Naval History & Heritage Command photo KN-10849.

Burning the frigate Philadelphia by Edward Moran.

On ruse of having lost anchor, the pilot of Intrepid convinced the Tripolitans on board Philadelphia that the ship was a merchantman out of Malta and secured permission to make fast to the captured frigate’s line. Decatur was up Philadelphia’s mid-chains in an instant, followed by sixty men and officers including Brown, who carried the entire fight to the Tripolitans with the sword, swept them overboard and remained until flames appeared skyward from Philadelphia’s hatchways and ports. As Intrepid got from alongside the frigate, flames shot up to the top rigging and Philadelphia’s loaded guns became so hot they went off broadside to the town. Not more than fifteen minutes from time of boarding, the brave men were making their way out of the harbor under fire of enemy shore batteries.

The astonishing feat had been accomplished at the coast of only one man slightly wounded. Before they were out of the harbor, Brown had the satisfaction of seeing the Philadelphia, a veritable torch, drift under the Bashaw’s castle where she was completely consumed. Decatur reported the coolness and intrepidity of his men was such “As I trust will ever characterize the American Tar.” This “most daring feat of the age” brought a new respect and luster for America and greatly increased the prestige of the United States and her Navy throughout the world. Two months’ pay was awarded each of Intrepid’s crew and Congress voted Decatur the present of a sword with grateful thanks for achieving a task of national importance.

Source: Naval History & Heritage Command including Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.