Class J. Book '-if ^ ^ j4^l_ Bomb Vessels. 4 treaty he sent on shore with a note to the Dey, stating that if it was not signed and ictiirncd to hini within five lioiirs, he would not treat with him at all- It was accordingly signed and returned within the time specified; and the Dc} obser\ed to one of his ministers, in the presence of the interpreter, that he wouhl not have agreed to such terms for any power in the worhl. except the man who went in a dark night, and burnt the Philadelphia — that there was no knowing what such a per- son might do; and it was better to make peace upon his own terms. And thus was obtained for the United States, witliout the sacrifice of a life, or a spar, or even a I'ope, what, in a few moiiths afterwards, cost England a great many lives, and some millions of dollars to repair the injury sustained by Lord Exmoutli's squadron,* (the largest ever sent out from Eng- land) in obtaining liis treaty; and which treaty has already been violated, and the nation subjected to all the expense of another war; wliereas I have not heard that either Algiers, or any other of the Barbary powers, has manifested any disjjosition to break with us; which I think is a ]»roof that they stand moj'e in awe of us than of any other nation; and there has been nothing to pi'oduce such an impression, except my biloxed husband's tei-rific attack upon them — encountering them hand to hand, while under their own battei-ics; a mode of warfare to wliich t!;ey were not accustomed IVom tiieii- Christ iari ene- mies; and which had such an effect upon them, thatthis nation is at this day I'eaping the benefits of it — and, I am alVaid, without recollecting from whence they are derived. their enemies, shall have liberty tofrcqiiciU tlie portsof Algiers for refresh- ments of any liiiul, andlosell such prizes in tiie said ports, witliout paying any other customs oi' duties than such as are customary on ortiinary com- mercial imporlations." This article our government voluntarily relinquished in 1815, in the fol- lowing words: — 'I'he United States of America, in oider to give the Dey of Algiers a jjroof of their desire to maintain the relations of peace and amity between the two powers, upon a footing the most liberal, and in order to witlidrw any obstacle which might embarrass him in his relations with other States, agree to annul so much ot the 18ih Article of the foregoing treaty, as gives to the United States any advantage in the ports of Algiers, over the most favoured nations having treaties with the Uegency. The Secretary of the Treasury, (the Honorable Oliver Wolcott) in are- port to the President, dated the 4th Janup.ry, 1797, estimates the expense of tl^elate Treaty of Algiers, at one million of dollars, with an annual /r/iu/tf of eighty thousand dollars. See Goldsborough's Naval Chronicle, p. 65. The present Treaty did not cost you a dollar! It was obtained so/f/t/ through terror of my husband's name! — so far from costing you any thing. * Extract from Lord Exmouth's official letter. — "Would to God, that in the attainment of this object, I had not deeply to lament th.e severe loss of so many gallant officers and men; they have profusely bltd in a contest which has been peculiarly maiked by proofs ofsuch devoted heroism, as would rouse every noble feeling, did 1 dare to indulge in them " N. B. There were an hundred a:id thirty-eight killed, and six hundred •^\\i\ \\\1^^.''.\■ .\\\ c Moiir-1'^d It is now more than twenty years, that the United States 2iave not lost a single cent by the depredations of any of tlie Barbary powers; and diii-ing that period, there is not another maritime power in the world, that has not been more or less subjected to their plunder. The Dey of Algiers paid for every dollar's worth of proper- ty, to a very large amount, he had seized and captured (hiring the war; a circumstance so unexpected to our Goveinment, that they liad not even authorized the demand to be made. So soon as the peace with Algiers was concluded, my be- loved husband proceeded to Tripoli and Tunis: and both these places immediately paid down the full value of the Ameri- can vessels which tluy had permitted the Bj-itish to cut out of their ports during our war with England. * /> 1 pi'esume evei-y o)ie will admit, that a prize niide with such an incredibly inferior force, as in the case of the Phila- delphia, ought to belong exclusively to the captors, and that the same valour and spirit of cnteipi'ise which had enabled them to retake her, \\ destroyed, was [laid for by act of Congi-ess. My beloved hus- band, amidst diliiculties which the caplois of all the other fri- gates deemed insurmountable, succeeded in conducting the Ma- cedonian more tlian half way aci-oss