It was understood that if the Dey agreed to the terms the captain would return in the boat with a white flag displayed at the bow.
He had been gone but a short time when an Algerian ship of war was discovered, crowded with soldiers and approaching.

Decatur instantly cleared for action, and had started to meet the enemy, when the port captain was observed approaching as rapidly in his boat as his men could row, and with the white signal fluttering from the bow.

All the Americans, including Decatur, were disappointed, but as he had promised, he waited until the boat was within hail.

Then he called out to know whether the treaty was signed.

He was told that it was, and in a short time the prisoners were brought alongside and delivered to their rescuers.