Oct. 31—The U. S. frigate Philadelphia ran on a sunken rock in the harbor of Tripoli, and was captured. The American fleet had captured or destroyed several Tripolitan vessels of war during the summer.
Dec. 20—The President takes possession of Louisiana.
1804.
Feb. 2—Geo. Walton, of Geo., signer of the Declaration of Independence, died.
” 15—New Jersey passes a law freeing all the slaves born in the State after the next 4th of July.
” 16—Lieut. Decatur, of the U. S. Navy, ran into the harbor of Tripoli in the night and burned the Philadelphia—captured by the Tripolitans, some time before. This done he withdrew in safety, in the sloop he had employed for the bold enterprise.
July 11—Alexander Hamilton, an eminent statesman, was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr, Vice-President of the United States. He was 48 years old and his death was considered as a public calamity.
Aug. 3—Com. Preble attacks Tripoli, sinks two vessels, captures three more, and bombards the city.
The city was blockaded during the remainder of the year and through the winter.