the Atlantic, and got her safely into port; aiid he believed he could have been ecjually successful with the Philadelphia, if he had been permitted to make the experiment- But Commodore Preble, who was the representative of tiie Government, thought it more for the in- terest of the nation, tliat slie should be destroyed on the spot, than to risk even the j)ossibiIity ot her falling again into the hands of the enemy: who would thereby have been induced to increase their extravagant demand for the ransom of Captain Bainbridge and his crew, and have protracted the expenses of the war greatly beyond the value of tiie frigate. But he had no idea that he was depriving his little band of heroes of the fruit of their des])erate valour; or tliat the nation could hesi- tate a single moment, under such circumstances, to pay them the full value of their prize — of whicii lie declared he would not touch a dollar — they deserved it all ! ! * 1 hope you will have the goodness to revert to the state of youi' affairs with Tripoli at tiiat period. She was in possession of one of your largest and finest fi-igates, with upwards of three hujidred of your most valu- *A.s Mrs. Preble has pelilioned for the protvi-tion of thr- rommank-r of able seamen and officers; while your own Force; so far from being able to make any impression, was deemed inadequate to the protection of your commerce. It is therefore evident, that had it not been for the recapture of the Philadelphia, the government must have incurred the expense of fitting out a much larger squadron, or they must have acceded to the Bashaw's exorbitant demand of two hundred thousand dol- lars, and all his expenses for the war; for, to have left so many of your fellow-citizens in slavery, was, I presume, a thing entirely out of question. I hope you will also recollect, that the recapture of the Philadelphia was not an event in the ordinary routine of duty: but that it was an enterprise of such a daring natiiie, that the Government would never have ordered it to be attempted; that it was a forlorn hope! planned and suggested by my gal- lant husband, with a view to frighten those barbarians into terms; and thereby to release his fellow-citizens, who had been languishing nearly two years in slavery, and the Government had not succeeded, either by negotiation or arms, in effecting their liberation. And I will beg leave further to remind you, that the same gallant spirit, by his influ.nce and example, led his brave companions through tlie perilous enterprise; and that he also planned and executed the attack upon the Tripoli- tan gun-boats; a service from which his rank exempted him, and which promised nothing but the glory of his conntrij. — There was no hope of promotion, for he had attained the high- est grade in the JS'^avij. There was no prospect of pecuniary pi'ojit, because the vessels to be attacked were known to be of little or no value. They were merely batteries. I ought to offer some apology for troubling you with this detail; but I know it is that jjartof my beloved husband's pub- lic life, upon which he prided himself most, and I am anx- ious that his country should understand and appreciate it as he himself did. The order of Commodore Preble for the destruction of the frigate was given several hundred miles distant from the scene of action: and founded on such information as he could ob- tain of the state of things in an enemy's port; and still more upon nfrm conviction that there could not be survivors enough, after such a conjlict, to ensure the safe navigation of the ship out of the reach of the enemy; and that she might possibly fall again into their'hands: and as the main object was to deprive them of her, he thought it most prudent to secure that as speedily as possible. But the event proved that there was not a fife lost on our side, nor an individual rendered unfit for duty. There was no attempt whatever, made by the Tri- politans to recover the ship. Thv. captors kept possession of her some time after the victory, believing they could make a more effectual resistance from the ship than from the ketch. There was no vessel in the harbour of sufficient force to pursue^ the fri- gate, whereas there were several vastly superior to the ketch; but such was the terror, that they did not attempt to follow her. When this gallant enterprise was achieved, the Navy, un- fortunately, had not obtained the confidence of the nation; and my beloved husband had its prosperity too much at heart, to permit him to press any subject that might tend to render it more unpopular. He therefore determined to await a more auspicious moment: and during the war with England, when a more favourable sentiment had been inspired, he thought