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. Late in the day, February 9, 1804, the ketch left Syracuse for Tripoli, accompanied by the _Siren_, Lieutenant Stewart, to cover the retreat. The weather became so bad that the attempt had to be postponed, since the ketch was sure to be dashed to pieces on the rocks. The impatient crew was compelled to withdraw and wait for a week before the weather moderated. On the 15th, everything being favorable, the crew of the ketch bade good-by to their friends and set out on their perilous mission. The night was clear and starlit, and at nine o'clock the ketch was in full view of the city and its twinkling lights, with the dark shores crowded with batteries, while far ahead, under the guns of the Bashaw's castle, lay the _Philadelphia_. The wind fell and the little craft crept slowly through the water, seemingly into the very jaws of death, until the outlines of the silent frigate loomed to sight through the gloom. Following Decatur's guarded orders, the men lay flat on the deck, all concealing themselves as best they could, while five or six, dressed as Maltese sailors, lounged about in plain sight. The quartermaster at the wheel, obeying the directions of Decatur, steered so as to foul the _Philadelphia_, from which there suddenly came a hail. Lieutenant Decatur whispered to the pilot to say they had just arrived from Malta, and, having lost their anchor, wished to make fast to the _Philadelphia's_ cables until another could be got from shore. A brief conversation followed, during which the ketch edged closer, but the Tripolitans soon discovered the men in the stargleam, and the alarm was sounded; but with great coolness and haste the ketch was worked into position and Decatur gave the order to board.