American naval officer (1779-1820) who cemented a reputation as a hero for his leadership during the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812. Scarce ink signature, "I have the honor to be your ob't s't - Stephen Decatur,” on an off-white 3.75 x 2.5 sheet. In very good to fine condition, with trivial foxing, a vertical fold, and light toning from prior display.
Includes a printed broadside entitled "Jackson and Decatur," containing letters from Decatur’s widowed wife, Susan Wheeler, and his brother, John P. Decatur, both sent to Major General Andrew Jackson, relaying to him the admiration Decatur held for the future president; and a rare partial ALS from Decatur's father, Stephen Decatur, Sr., addressed to his other son, John, on August 22, 1807, which reads, in part: “According to request I have sent on the samples of gun powder one of cannon one of musket and one of rifle, which I wish you to have proven & compared with any other powder of the same grain as to qualify. I am confident it will be found equal to that made use of in the British or any other Navy.” Accompanied by a portrait print of Decatur by Peter A. Juley & Son.
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