it unpatriotic and unofficer-like, to bring forward pecuniary de- mands, w^hen he knew the difficulty the Government had in raising sufficient funds to prosecute the war; and while he him- self was daily using his own personal credit and influence, to obtain the necessary supplies for the force under his command. Immediately after the peace with England, he was ordered to the Mediterranean^ and on his return from thence, he w as ap- pointed to the Navy Board, and he then thought there would be an indelicacy in bringing forward a claim in which he was so particularly concerned, while he was in daily habits of in- timacy with the Members of Congress — that its success might, in that case, be ascribed to personal influence; whereas he w ished it to stand exclusively upon its own merits. Since the claim devolved upon me, I had not, until within the last eigh- teen months, recovered sufficient energy of mind to attend to my pecuniary interests — and these are the causes why it has been so long delayed. It belongs almost exclusively to wi- dows, orphans, and aged seamen, for whom the law makes no provision. There are at least twenty orphans, (five of whom have been recently added to the list, by the death of the gal- lant M'Donough) children of the brave officers who achieved this victory; who without it, will be left to grow up in igno- rance and obscurity; and perhaps with feelings of disgust at the injustice of their country, in refusing them the means of becoming useful and distinguished citizens, and of perpetua- ting the laurels which their fathers so bravely won. I think I may venture to assert that the heroism of this achievement laid the corner stone of our naval glory: and has moreover saved to the nation many millions of dollars, that must other- wise have been sacrificed to the rapacity of the Barbary pow- ers. I beg leave to subjoin a copy of a note from Com. Jones, Navy Commissioner, who was a prisoner in Tripoli when the Philadelphia was recaptured. I remain, my dear Sir, very respectfully yours, S. DECATUR. Washington, Dec. 8, 1825. Dear Madam: In reply to your note of yesterday, T have the pleasure to say, that I know of nothing which could have rendered it impracticable to ttie captors to have taken the Pliiladelphia out of the harbour of Tripoli. The water was sufficient, and I believe the wind loas favourable; consequently, nothing but the want of skill in the pilot who was with them, was likely to have prevented such a result, if it had been attempted. The brig Syren, which lay off'the harbour, would have been sufficient to have protected her the moment that she had cleared the port. I am respectfully yours, JA'B. JONES. Mrs. Decatur. Certificate of Salvadore Catalano. The subscriber certifies, that he was attached to the American Squadron in the Mediterranean, as pilot on board of the frigate Constitution, commanded by Commodore Preble; that he was sent in the ketch Intrepid, to pilot her into the harbour of Tripoli, for the purpose of destroying the frigate Philadelphia, then in posses- sion of the. Tripolitans; that owing to his perfect acquaintance with the harbour of Tripoli, and his personal knowledge of the people and their language, the ketch was permitted to come alongside of the Philadelphia; that he is, and always was, of opinion, that in the state of the wind at the time, and his knowledge of the current and the soundings of the harbour, that the ship rnight have been brought out with safety, had not orders been peremptorily given to de- stroy her; that he gave this opinion to Commodore Decatur, on board the Philadelphia, at the moment of her capture, who was only prevent- ed by his orders from making the attempt; — that all the nautical men with whom he has conversed on the subject, and to vvhom he has explained the grounds of his opinion, have acknowledged the cor- rectness of his statements. SALVADORE CATALANO. Navy Yard, Washington, Dec. 19, 18-25. My Dear Madam: I cannot, with any precision, state the dis- tance that the frigate Philadelphia was from the entrance of the harbour, at the time she was set tire to, as our situation did not ad- mit our seeing her and the whole of the harbour at the same time; but as the entire length of the harbour is about three or four miles, I am of the opinion that she must have been from two to two and a half miles from the entrance. Respectfully yours, JACOB JONES. Mrr. Decatur. (CIRCULAR.) GeokgetoWxV, Dec. 1st, 1826. Dear Sir: I cannot help fearing that, in the interval which has elapsed since the adjoiirnnient of Congress, the merits of my claim may have escai)e(l from your memory, and my doc- uments IVom your hands; and I therefore again beg leave to draw your attention to them. I