Description:

Decatur Stephen

Single page ALS, 7.5" x 12.5". Dated "Washington April 1818", and signed in full signature as "Stephen Decatur". Page is toned with small tiny stains spots, expected folds. Two pieces of tape on verso appearing to reinforce the page fold. Accompanied by an engraving of Decatur, standing in full uniform on the deck of a ship, 6.25" x 9".

 Decatur writes to James Beatty:

"My Dear Sir: Through your polite attention, I received by the hands of Captain Mitchell, the small packet you where [sicso good as to send by him. I beg you to accept my thanks & tender of services if they can ever be useful to you.

Stephen Decatur was one of America's greatest naval heroes, serving in the quasi war with France, the War of 1812 and both Barbary Wars, which earned him the title, "the conqueror of the Barbary pirates." Decatur's night raid into Tripoli harbor on 16 February 1804, to destroy the former U.S. frigate Philadelphia (which had been under the command of Bainbridge when she ran aground and was captured) was characterized by Admiral Lord Nelson as "the most bold and daring act of the age," the action this pitcher probably commemorates. Bainbridge's service spanned the same period and was highlighted by his victory over HMS Java during the War of 1812 while in command of the U.S.S. Constitution. Two years after this letter was written, Decatur was mortally wounded in a duel in Bladensburg, Maryland, March 22, 1820.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own worldwide in-house shipping!
Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. ***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR SHIPMENT TO BE SENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN THE ONE YOU HAVE ON FILE WITH INVALUABLE, YOU WILL NEED TO INFORM US OF THIS AS SOON AS PAYMENT IS SUBMITTED FOR YOUR WINNINGS*** Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000