Andrew Sterrett was executive officer of the Constellation, which captured the French frigate L’Insurgente, in 1799, and La Vengeance, in 1800.  It fell to his lot, while in command of the Enterprise, a vessel of 12 guns, to have the first serious fight in the war with Tripoli.  When off Malta, he met a Tripolitan vessel of 14 guns, and they fought furiously for two hours, at the end of which time the enemy hauled down his flag.  The Americans left their guns and broke into cheers, whereupon the Tripolitan fired a broadside.  Nothing loath, Lieutenant Sterrett resumed the battle.  The Tripolitans ran in close and attempted to board, but were repulsed, and, under the fierce fire of the Enterprise, they again hauled down their flag.

“I guess they mean it this time,” remarked Lieutenant Sterrett, but the words were hardly spoken when the enemy let fly with another broadside.

As may be supposed, this exhausted the patience of the American commander.  He ordered his men to their guns, and mentally resolved to finish the job without fail.  Circling round his antagonist, he raked her from stem to stern, shot away the mizzen mast, made a sieve of the hull and killed and wounded fifty men.  He was still at it, when, through the smoke, he caught sight of the swarthy captain, leaping up and down on the deck, swinging his arms and shrieking in broken English that he had surrendered.  To show he was in earnest, he flung his colors overboard.

“Now throw your guns and powder after your flag,” shouted Sterrett.

He was promptly obeyed; and, resolved to take no chances, Sterrett then compelled him to cut away his masts, after which he was permitted to rig a jury mast and a single sail.

“Now go home to your Dey,” said his conqueror, “and give him my compliments.”

Not a man was killed on board the Enterprise, though, as has been shown, the loss of the enemy was severe.

[Illustration:  CAPTAIN WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE.]

The American squadron in that part of the world was increased, and a number of engagements took place, with the advantage invariably on the side of our countrymen.  By the opening of 1803 there were nine of our ships, carrying two hundred and fourteen guns, in the Mediterranean waters.  The fine frigate Philadelphia captured a Moorish cruiser upon which were found papers signed by the Governor of Tangier authorizing the commander to destroy American commerce.  Commodore Preble sailed into the harbor and demanded an explanation of the emperor.  He denied having given any such authority to his subordinate, and in making his denial undoubtedly told a falsehood.  Nevertheless, he was so scared that he signed anew the treaty of 1786, deprived the governor of his commission and confiscated his estates.