have, during the recess, col- lected' some further testimony, which was called for at the last session, and which, I trust, will be found to corroborate that which had been previously laid before you. It was asserted, during the discussion of the claim, to be "highly improbable that the sliip could have been taken out of the harbour, the wind being aliead;" in answer to which, I beg leave to point out the w?i7ues//ona&/e fact, that the wind w^as so far favourable as to enable the ketch to clear the liar- bour in a very short time, and without any material injury; and I will also refer you to the public histories of the transac- tion, (which I shall subjoin) published many years ago, when the historians could have had no motive for misrepresenting the state of the wind, for they could not have supposed that ei- ther national or individual glory had been obtained from "sail- ing triumphantly out of the harbour with ^favouring breeze." It was moreover the opinion of my husband, that he could have towed the ship out (the distance being only two miles) if the wind had been adverse; that her guns, which were all loaded, would have protected the ketch while engaged in that opera- tion; that it being dark, they had nothing to apprehend from the batteries, and that it was the iiames of the frigate that ex- posed them to the view of the enemy, and greatly increased the peril of the enterprise. The opinion of Com. Jones, who was in Tripoli at the time, and the certificate of the pilot of the expedition, I submitted to you on a former occasion. There were some other objections raised against the claim, which I think would be obviated by a careful perusal of Com- modore Preble's orders; they were not to set fire to the ship with congreve rockets, nor with matches clandestinely applied; nor by any stratagem that did not imply previous victory, and actual possession — but his first order was to "board," — which in technical language means, to fight in the most des- perate manner — and to "carry all by the sword;" and so soon as that was accomplished, the prize was, under the existing law, the property of the captors; and if they had been permit- ted to take her to the squadron, the existing law would have secured to them all the benefits. That she was not so dispo- sed of, was owing wholly to the imperative order of the com- mander in chief, who thought it more prudent to have her dif- 10 ferently disposed of; but he had no idea that his order to burn could affect in any degree the rights of the ca])tors; and he was so mortified to find the ship was not promj)tly paid for, that he offered to divide his fortune with my husband, whose judg- ment and wishes he l)ad opposed. And now let me ask you, my dear Sir, whether it would be worthy of a great and high-minded nation like this, to avail herself of a trifling informalitij in the law, (caused by her own agent) to evade a just debt — I might almost say, to "defraud the fatherless children and widow, and those who have none to help tliem" — and in a case too where you have actually re- ceived value more than an hundred fold? — for the ransom alone of the crew of the Philadelphia, at the ordinary price you were then paying for your seamen, (*o,0{)0 dollars j)erhead — and they would probably liave charged much more for officers) would have amounted to more than nine hundred thousand dol- lars; to which you may add the two hundred thousand which you Vv'crc annually compelled to pay in tribute and pi-esents; and moreover, the continual drafts that wei'e made upon the Treasury for the ransom of your seamen, who were daily fall- ing into the hands of those barbarians, and exposed to all sorts of cruelty and hardsiiijjs; and also the property, amounting to upwards of two hundred tlsousand dollars, which my husband recovei'cd from them during his last cruize, and which your government considered so hopeless that they did not even au- thorise him to ask for it; — and if the Philadelphia had remain- ed in the possession of the enemy, you must have fitted out a much larger squadron, for they were then supei-ior to you, and looked upon you with contempt and ridicule — so much so, as to offer to sell you a peace for a million of dollars, M'hich you may see by I'efei-ring to tiie files of the Navy Department— And when you recollect all these benefits, which you have ac- tually received, — to say nothing of tiie national character ob- tained — I am sure you will not wish to evade a debt due upon every jirinciple of equity, of generosity, and of public gratitude. Let it not be said that a nation which has been nobly generous, can take shelter under the letter of the law, to be unjust.f * See President Washington's message to Congress on the 8th