Combat· First Barbary War
Enterprise vs Tripoli
The first American naval action of the Barbary War.
On 1 August 1801, the schooner USS Enterprise, under Lieutenant Andrew Sterett, fought the Tripolitan polacre Tripoli in a battle of about two hours west of Malta. The Tripoli struck her colors twice during the fight and twice resumed firing, treachery that hardened the Americans. The Marines especially distinguished themselves, their close musketry proving decisive in repelling the enemy's attempts to board. The Enterprise came through without casualties while the Tripolitans suffered severely, their vessel left a wreck. Because Sterett had no authority to take prizes, the battered Tripoli was dismantled and sent back into her home port in disgrace. The lopsided victory drew enormous attention at home: Congress voted Sterett a commemorative sword and awarded his crew a month's extra pay, a heartening opening to a long and frustrating war.
Podcast episodes on First Barbary War
Record no. 193