1819 Stephen Decatur **SIGNED** ALS to War of 1812 Navy Commodore John Rodgers

Description: DESCRIPTION: They can remove our statues, but they cannot tear down you wall. For your history and ownership is an 1819 letterNaval Hero Stephen Decatur to Commodore Jogn Rodgers Five months before Decatur's Death in a duel. Decatur 1779 - 1820. Celebrated American Naval officer, remembered for his naval adventures and death in a duel with best friend James Barron. Decatur is also celebrated for coining the phase, "Our country, right or wrong!" LS Stephen Decatur 1p 4to. Washington City, October 11, 1819. To board of Naval Commissioners President Commodore John Rodgers, the highest ranking American Naval Officer during the War of 1812. "The Commissioners of the Navy have received of the 7 ins, & with pleasure transmi herewith, for the information of this Board of Examining Officers, the information on the record of their officers, whose names are on the list sent them by you...."Decatur achieved renown during the Tripolian War 1801 - 1805, and as commander of the USS United States in the War of 1812. However, it was the year 1807 which proved to decisive for him, as was his death 14 years later was inextricably entwined with the notorious June 22 Chesapeake-Leonard affair between Great Britain and America. In what can only be the American frigate Chesapeake, commanded by Captain James Barron after she refused to surrender four British sailors who had deserted. Outfitted only for travel, the Chesapeake was wholly unprepared fo battle. However, Barron stubbornly refused to cede, and vitiated the situation when he replied with one gunshot "in honro of the flag" After her hull was "irrevovably injured", according to Decatur, the Chesapeake surrendedrd, but not before three of her crew members were killed, and some 20 injured. Barron was court-Martialed in January 1808 for midhandling a confrontation whose disastrous consequances could have been averted. Althrough acquitted on charges of cowardice and other minor infractions, the court of officers, of which Rodgers was president and Decatur a member found Barron guilty of "neglecting, on the probability of an engagement, to clear his ship for action." He was suspended for 5 yearswithout pay. Decatur had made clear his unflattering view of Barron prior to the court-martial, while Barron singled out Decatur as the cause of his disgrace, His longtime resentment to Decatur intensified in 1818, when his efforts for reinstatement failed due in part to Decaturs opposition. In a series of elaborate accusations. Barron charged Decatur with leading a conspiracy to block his promotion. A protracted, heated correspondence ensujed in which Decatur made numerous attempts to persuade Barron that his earlier remarks had not been intended as an insult. Barron responded to Decatur's palliative letters by challenging him to a duel, to which Decatur reluctantly agreed. Although both men were injured during thier fateful meeting on March 22th 1820, Decatur died that evening from an abdominal wound. Rodgers the recipeint of our letter, attended the duel and remained at Decaturs side until his death. Decaturs popularity was underscored by the immense crowd of mourners, the largest ever to assembled in Washington, following the officer's funderal procession. 1819 Stephen Decatur **SIGNED** ALS to War of 1812 Navy Commodore John Rodgers Rodgers led the Navy Board of Commissioners from 1815 - 1824 and 1827 - 1837, and served briefly as Secretary of th Navy in 1823. He was in the Med during the Tripolian War, in which, he distinguished himself as commander of the blockage that brought peace in 1805. Rodgers assumed of the Northern Division fleet after Barrons court martial and, in that capacity, was charged with enforcing the Embargo Act between 1810 and 1811. Rodgers fired the first shot of the War of 1812 from the USS President, and his effective performance during the conflict earned him President Madisons appointment as head of the Board of Naval Commissioners. The Board of Naval Commissioners was established in 1815 and the three person body oversaw the navy's material support during the administrations of presidents Madison and Monroe. At the time of our letter, the other two commissioners were Decatur and Captain David Porter, Famous for commanding USS Constitution during the First Barbary War and the USS Essex during War of 1812. Written on a folded sheet with the integral address leaf attached and "Free" written in an unidentified hand. Normal wear and age toning. In very very good condition. Pristine condition. Condition is excellent. Bright and clean. Blank on reverse. Paper is quality woven rag stock. Please view ALL photos as they have a close up to provide a fine idea of quality. Please email with questions prior to bidding. SHIPPING & HANDLING: Package will be very tight with five pieces of corrugated with heavy duty slip to notebook store until it goes to the framer. Well protected.Will be USPS. Multiple winners in one shipping amount.

Price: 5500 USD

Location: Canton, Georgia

End Time: 2024-11-08T11:34:22.000Z

Shipping Cost: 30 USD