May, 1792, requesting an appropriation of forty thousand dollars, for the ran- som of thirteen American captives — which was granted. f Extract from the Presidents message to Congress, December 5th, 1803. — "I recommend to the consideration of Congress, a just indemnification for the interests of the captors of the Mishouda, and Meshboha, yielded by them for the public accommodation." Congress, by act of 19th March, 1804, appropriated one moiety of their value, to be distributed among the captors; that being tlie proportion to which, under existing laws, they would have been entitled, if the vessels had been adjudicated and condemned as lawful prizes. See Goldsbo- rough's Naval Chronicle, page 216. The captor-s of the Algcrine frigate and corvette, (captured during the late 11 I understood that some members of the House of Represen- tatives ])roposcd to place this claim upon the same footing as the Gucrrierc and the Java — prizes made in the ordinary rou- tine of duty, with a superior force on our part; and which were destroyed at the discretion of the captors! But I do hope that no one upon reflection, could seriously wish so to doj for the recapture of the Philadelphia has hitherto stood unparal- leled in the annals of your navy; and although the money is of vital importance to all tlie parties concerned, yet we would all greatly prefer that the nation should continue to enjoy all the benefits, gratis, than to have the heroism of the enterprise de- preciated merely to avoid paying for it! Congress did not hesitate to pay the full value of the sloop of war Hermes,* which was blown up in consequence of an- choring within musket-shot of oneof your garrisons, and with- out any circumstance of particular danger or enterprise on the part of her destroyers; and would you do less in the case of a forlorn hope, voluntarily undertaken to relieve your citi- zens from slavery and despair, and your Government from the humiliation of being baffled, as it had been nearly two years, and in the eyes of all Europe, by a petty barbarous foe? The value of the ship at that period, was 8300,000, which may be ascertained by a reference to the Navy Department. The frigate recently purchased in New York by the Gov- ernment was valued at two hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars, exclusive of her armament and stores. There was also some difficulty stai'ted as to the proper divis- ion of the amount. It was my husband's opinion that the general law for the distribution of prize money could not he. fairly ap- plied in this case; because that law was founded upon the pre- sumption that the commander acts with his full crew;f and ne- war with Algiers, and presented to the Dey after the peace) were also in- demnified by act of Congress, to the full value of tlieir interests in those vessels. The British sloop of war Hermes, which was blown up during the war with England, was also paid for (full value) by act of Congress, March, 1816. Claims to an immense amount were paid under the Florida treaty, in cases where there had been no adjudication of the property claimed. * Extract of a letter from Major General Andrew Jackson, to the Honor- able Secretary of War, dated Mobile, September 17th, 1814. "I have learnt that the ship which was destroyed was the Hermes, of 28 guns. Captain, the Honourable William H. I'ercy, senior officer in the Gulf of Mexico. "Permit me to suggest the propriety and justice of allowing* to this gal- lant band, the value of the vessel destroyed by them." N. B. This ship was promptly paid for by act of Congress; forty thousand dollars, her full value. I The Intrepid was not a regular vessel of war, with an organized crew, but a small coasting vessel of sixty tons, used on this occasion merely as a transport, to convey my husband and his littlfr^iand to and from the scene of .lotion. 12 ver contemplated a case w here he should take a mere handfull of them, and capture a frigate of the largest class; — and he thought that the sum voted ought to he divided in the same pro- portions to each individual concerned, according to his grade, as prevailed in the cases of the Guerriere, Macedonian, and Java — those heing tiie only ships of the same class of the Phil- adelphia, tliat have ever been captured by our naval forces. And I jnxsumc that no person can think that he who planned, suggested, and executed this perilous exploit, had less merit than those commanders (he himself being one of them) who only met the enemy on the high seas, in the ordinary routine of duty, with more than equal force, and who would have been disgraced had they avoided a contest; — and more especially, when it is recollected, that had it not been for this enterprise, you would, in