The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

Extract of a letter from an Officer on board the Siren, to a Gentleman in Philadelphia.

"SIR: N. OFF TRIPOLI,
August 1, 1804.

On the sixteenth ult. we attempted to bring off, with our boats under the command of Lieutenant Caldwell and Mr. Decatur, a vessel, but did not succeed, for the collection of troops brought down for her defence was so numerous that our boats had to retire with the loss of one man killed and three severely wounded; the loss of the enemy was considerable we have been informed by a Maltese captain (whom the Commodore sent into Tripoli with clothing, &c. for the prisoners) that they had one hundred and fifty killed and wounded.

Commodore Preble arrived here on the twenty third ult. with the remainder of his force, but on account of the weather, he could attempt nothing until the twenty-fourth, when we anchored in a line before Tripoli, about three miles from the batteries. where we had not been two hours before we were obliged to get under way on account of the wind blowing off shore: but the wind has this day moderated, and we will again be enabled to take our station before their batteries.

The Tripolitans are much distressed at present- their cruisers have failed, and the vigilance of the blockading squadron has prevented their getting supplies from abroad. They have been fortifying themselves at every point, have removed everything valuable from the town, and have made, and are still making, great exertions for its defence."

Extract of a letter from an Officer of the squadron of the United States, off Tripoli, dated August 9, 1804.

"I received yours per the frigate John Adams, which arrived here yesterday.

The wants of the captives at Tripoli have been literally supplied by Commodore Preble, who not long since sent them a vessel, with clothing and a variety of other articles; all of which they have received, and say, they are amply supplied.-Their situation has been comfortable, as much so as captivity will admit of. We have had two actions with the enemy, on the 3d inst. they lost three of their gun-boats, captured by ours under their battery, and they sustained considerable loss in men. On the 7th. we bombarded the town for five hours, when they must have sustained great damage. Our loss in both was trifling, considering what we had to contend with. But I am sorry to inform you of the loss of LIEUT. CALDWELL, a brave and excellent officer, who on the 7th was blown up in his gun-boat.—

The favorable effect these two actions have had upon the enemy is very visible, and as a communication is to take place to-morrow, there is great hopes that PEACE will be the consequence.-

When our unfortunate countrymen will be restored to liberty."

From the same to the same, dated August 15.

"I wrote you a long letter on the 9th informing you of our operations on this Coast, since when nothing has occurred. The Bashaw, in his communications, has offered peace and the restoration of the prisoners to us for 150,000 dollars—100,000 dollars I believe have been offered, but the Bashaw has declared he will suffer himself to be buried in the ruins of his castle, or drive into the country, rather than take less than the 150,000 dollars ; therefore, we are preparing for another attack this day-the weather is favorable.."