Let the vessel enter the harbor at night with her men secreted below deck; steer her directly on board the frigate, and then let the men and officers board, sword in hand, and there is no doubt of their success.

It will be necessary to take several good rowboats in order to facilitate the retreat after the enterprise has been accomplished.

The frigate in her present condition is a powerful auxiliary battery for the defence of the harbor.

Though it will be impossible to remove her from her anchorage and thus restore this beautiful vessel to our navy, yet, as she may and no doubt will be repaired, an important end will be gained by her destruction." Captain Bainbridge had sent several similar letters to Preble, his good friend, the Swedish consul, being the man who secured their delivery.
The plan suggested by Bainbridge was a good one, for, since it was impossible to add the _Philadelphia_ to our navy, the next best thing was to prevent her remaining with that of Tripoli.

It may as well be stated here that the court martial which investigated the particulars of the loss of the _Philadelphia_ acquitted Captain Bainbridge of all blame and declared that he had done everything possible under the circumstances.
Fortunately, the American squadron succeeded about this time in capturing a Tripolitan gunboat, which would serve admirably to disguise the purpose of the Americans.