all human probability, have been at this day, as you then were, subjected to tlie humiliation of paying an enor- mous annual tribute! And whatever proportion of this claim my husband was entitled to, you are bouiul to give me. He bequeathed to me all liis rights, and you cannot divert any portion of them from me, to give to others — however more de- serving, without derogating from the character of his public services: they were as great, in comparison with those who • served under him, as those of any other commander; — and if you were to pass a law^ awarding to him a smaller relative proportion of the amount, it would be a vote of censure, in- stead of approbation; and I cannot help thinking, that that would bo a most ungrateful return for a whole life devoted to the glory of his country, and fanally sacrificed for what he con- sidered the best interests of the navy. He never had the slightest personal difference with jiis adversary; but he did con- scientiously believe that he had disgraced the flag — and that he would do so again in the hour of trial; and that it would be ruinous to the navy to have him reinstated over the heads of those who had borne the heat and bui-then of the war. In sup- port of this opinion he sflcri/jcefZ his life; and it was as much an act of devoted patriotism, as anyone that marked his dis- tinguished career.* It was also asked whether the Syren ought not to partici- pate? My husband thought not. The general law for the • There is anotlier reason why I should not be deprived of any part of my husband's rights: I am the only individual of my unfortunate class who does not receive a pension; and, moreover, my liushand sacrificed many thousand dollars of his own funds, in supporting- the character of his country abroad, which those associated with me in this claim have not been called upon to do. The commanding- oflicer of a squadron in a foreign country, is viewed as the representative of his nation; and he must dt-aw largely upon his own resources, or practice such a degree of economy as would make his country appear ridiculous; and my husband was never known to hesitate a single moment between his pecnniarv interest and the honour of his countr}'. 13 distribution of prize money, decides that all vessels in sight shall participate; because their presence serves to overawe the enemy, and influences a surrender. But in this case the ene- my was wholly unapprised of the attack, and unconscious that the Syren was in their vicinity; and she did not succeed in rendering any assistance whatever. It has been intimated that some portion of the jjeamiary compensation might be deducted in consequence of the honora- rij rewards bestowed upon him. But that has never yet been done in a single instance since the establishment of the navy; and I hope I shall be excused for thinking that this is not a case on which to form a precedent derogatoi-y to tiie comman- der. Captain Charles Morris was promoted from a Lieuten- ant to a Post Captain, (altiiough the grade of Master Com- mandant was then established, which was not the case at the period of my husband's promotion,) for being First Lieuten- ant on board the Constitution vvhcn she captured the Guer- riere; and yet it was never suggested that he ought to be de- prived of a single cent of his prize money in consequence of the honorary rewai'd. It was also asserted, that if there had been any ground for the claim, it would not have been suffered to sleep so long. My husband's motives for ])ostponing the application, I stated in a letter which I took the liberty to address to you last ses- sion, a copy of which I shall subjoin, with a note upon the same subject, from the Hon. Littleton W. Tazewell. As I cannot have the advantage of explaining to you in per- son, as other claimants have, tlie merits of my claim, I hope you will do me the favour to read with attention, ull the doc- uments; and in that case, I am sure you will be fully convin- ced of its justice — for I do know that my beloved husband never, in the whole course of his life, set up a pretension, ei- ther public or private, that did not ultimately prove to be founded in justice. I remain, very respectfully, vours, S'. DECATUR. DOCUMENTS. Extract of a letter from the Hon. Littleton W. Tazewell. My dear Mrs. Decatur: In reply to your letter of the 22d ult. (which, owing, I presume, to some accident, has just been receiv- ed,) I will state to you, that during the lifetime of your late hus- band, I had many conversations with him, upon the subject of his claim upon tiie Government of the U. S. for the capture and des- truction of the frigate Philadelphia. The first of these conversa- tions took place, I think, in 1806. soon after he