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Foreign News
December 5, 1801
Rhode Island Republican
Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
Captain Sterrett's schooner Enterprise defeated a Tripolitan cruiser in the Mediterranean on August 1, capturing no casualties while inflicting heavy losses on the enemy, who was later dismantled and sent back to Tripoli, causing desertions and punishment of the captain.
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Full Text
Washington-City, Nov. 18.
NAVAL VICTORY
Yesterday Capt. Sterrett, commander of the schooner Enterprise, part of the Mediterranean squadron, arrived here, with dispatches for the Secretary of the Navy. Capt. Sterrett is the bearer of dispatches from Commodore Dale, which exhibit a detailed account of the proceedings & situation of the Mediterranean squadron.
On the 1st of August, the ch. Enter. prize, commanded by Capt. Sterrett, and carrying 12 six pounders and 80 men, bound to Malta for a supply of water, fell in with a Tripolitan cruizer, being a ship of 14 six pounders, manned by 80 men.
At this time the Enterprise bore British colours. Capt. Sterrett interrogated the commander of the Tripolitan on the object of his cruise. He replied that he came out to cruise after the Americans: and that he lamented that he had not come along side of some of them. Capt. Sterrett, on this reply, hoisted American, in the room of British colours; and discharged a volley of musquetry; which the Tripolitan returned by a partial broadside. This was the commencement of a hard fought action, which begun at 8 a. M. and continued for three hours.
Three times, during the action the Tripolitan attempted to board the Enterprise, and was as often repulsed with great slaughter, which was greatly increased by the effective aid afforded by the marines. Three times, also, the Tripolitan struck her colours, and as often treacherously renewed the action, with the hope of disabling the crew of Capt. Sterrett, which, as usual, when the enemy struck her colours, came on deck and exposed themselves, while they gave three cheers as a mark of victory.
When for the third time, this treacherous attack was made, Capt. Sterrett gave orders to sink the Tripolitan, on which a scene of furious combat ensued, until the enemy cried for mercy.
Capt. Sterrett, listening to the voice of humanity, even after such perfidious conduct, ordered the captain either to come himself, or to send some of his officers on board the Enterprise. He was informed that the boat of the Tripolitan was so shattered as to be unfit for use. He asked, what security there was, that if he should send his men in his own boat they would not be murdered?
After numerous supplications and protestations the boat was sent: The crew of the Tripolitan was discovered to be in the most deplorable state. Out of 80 men, 20 were killed, and 30 wounded. Among the killed were the second lieutenant & surgeon; and among the wounded were the captain and first lieutenant. And so decisive was the fire of the Enterprise that the Tripolitan was found to be in a most perilous condition, having received 18 shot between wind and water.
When we compare this great slaughter, with the fact that not a single individual of the crew of the Enterprise was in the least degree injured, we are lost in surprise at the uncommon good fortune which accompanied our seamen, and at the superior management of Capt. Sterrett.
All the officers and sailors manifested the truest spirit, and sustained the greatest efforts during the engagement. All, therefore, are entitled to encomium for their valour and good conduct. The marines, especially owing to the nearness of the vessels, which were within pistol shot of each other, were eminently useful.
After administering to the relief of the distressed wounded Tripolitans, and the wants of the crew, Capt. Sterrett ordered the ship of the enemy to be completely dismantled. Her masts were accordingly all cut down, and her guns thrown overboard.
A spar was raised, on which was fixed, as a flag, a tattered sail; and in this condition the ship was dismissed.
On the arrival of the Tripolitan Ship at Tripoli, so strong was the sensation of Shame and indignation excited there, that the Bey ordered the wounded Captain to be mounted on a Jack Ass, and paraded through the streets as an object of public scorn. After which he received 200 bastinadoes.
So thunderstruck were the Tripolitans at this event, and at the apprehended destruction of their whole marine force, that the sailors, then employed at Tripoli on board of cruizers that were fitting out by the government, all deserted them, and not a man could be procured to navigate them. Official.
NAVAL VICTORY
Yesterday Capt. Sterrett, commander of the schooner Enterprise, part of the Mediterranean squadron, arrived here, with dispatches for the Secretary of the Navy. Capt. Sterrett is the bearer of dispatches from Commodore Dale, which exhibit a detailed account of the proceedings & situation of the Mediterranean squadron.
