_August 18th._ As the season is fast approaching when we may expect bad weather, and no news of the frigates, I have determined to make an attack as soon as the wind proves favourable. At eight P.M. I sent Captains Decatur and Chauncey, in two small boats, to reconnoitre the harbour, and observe the disposition of the enemy's flotilla at night. They returned at midnight, and reported that they were anchored in a line abreast, from the mole to the Bashaw's castle, with their heads to the eastward, for the defence of the inner harbour. At daylight (p. 144) the wind shifted suddenly from northeast to north-northwest, and brought a heavy sea on shore, which obliged us, for greater safety, to weigh and stand to sea. _August 20th._ We had gained an offing of nine or ten leagues; still blowing hard. We had met with the ketch Intrepid, from Syracuse, with a cargo of fresh water, stock, and vegetables, for the squadron. _August 22d._ Fell in with a ship from Malta, with water and live stock for the squadron. These cargoes arrived very opportunely, as we have for some time past been on a short allowance of water. The wind having moderated, we stood in and anchored with the squadron, six miles northeast by north from Tripoli. All the boats were engaged in discharging the transports. The Enterprize arrived from Malta, but brought no intelligence of the long expected frigates. _August 24th._ With a light breeze from the northeast, we stood in with the squadron, prepared for action, intending to attack the town and shipping in the night. At eight in the evening, anchored about two and a half miles from the batteries. At midnight it fell calm. I sent the bomb vessels, under the protection of the gunboats, to bombard the town; the boats of the squadron were employed in towing them in. At two A.M. the bombardment commenced, and continued until daylight, but with what effect is uncertain. At six all the boats joined us, and were taken in tow by the squadron, which was under weigh and standing off. At seven, anchored four miles north of the town. The weather for several days, proved unfavourable for approaching the shore.