TRIPPE, John, naval officer, died at sea, off Havana, 9 July, 1810. He entered the navy as a sailing-master, 6 May, 1803, and sailed in the brig " Vixen " to join Preble's squadron off Tripoli. In August, 1804, he was appointed acting lieutenant and placed in command of gun-boat No. 6. In the attack on the Tripolitan fleet he boarded one of the largest of the enemy's vessels, and had a hand-to-hand conflict with her commander, while he was armed with only a short pike. He received nine sabre-cuts across the head, but thrust his pike through his adversary, whereupon the Tripolitan crew surrendered, He also distinguished himself subsequently during the Tripolitan war, and received a vote of thanks and a sword from congress. He was promoted to lieutenant, 9 January, 1807, and in 1809 was lieutenant-commandant in command of the schooner " Enterprise," on which he died.