the little feet again stood
before Tripoh, and this time the grim drama
was not to be interrupted. With approximately
81 men aboard, the Intrepid commanded by Ste
phen Decatur, drifted into the harbor, pale,
beautiful young moon overhead lighting her way.
The harbor and town were still; no sound was
to be heard but the gentle tapping OF the waves
as the Intrepid moved quietly TO her destination.
Her quarry-the Philadelphia-stood before,
handsome ship, her 40 guns all loaded and
double-shotted and well manned. This was the
enemy which the little ketch of 60 tons and four
small guns faced-and in addition there were
the guns of the Pasha's castle as well as other
batteries Furthermore, there were floating de-
lenses close by consisting of two or three cruis-
ers and some galleys-
1t was tense moment and had suspicion
been directed against the Intrepid "she would
have been blown out of the water and not
could have escaped" All the men on the
ketch were kept concealed except a few in ma
tive dress and. owing TO the smooth Tripolitanese
of the Sicilian pilot, suspicion excited
aboard the Philadelphia. The watch hailed and
the pilot of the Intrepid replied that she had
lost anchors in the gale and would ike to make
fast to the Philadelphia for the night This
was agreed to, but after the ketch was warped
alongside the Philadelphia's crew scented dam
ger and there came the cry: "Americanosi
Americanos Z"
In another moment the Intrepid had swung
broadsde on and quickly passed lashings held
the two ships locked In deadly embrace. Then
Decaturs cry of "Boardi' rang out and with a
quick rush and the discharge Of only single
gun the decks were gained.
The surprise was as perfect as the assault
was rapid and the Tripolitan crew, panic-strick-
en-. huddled ike rats at bay awaiting the final
dash. Decatur had early gathered his men aft
stood a moment for them to gain sight of the
enemy, and then with the watchword ~Phila-
delphia' rushed upon the royers. No defense
was made. for, swarming to leeward they tum-
bled overheard; over the bows, through gun
ports. by aid of trailing billiards and stranded
rigging. out of the channels, pell-mell by every
loophole they went-and then, such as could
swan like water rats for the friendly shelter OF
the neighboring galleys
One by one the decks were cleared Ten min
utes after the boarding party swung over the
rails Decatur was in full possession of the ship
Events then moved with lightning rapidly Par
ties, especially assigned of course darted here
points. Then. with the ship already a blazing
mass which lighted the entire harbor and sent
terror to the hearts of the native onlookers the
brave little crew of Americans made for the In
trepid Then came the struggle to escape with
the town awakened the Tripoltanese batteries
coming into action, and the tiny ketch the OBJ
ject of every missile.
Through a verftable he'll of gunfre the Intrepid
made its way safely out of the harbor and as
they did so mighty explosion shook the earth
and sea and column Of flames shot to the sky
the Philadelphia had blown UP. The impos-
sible had been accomplished-and not single
one of Decatur's men had been killed.
Shortly after the epic firing of the PhfladeI-
phia. Preble recommended to the secretary OF
the navy that Decatur be promoted This rec
ommendation was promptly carried out. and the
secretary addressed letter TO Stephen Decatur
Esq. captain in the navy of the United States
In which he said:
The achievement of this brilliant enterurise
reflects the highest honor on all the officers and
men concerned You have acquitted yourself i'm
a manner which justiies the high confidence We
have reposed in your valor and skill The Pres
ident has desired me to convey to you his thanks
for your gallant conduct on this occasion. and
he likewise requests that you viii In his name
thank each individual of your gallant band for
their honorable and valorous support rendered
teered As testimonial of the Presidents high
opinion of your gallant conduct in this instance
he sends you the inclosed commission
Decatur was just twenty-five years old. the
youngest captain ever appointed In the United
States navy
esy Western Newspaper Union