Set amid the backdrop of political infighting, interservice jealousy and diplomatic intrigue, To the Walls of Derne is the story of William Eaton's effort to topple Bashaw Yusuf Karamanli, the ruler of Tripoli, and replace him with his brother, Hamet, who was sympathetic to America. Eaton's coup attempt marked the first time the United States attempted ""regime change"" in another country.