Distrustful at first, though they ceased firing, the Tripolitans finally came aboard, plundered the officers and men of their personal property, and then took them--three hundred and fifteen in all--to the city, where they were lodged in prison.
Some days later a powerful northerly wind partly lifted the _Philadelphia_ off the rocks, and by united efforts her captors succeeded in getting her into deep water.

The holes in the bottom were plugged, and the guns and anchors that had been thrown overboard in the shallow water were easily recovered and replaced on the ship.

Thus the Bashaw secured a most valuable prize.
The disaster gave a serious aspect to the war, for it not only added material strength to the enemy, but increased their courage and insured a more determined resistance on their part.

While the loss was a severe one to the American navy, it was not difficult to replace it.
One day a letter reached Commodore Preble.

Apparently it was nothing but a blank sheet of paper, but knowing that lemon juice had been employed for ink, the Commodore held it before a flame and brought out the following, in the handwriting of Bainbridge: "Charter a small merchant schooner, fill her with men and have her commanded by fearless and determined officers.