On this Day: Nine Gunboats Off the Coast of Tripoli

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Nine Gunboats Off the Coast of Tripoli

On February 6, 1802, after failed attempts of establishing peace, the U.S. President approved an Act of Congress that declared war on Tripoli. The act allowed U.S. forces to “subdue, seize, and make prizes of the vessels of the Bey of Tripoli.” It also increased the period of enlistment from one to two years.

A squadron was sent to the Mediterranean to enforce this new act, and onboard each frigate were Marines. Two Sergeants, two Corporals, two Musicians, and forty privates served on each of the six frigates. Two officers commanded most detachments. Leading the Marines on the Constellation was Captain James McKnight and 1st Lieutenant Edward Hall.

Back in the United States, the country was trying to reduce national expenses accrued during the American Revolution, and the U.S. President was eyeing the Marine Corps. On May 21, 1802, President Thomas Jefferson ordered most Marines in the United States to be placed on ships and head to the Mediterranean. He allowed a guard force of one sergeant, one corporal, and 15 privates to protect navy yards in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and Norfolk.

On July 22, the frigate Constellation, commanded by Captain Alexander Murray, was sailing off the coast of Tripoli. At 0900, Murray saw multiple sails towards the west, and he quickly gave chase.  After pursuing the vessels for an hour, Murray was close enough to spot nine gunboats, one of which began firing at the U.S. vessel. Murray continued to chase down the gunboats, and by 1100, fired his first shot. The gunboats tried to lure the Constellation into a reef, but Murray didn’t fall for the trick. Instead, he turned the frigate and fired the starboard guns at the several thousand Tripolitan troops assembled on the beach. The Constellation received no damage during this battle, but considerable loss was made to the gunboats and Tripolitan troops. The Constellation used 370 pounds of gunpowder, 60 round shot, 22 grapeshot, and 21 canister shots during this engagement.

Three months after this conflict, Marine Captain McKnight was killed in a duel. McKnight got in an argument with naval officer Lieutenant R.H. L. Lawson and challenged him to a fight. The proposed challenge was with pistols at six paces. The terms stated that if they both miss, they will “then to take cutlasses.” The two officers took their six steps, turned, and fired. Captain McKnight was shot in the heart. According to a witness, “He had but time to say he was shot and expired.”  He was buried in the English burial ground at Leghorn, and a monument was provided by his fellow officers. The memorial still stands today.

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