USS Constitution "Old Ironsides" - "Preble's Boys"

In the late 18th century, merchant shipping of the early United States was plagued by Barbary pirate raids. After years of trouble, the United States commissioned six frigates to be built for the new navy. The USS Constitution carried 44 guns or more. The ship was a powerful presence being well armed and armored yet was fast enough to outrun the larger ships of the line. In 1803, Commodore Edward Preble, with the Constitution as his flagship, led a squadron of ships in the Mediterranean Sea against the Barbary States. On September 6, near the Rock of Gibraltar, USS Constitution encountered an unknown ship in the dark. With men at general quarters, Constitution ran along side of the other ship. Preble hailed the ship but only received a hail in return. Identifying himself as the United States frigate Constitution, he received the same question again from the unknown ship. Losing his patience, Preble said: "I am now going to hail you for the last time. If a proper answer is not returned,