Naval officer. He commanded five different privateer vessels during the American Revolution and became a captain in the U.S. Navy in 1798. In command of the USS Delaware, he captured the first prize in the undeclared war with France. ALS, one page, 7.25 x 9, February 11, 1820. Letter to an unidentified gentleman. In full, “I have just learnt that a vacancy will occur for a Navy store keeper at New Orleans. If it is your wish to apply for this situation & you will inform me without loss of time I will make application for you but I would not advise it the climate is bad & it is far away - the salary is about $1700.” Matted and framed with four 19th century hand-colored wood engravings and a commemorative bronze medal with Decatur’s portrait on one side and the Macedonian-United States sea battle on the reverse (visible on reverse of frame), to an overall size of 28.5 x 19. In very good condition, with mailing folds, light overall toning and scattered foxing. In 1820, Commodore James Barron challenged Decatur to a duel, relating in part to comments Decatur had made over what he considered Barron's poor conduct in the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair of 1807. Decatur had served as one of the members of the Court Martial that had found Barron guilty of unpreparedness in the affair, and had barred him from a command for the next five years. Barron’s second was Captain Jesse Elliott, known for his antagonism for Decatur. Decatur asked his supposed friend Commodore William Bainbridge to be his second to which Bainbridge consented. However, Decatur unknowingly had selected a man who had harbored a long-standing jealousy for Decatur. The two officers fought at Bladensburg Dueling Field in Bladensburg, Maryland on March, 22 1820. Before the duel, Barron spoke to Decatur in words of suggestive conciliation, but the seconds did nothing to halt the altercation. Decatur, an expert marksman with a pistol, intended only to wound Barron. However, Decatur was mortally wounded by a shot in the abdomen. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
