Lieutenant Decatur
ordered a small boat that was alongside of the ketch, to take a rope and
make it fast to the frigate's fore-chains. This being done, they began
to warp the ketch alongside. It was not until this moment that the enemy
suspected the character of their visitor, and great confusion
immediately ensued. This enabled our adventurers to get alongside of the
frigate, when Decatur immediately sprang aboard, followed by Mr. Charles
Morris, midshipman. These two were nearly a minute on deck, before their
companions could succeed in mounting the side. Fortunately, the Turks
had not sufficiently recovered from their surprise to take advantage of
this delay. They were crowded together on the quarterdeck, perfectly
astonished and aghast, without making any attempt to oppose the
assailing party. As soon as a sufficient number of men had gained the
deck to form a front equal to that of the enemy, they rushed in upon
them. The Turks stood the assault for a short time, and were completely
overpowered. About twenty were killed on the spot, many jumped
overboard, and the rest flew to the maindeck, whither they were pursued
and driven to the hold.
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