2006-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2006
DECATUR, Stephen (1779-1820) Naval officer who served on the court martial of Captain James Barron who would later kill him in a duel. During the War of 1812, Decatur fought and defeated the MACEDONIAN, the second of his three famous frigate encounters. Other notable encounters include the battle between the PRESIDENT and a British blockade of New York harbor, where Decatur was able to destroy the enemy frigate ENDYMION. The PRESIDENT was later captured and Decatur wounded, but the victory over ENDYMION earned him high praise. In 1815, Decatur commanded a nine-ship squadron headed for Algiers to settle conflicts which had persisted since 1812. Decatur's abilities as a negotiator were recognized after he secured a treaty with the Algerians and extracted compensation from the Tripolitans. During celebration of the truce with the North African States, Decatur declared his famous line: "Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right; but our country right or wrong." Portion of Autograph Letter Signed, "Stephen Decatur" 1p. 6"x3-1/2". Mounted. Fine.
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