American naval officer (1779–1820) who cemented a reputation as a hero for his peerless leadership during the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812. Following a raid on a U.S. frigate that had been seized during the First Barbary War, which England’s Lord Nelson deemed “the most bold and daring act of the age,” Decatur was promoted to the rank of captain at the age of 25, a record that remains unmatched in the history of the American Navy. ALS signed “S. Decatur,” one page neatly trimmed in size to 7.25 x 8, January 19 [no year; 1815?]. Decatur writes to “Bullus” [his friend, Naval doctor John Bullus]. In full: “I wrote you by last mail informing you that a fight might take place. The belligerent aspect has evaporated, no fight—the enclosed is a correct tho abridged account; you must not say it comes from me.” After signing, Decatur adds a postscript: “My compliments to Mrs. B.” Vertical fold (tiny chip and split at bottom edge), right half of letter affixed to a slightly larger album page and left half of letter professionally reinforced on the reverse, otherwise fine, condition. Though undated, the letter may well related to the dramatic events that proved to be Decatur’s last engagement during the War of 1812. In January 1815, as the war headed into its final weeks, Decatur was assigned a mission in the East Indies. On the 14th of that month, Decatur set sail from New York in his flagship, the President. On the following day, his squadron encountered a British blockade, and the President was accidentally run aground as Decatur tried to break through. Though he was able to cripple one of the pursuing British frigates, the President was overpowered and, as Decatur himself would later explain, “my ship crippled, and more than a four-fold force opposed to me, without a chance of escape left, I deemed it my duty to surrender.” Two dozen of the men under Decatur’s command were killed, and Decatur himself, along with several dozen others, were injured. The men were taken prisoner and held until the following month; on February 8, following the cessation of hostilities between the U.S. and England, Decatur sailed for home aboard the HMS Narcissus and convalesced for several months in New York City. A remarkable and dramatic association with the war in which American naval might fully came into its own! Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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