On the 1st of August, the ch. Enter. prize, commanded by Capt. Sterrett, and carrying 12 six pounders and 80 men, bound to Malta for a supply of water, fell in with a Tripolitan cruizer, being a ship of 14 six pounders, manned by 80 men.
At this time the Enterprise bore British colours. Capt. Sterrett interrogated the commander of the Tripolitan on the object of his cruise. He replied that he came out to cruise after the Americans: and that he lamented that he had not come along side of some of them. Capt. Sterrett, on this reply, hoisted American, in the room of British colours; and discharged a volley of musquetry; which the Tripolitan returned by a partial broadside. This was the commencement of a hard fought action, which begun at 8 a. M. and continued for three hours.
Three times, during the action the Tripolitan attempted to board the Enterprise, and was as often repulsed with great slaughter, which was greatly increased by the effective aid afforded by the marines. Three times, also, the Tripolitan struck her colours, and as often treacherously renewed the action, with the hope of disabling the crew of Capt. Sterrett, which, as usual, when the enemy struck her colours, came on deck and exposed themselves, while they gave three cheers as a mark of victory.
When for the third time, this treacherous attack was made, Capt. Sterrett gave orders to sink the Tripolitan, on which a scene of furious combat ensued, until the enemy cried for mercy.
Capt. Sterrett, listening to the voice of humanity, even after such perfidious conduct, ordered the captain either to come himself, or to send some of his officers on board the Enterprise. He was informed that the boat of the Tripolitan was so shattered as to be unfit for use. He asked, what security there was, that if he should send his men in his own boat they would not be murdered?
After numerous supplications and protestations the boat was sent: The crew of the Tripolitan was discovered to be in the most deplorable state. Out of 80 men, 20 were killed, and 30 wounded. Among the killed were the second lieutenant & surgeon; and among the wounded were the captain and first lieutenant. And so decisive was the fire of the Enterprise that the Tripolitan was found to be in a most perilous condition, having received 18 shot between wind and water.
When we compare this great slaughter, with the fact that not a single individual of the crew of the Enterprise was in the least degree injured, we are lost in surprise at the uncommon good fortune which accompanied our seamen, and at the superior management of Capt. Sterrett.
All the officers and sailors manifested the truest spirit, and sustained the greatest efforts during the engagement. All, therefore, are entitled to encomium for their valour and good conduct. The marines, especially owing to the nearness of the vessels, which were within pistol shot of each other, were eminently useful.
After administering to the relief of the distressed wounded Tripolitans, and the wants of the crew, Capt. Sterrett ordered the ship of the enemy to be completely dismantled. Her masts were accordingly all cut down, and her guns thrown overboard.
A spar was raised, on which was fixed, as a flag, a tattered sail; and in this condition the ship was dismissed.
On the arrival of the Tripolitan Ship at Tripoli, so strong was the sensation of Shame and indignation excited there, that the Bey ordered the wounded Captain to be mounted on a Jack Ass, and paraded through the streets as an object of public scorn. After which he received 200 bastinadoes.
So thunderstruck were the Tripolitans at this event, and at the apprehended destruction of their whole marine force, that the sailors, then employed at Tripoli on board of cruizers that were fitting out by the government, all deserted them, and not a man could be procured to navigate them. Official.
What sub-type of article is it?
Naval Affairs
War Report
What keywords are associated?
Naval Victory
Enterprise Schooner
Tripolitan Cruiser
Sterrett Command
Mediterranean Squadron
Barbary War Battle
What entities or persons were involved?
Capt. Sterrett
Commodore Dale
Where did it happen?
Mediterranean
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Mediterranean
Event Date
1st Of August
Key Persons
Capt. Sterrett
Commodore Dale
Outcome
tripolitan: 20 killed, 30 wounded; enterprise: no injuries. ship dismantled, masts cut down, guns thrown overboard; sent back to tripoli. tripolitan captain punished with public scorn and 200 bastinadoes; sailors deserted.
Event Details
The Enterprise, under Capt. Sterrett, engaged a Tripolitan ship of 14 six-pounders and 80 men. After initial exchange, a three-hour battle ensued with the Tripolitan attempting to board three times and striking colors treacherously. Enterprise repulsed attacks with marine aid. Enemy begged mercy; boat sent despite concerns. Enterprise crew unharmed; enemy ship in peril with 18 shots below waterline. Ship dismantled and dismissed with tattered sail.