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.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$150.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
