cient measures were resolved upon by the American government, and pacific language was changed to that of open defiance.

The year 1803 forms an era in the history of the American Navy. A small force was still in the Mediterranean, and the accomplished, energetic and gallant Preble was appointed to the command of a squadron consisting of the Constitution, 44 guns→→→ Philadelphia, 44-Argus, 18-Syren, 16-Nautilus, 16—Vixen, 16—and Enterprise, 14. Twenty-five years ago, such a squadron as this, coming from the American States, would have excited the sneers of every naval power in Europe; but fifteen years ago they saw this little squadron accomplish what the largest fleets had never done.

Com. Preble hoisted his broad pendant on board the frigate Constitution. Lieut. Decatur, as he had been previously ordered to do, surrendered the command of the Argus, and took command of the schooner Enterprise, which, when commanded by the gallant Sterrett, had been so distinguished. At the time Com. Preble arrived at Gibraltar, he found that the subjects of the Emperor of Morocco, in Moorish frigates, had encroached upon the rights of American commerce. Although his primary object was to administer salutary chastisement to the Tripolitans, yet, "on his way" to his ultimate destination, he concluded to pay a visit to the Emperor. Before his arrival, Commodores Rogers and Bainbridge had indicated to this Prince of the Moors what he might expect from Americans, if his subjects continued theft

depredations upon American commerce. But this imperious representive of the Sultan in Africa, seemed then to care little or nothing for a distant, and by him a despised power, although his armed ships had been captured and detained by its commanders. He or his officers had ordered all American merchantmen to be detained, and some had actually been seized. Com. Preble had ordered his squadron to bring in all Moorish vessels. Thus, in few words, stood affairs with Morocco, when, on the 5th October, 1803, Decatur's new commander, the decided Preble, anchored the noble Constitution, and the little Nautilus, in the bay, within half a mile of the strong circular battery in the city of Tangier. He was joined by the frigates New-York, and John Adams, Com. Rodgers. It was a proud sight for American seamen, to behold this little squadron riding at anchor before an Emperor's powerful battery, waiting the event either of a pacific interview, or a tremendous contest. Every ship was kept clear for action, and every man at his quarters night and day,-every thought was fixed upon the decision of Com. Preble and the emperor of Mo

Upon the 6th, the Emperor made his appearance with 20,000 troops on the beach, in full view of the squadron. After an exchange of salutes from the squadron and the battery, the Emperor, instead of sending forth the messengers of death, in hot shot and grape, sent a present of bullocks, sheep and fowls. But as the first would have excited no fear,

the last created but little joy. It was no time for ceremony. Preble was a man of business, and his business must be done; and that without delay-he had more important concerns with the Bashaw of Tripoli, than he had with the potent Emperor of Morocco. Upon the 8th, the Emperor condescended again to look upon Com. Preble's little squadron. Upon the ninth, the American Consul* was permitted to communicate with the Commodore, and assured him, that all American ships detained should be released, by order of the Emperor, and that the

This was the venerable James Simpson, who was appointed by President WASHINGTON as consul at Morocco, soon after the organization of the American government. He scarcely saw his native country again to the day of his death in 1820. He had erected a beautiful mansion-house upon a commanding eminence in the vicinity of Tangier, which he dignified by the name of Mount Washington. While the author of these sketches was writing a description of the Desert of Zahara, of the manners, habits and customs of the Wandering Arabs, and of the Western coast of Africa, from the narration of the worthy and ingenuous Capt. Robbins, so long a slave to the Arabs, he often mentioned this venerable consul as the most benevolent friend of Christian slaves and American seamen. It was to the exertions of this excellent man at Tangier, and of that pattern of humanity, Hon. WILLIAM WILL SHIRE, at Mogadore, that so many wretched slaves have been restored to freedom and happiness. After finishing the volume, I suggested to Capt. Robbins the propriety of dedicating it to these gentlemen, and couched the dedication in these terms-" Gentlemen-permit me to offer this volume to you. I have, upon the OCEAN, endured the distress occasioned by the elements-upon LAND, the miseries inflicted by man, and from you have enjoyed the blessings of humane benevolence, which I can repay only by lasting gratitude." A. ROBBINS,

Emperor would give audience to the Commodore on shore the next day.

Upon the 10th, the undaunted Commodore, haying given orders to the commander of his squadron in his absence, to prepare for the worst, went ashore with only four attendants*, in full uniform, and completely armed. He was as fearless on shore in Africa, as he was on board of his squadron in the bay of Tangier. His admiring countrymen in the squadron, were gazing with anxious and silent expectation for the result of the interview; but the Commodore and his suite, of which the American consul was one, walked through the double files of Moorish dragoons with as much composure as they would have paced the quarter-deck of the frigate Constitution which was prepared to defend them, or to spread dismay amongst the Moors. The Commodore was requested, not ordered, to lay aside his arms, which he promptly declined. He, with the venerable American Consul, approached the Emperor, who was arrayed in all the magnificent splendour of an eastern despot, and surrounded by an immense retinue of princes, guards and slaves. The Emperor asked the Commodore if he was not in fear of being detained as a slave. "No, Sir, you dare not detain me-but if you should presume to do it, my squadron now in your full view, would lay your battery, your city and your castles in ruins, in one hour."

* Capt. Charles Morris attended the Commodore as his Secretary, and communicated these and many more particulars,

The awe-struck Emperor, immediately gave orders for th restoration of all American ships, and confirmed the treaty of 1786. The Commodore revok ed his orders to capture Moorish vessels, and thus, in a few days, brought one of the most powerful of the Barbary States to the terms of peace.

Decatur, in the schooner Enterprise, had for some time lain off the island of Malta, preparing for the contest which he concluded must be entered into, when Com. Preble was ready to direct his whole forces against Tripoli. He had infused into the bosoms of his officers and seamen the noble ardour

that inspired his own. Commodore Preble, having settled his affairs with the Emperor of Morocco, was now preparing to accomplish the great object of his expedition-the complete subjugation of Tripoli.

During this period, Capt. Bainbridge, in the frigate Philadelphia, (whose first commander was Decatur's father,) with the Vixen Sloop of war, lay before Tripoli, and, with this small force, completely blockaded that important port. On the last day of October, the Philadelphia, lying about fifteen miles. from Tripoli, Capt. Bainbridge discovered a large ship with Tripolitan colours, between him and the shore. He immediately gave chase to her, and continued the pursuit, until the ship entered the port for safety. In beating out of the harbour, this noble frigate struck violently upon an unseen and undescribed rock. It is wholly impossible to conceive what must have been the feelings of the gallant Bain