Action of 7 July 1804

On July 7, the American ships USS Syren, USS Argus, USS Vixen, and USS Scourage were blockading Tripoli until they noticed a large Tripolitan galiot sailing towards the city. The galiot was carrying a cargo of wheat. The US ships began sailing towards it and successfully forced it ashore nine miles west of Tripoli. Around 6:00 AM, the wind died and the chase stopped.^[4][5][6] The American ships attempted to bombard the Tripolitan vessel, but with no effect. The Americans then began dispatching boats to capture or destroy the ship. The Tripolitans began unloading the cargo.^[7][8]

The Americans dispatched the USS Syren's launch boat with a 12 lb. carronade and a barge with a heavy Swivel gun led by Lieutenant James R. Caldwell and Midshipman John Sword Dorsey. The two boats advanced until they were grounded in a rocky area of the reefs, making them immovable. The Americans were exposed to heavy fire by the Tripolitans, who took the rocks and sandhills as defensive positions, numbering 1,000. USS Vixen was sent to cover the boats. The Americans managed to damage the ship but failed to destroy it or capture it. Seeing that nothing could be done in this dangerous situation, the Americans retreated.^[9][10] The Tripolitans were able to save their cargo.^[11]

The Americans suffered 1 killed and 3 wounded in the attack, one of whom received a mortal wound and died. All of the casualties were Marines.^[12][13]

• Spencer C. Tucker (2013), The Encyclopedia of the Wars of the Early American Republic, 1783–1812, A Political, Social, and Military History [3 Volumes].
• John C. Fredriksen (2010), The United States Navy, A Chronology, 1775 to the Present.
• US Government Printing Office (1940), Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers, Vol IV.
• Gardner Weld Allen, (1905), Our navy and the Barbary corsairs.