THE TRUE STORY OF WILLIAM EATON AND THE UNITED STATES FIRST ATTEMPT AT REGIME CHANGEApril 27, 1805. The impasse in the four-year war between the Barbary pirate state of Tripoli and the United States is about to be broken. William Eaton has led his ragtag army of Greeks, Arabs, and U.S. Marines across five hundred grueling miles of sun-scorched desert from Alexandria, Egypt, to Tripolis heavily defended port fortress of Derna. Outnumbered ten to one, the exhausted, thirsty men carry out Eatons daring charge on the pirate fortressand enter the history books and anthem of the U.S. Marines.David Smethurst vividly chronicles Americas Barbary War and the pivotal role of William Eatonfirebrand, soldier, and statesman. From the former army captains appointment as consul to the Barbary Coast in 1799 to the enemys capture of the USS Pennsylvania and her three hundred sailors to Eatons valiant attack and its stunning aftermath, Tripoli is a fascinating tale of polished diplomacy, raw heroism, and a man as fearless and independent as the young nation he represented.From the Paperback edition.