Page "Edward Preble" Paragraph 22

While commanding in Tripoli, Preble masterminded the burning of the USS Philadelphia by Lieutenant Stephen Decatur on February 16, 1804, preventing the captured frigate from falling into enemy hands.

Had Tripoli gained the use of the Philadelphia, the entire blockade would have been wasted.

Stephen Decatur and his younger brother, James Decatur, led the actual operation.