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tHc rigging, up Wnlcn lney went lllSSlHS,
| like a rocket, the tar having oozed from
the ropes, which had been saturated with
that mfammable matter. Matches could
not have kindled with greater quickness.
The sweeps were now manned. Up to
this moment, every thing had been done
Earnestly, though without noise, but soon
as they felt that they had got command of
their ketch again, and by two or three


vigorous strokes, had sent her away from


the irigaie, the people Of the Intrepid


ceased rowing, and as one man, they gave
three cheers for victory. This appeared


to arouse the Turks from their stupor, for
the cry had hardly ended, when the bat


teries, the two corsars, and the galley,
poured in their fire. The men laid hold
|of the sweepsagain, ofwhich the Intrepid
had eight ofa side, and favored by a light
air, they went merrily down the harbor.
spectacle that followed, is described
as having been both beautiful and sub
lime The entire bay was illuminated
by the confagration, the roar Of cannon
was constant, and 'Tripoli was III clam
or. The appearance of the ship was, in
the highest degree, magnificent; and to
add to the effect, as her guns heated, they
began to go off. Owing to the shift of
wind, and the position into which she had
tended, she in some measure, returned
the enemy's fire, as ono of her broadsides


was discharged in the direction Of the
town, and the other towards Fort Eng
ish. The most singular effect of this
confagration was on hoard the ship, for
the flames having run up the rigging and


masts, collected under the tops, and fell
over, giving the whole the appearance of
glowing columns and fiery capitals.


Under ordinary circumstances, the sit


uation of the ketch would have been


thought sufficiently perilous, but after the
exploit they lad just performed, her peo-
pie, elated with success, regarded all that


was now passing as triumphant specta-
Gle. The shot constantly cast the spray
around them, or were whissling over their


heads, but the only sensation they pro-


duced, was by calling attention to the


brilliant jet d'eau that they occasioned as
they bounded along the water. But one


struck the Intrepid, although she was


within half mile of many of the hea-


West guns for some time, and that passed


through her top gallant sail.


With sixteen sweeps, and eighty men


elated with success, Mr.. Decatur was ell


abled to drive the little Intrepid ahead


with velocity that rendered towing use


less. Near the harbor's mouth, he met


the SIRENS boats, sent to cover his retreat,


but their services were scarcely necessary.


As soon as the ketch was out of danger
he got into one, and pulled aboard the


brig, to report to Lieut.. Com. Stewart,


the result Of his undertaking.