Blowing up of the fire ship Intrepid commanded by Capt. Somers in the harbour of Tripoli on the night of the 4th Sepr. 1804.

@ University of Michigan. Libraries

Description

Depicts the explosion of the ship Intrepid in the Tripoli Harbor after the American fleet intentionally set fire to it. Smoke and flames shoot into the night sky and an American ship observes at right. Other small vessels are seen in the water.; Descriptions directly below the image (from left to right): "Bashaw's Castle and Fort"; "Harbour of Tripoli"; "Fireship blowing up containing 100 barrels of powder, 150 fixed shells, &c."; "Tripoline Gun Boat": and "American Squadron".; Engraved below title: "Before the Intrepid had gained her destined situation she was suddenly boarded by 100 Tripolines, when the gallant Somers and heroes of his party (Lieutts. Wadsworth and Israel and 10 men) observed themselves surrounded by 5 gun-boats, and no prospect of escape, determined at once to prefer death and the destruction of the enemy to captivity & a torturing slavery, put a match to train leading directly to the magazine, which at once blew the whole into the air."

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Image

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Image

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