Its a sad state of affairs when a bunch of folks who are surrounded by history books and references can't locate the site of significant historical naval engagements. Tsk. Tsk. It was Perry at Erie. Lawrence was the skipper of the Chesapeak. The U.S.S. Lawrence was Perry's Flag Ship, until he transferred his flag (Don't give up the ship!) to the Niagara. "Don't give up the ship!" were Lawrence's dieing words. (Very romantic...I suspedt liberties have been taken). A lot of young naval officers learned their trade in the Mediteranian and were in command in 1812. Again, this is from memory and suspect. But if you go to the PHMC site for the Niagara, they probably have a bunch of these details. Faragut, Admiral of some repute in the Civil War served as midshipman under his step father in 1812, Porter, I think. Seems the training we give young men is important. Certainly the concentrated company of men, being supervised and cared for by men, is an experience that shapes in ways other than that of more diverse experiences. -jc On Tuesday, August 19, 2003, at 05:03 AM, Jim Hicks wrote: ArialI did a google search and came up with Lebanon, but Libya is in the news this week paying every one off and I think I saw Tripoli there. ArialThey were talking about how much everyone got and I thought I heard a sum for the Italians in the 20 - 30 millions? Arialthe US's only got 6 - 8 I think. Arialjh ----- Original Message ----- From: 1999,1999,FFFF[log in to unmask] To: 1999,1999,FFFF[log in to unmask] Sent: Sunday, August 17, 2003 12:59 PM Subject: Re: Am I a republican? Do I dare to eat a peach? Arial4040,0000,4040In a message dated 8/17/2003 8:01:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 1999,1999,FFFF[log in to unmask]4040,0000,4040 writes: 0000,0000,0000Hey, Ralph - the shores of Tripoli are in Lebanon (the country in the ME) - whats the connection to the war of 1812 in your mind? 4040,0000,4040 Jim, The shores of Tripoli are in Libya  (I think;  having been found to be more in error of late than I prefer, I am a little timid [or teapot] today). I thought (mistakenly, it would appear) that the connection between the Shores of Tripoli and the War of 1812 was that TWET included the unpleasantness with the Burberry Concrete-Pouring Pyrates, who were based on the shores of Tripoli (formerly, I think, Tripolitania).  But evidently those were discreet conflicts. I hang my head in shame; however, my eyes have not turned brown. Ralph GadgetJohn Callan, Architect, Inc. Historic Preservation and Museum ServicesHelvetica 784 Deerwood Circle Lino Lakes, Minnesota 55014-5433 (651) 486-0890 [log in to unmask]