One day a letter reached Commodore Preble.  Apparently it was nothing but a blank sheet of paper, but knowing that lemon juice had been employed for ink, the Commodore held it before a flame and brought out the following, in the handwriting of Bainbridge: 

“Charter a small merchant schooner, fill her with men and have her commanded by fearless and determined officers.  Let the vessel enter the harbor at night with her men secreted below deck; steer her directly on board the frigate, and then let the men and officers board, sword in hand, and there is no doubt of their success.  It will be necessary to take several good rowboats in order to facilitate the retreat after the enterprise has been accomplished.  The frigate in her present condition is a powerful auxiliary battery for the defence of the harbor.  Though it will be impossible to remove her from her anchorage and thus restore this beautiful vessel to our navy, yet, as she may and no doubt will be repaired, an important end will be gained by her destruction.”

Captain Bainbridge had sent several similar letters to Preble, his good friend, the Swedish consul, being the man who secured their delivery.  The plan suggested by Bainbridge was a good one, for, since it was impossible to add the Philadelphia to our navy, the next best thing was to prevent her remaining with that of Tripoli.  It may as well be stated here that the court martial which investigated the particulars of the loss of the Philadelphia acquitted Captain Bainbridge of all blame and declared that he had done everything possible under the circumstances.

Fortunately, the American squadron succeeded about this time in capturing a Tripolitan gunboat, which would serve admirably to disguise the purpose of the Americans.  Preble then told Lieutenant Decatur of the suggestion made by Bainbridge.  No sooner was the young lieutenant acquainted with the plan than he volunteered to lead in the perilous enterprise.  Nothing could have suited the daring fellow better.

Lieutenant Charles Stewart, who arrived a short time before in the Siren, not knowing of the scheme that had been formed, proposed with the Siren’s men to cut out the Philadelphia.  Preble informed him the honor had been given to Decatur.  Stewart was disappointed, but expressed his honest pleasure that the management of the affair was entrusted to such worthy hands.

“He is the best man that could have been selected,” he said heartily, “and there isn’t a shadow of doubt that he will succeed.”

Every one in the fleet was eager to volunteer, but Decatur selected sixty-two men, to which were added six officers from the Enterprise and six from the Constitution, with a native pilot.  Knowing the daring nature of Decatur, he was given strict orders not to attempt to cut out the Philadelphia, but to destroy her.