Instead of resisting these robbers, most of the nations had found it easier to pay vast sums of money to the Barbary rulers to obtain protection for their commerce. The Americans had begun in this way, and had made presents of money and goods to Algiers and Tunis. Then the ruler of Tripoli, called the Bashaw, informed our government that he would wait six months for a handsome present from us. If it did not come then, he would declare war against the United States. [Illustration: COMMODORE CHARLES MORRIS.] This did not frighten the Americans at all. Their only reply was to send a fleet of four ships to the Mediterranean. The intention was to force the Bashaw to make a treaty which should insure safety for our ships. This squadron did not do much but blockade the ports of Tripoli. A year later, in 1802, a larger squadron was fitted out to bring the Bashaw to terms. Commodore Morris was the commander. On one of the vessels, the _Adams_, was Oliver Perry as midshipman. Soon after the arrival of his ship in the Mediterranean, Oliver celebrated his seventeenth birthday. The captain of the _Adams_ was very fond of him, and succeeded in having him appointed lieutenant on that day. For a year and a half, the squadron of Commodore Morris cruised about the Mediterranean. No great battles were fought and no great victories were won. The _Adams_ stopped at the coast towns of Spain, France, and Italy. Through the kindness of the captain, Oliver was often allowed to go on shore and visit the places of interest. Commodore Morris, being recalled to America, sailed thither in the _Adams_; and so it happened that in November, 1803, Oliver Perry arrived again in America. His father was then living in Newport, and Oliver remained at home until July of the next year. He spent much of his time in studying mathematics and astronomy. He liked to go out among the young people, and his pleasing manners and good looks made him a general favorite. He was fond of music and could play the flute very skillfully. When not studying, he liked most of all to ride horses, and fence with a sword. While Lieutenant Perry was spending this time at home, the war in the Mediterranean was still being carried on. Commodore Preble, who had succeeded Commodore Morris, had won many brilliant victories. The most daring feat of all this war was accomplished by Stephen Decatur, a young lieutenant only twenty-three years old. One of the largest of the American vessels, the _Philadelphia_, had, by accident, been grounded on a reef. Taking advantage of her helpless condition, the whole Tripolitan fleet opened fire upon her. Captain Bainbridge, the commander of the _Philadelphia_, was obliged to surrender. The Tripolitans managed to float the vessel off the reef, and towed her into the harbor. Captain Bainbridge, although a prisoner, found means to send word of his misfortune to Commodore Preble, who was then at Malta, and the American fleet at once sailed for Tripoli.