established himself in this place. In this, his object was to consult me professionally as to the validity of his claim, and as to the proper course to be adopted to obtain the payment of the amount, should I think the claim just. I then investigated the subject very maturely, and gave him a long written opinion upon it, in which I stated the reasons that induced me to consider it, not only a fair claim upon this Gov- ernment, but one which it was his duty to prefer, as the guardian and protector of the officers and people who were associated with him in this daring and honourable enterprise. Of one thing I am very certain, that during the whole course of his life, Con»modore Decatur was firmly and fully persuaded, that he, his officers and crew, had a just claim upon the U. S. for the value of the frigate Philadelphia, which they had captured and burnt by the express order of their commanding officer. I am, very respectfully and sincerely, yours, LITT'N. W. TAZEWELL. Norfolk, Sept. 7th, 1826. A letter from Dr. Ridgley, Surgeon of the Frigate Philadelphia. Annapolis, Nov. 10, 1826. Madam: Your letter of the 2d inst. has just been received, and 1 hasten to reply to it. I have a distinct — an indelible recollec- tion of the leading events of our imprisonment. The Pacha and his court did not attempt to conceal their exultation on the capture of the frigate Philadelphia. It was a jubilee in Tripoli. So extrav- agant were his calculations, that he would not listen to any proposal of peace and ransom, for a less sum than one million of dollars. In this condition of affiiirs, it would have been impolitic to have open- ed a negotiation. It would have been regarded as an evidence of fear and imbecility. This tone of confidence and triumph contin- ued until the daring enterprise led on by ycur gallant and lamented husband, illuminated his castle with the blaze of his trophy. The 15 sensation produced by the achievement was indescribable — con- sternation and dismay were depicted on every face. But the best evidence of its impression, was the frequent conferences of the Pacha with the Consuls, his undisguised desire to make peace, and his proposition to that eftect, on terms much more moderate — I think $^200,000. The terror inspired by the recapture and con- flagration, (increased by the attack of the gun-boats, on the 3d of August, 1804,) was felt during the war, and its influence was ac- knowledged when the treaty of peace was signed. It may not be known to you, Madam, that I was appointed to the Consulship of Tripoli after the war, and obtained this and oth- er information from one of the European Consuls, with whom the Pacha often conferred during our captivity, and to whom he con- fided his difficulties and danger. Description can convey but an inadequate idea of tiie horrors of our imprisonment. We were confined in a dungeon in the centre of the castle, into which no air or light could find access, but through a small iron grate in the terrace or ceiling. To privation of pure air, wholesome food, &c. was added the annoyance of nox- ious reptiles. The desperation of the officers may be inferred from two attempts to escape — one by undermining, and the other by passing over the walls of the castle. An account of these en- terprises and their failure, may be found in the biography of Com. Porter, published some years since, (1815, I think,) in the Ana- lectic Magazine and Naval Chronicle. When any communication between the squadron and the castle was announced, joy and gladness were diffused through our gloomy cells, and reiterated (lisaj)pointnient could not dispel the cherished hope that the happy hour of emancipation had arrived. Even at this distant period, the heart sickens at the recollection of "hope long deferred." That a generous legislature may grant this just claim, is the con- fident belief of one who knew and appreciated the high-minded and chivalric officer on whose services it is founded. I am. Madam, with sentiments of the highest respect and con- sideration, your obedient servant, JOHN RIDGELY. Statement of M. M. Noah, late United States' Consul at Tripoli. The memorial of Mrs. Decatur to Congress, praying for herself and the captors of the Philadelphia frigate, that the value of said fri- gate may be paid, has excited considerable surprise in the country. It was not for a moment supposed, that amidst the gratuities, pen- sions, and appropriations for services rendered during the revolu- tionary and late wars, that a debt of so hig'i and important char- acter was still unpaid by the nation. There appears, however, to be but one voice on the subject, viz: that the same justice and lib- erality which have been awarded to others, should in this case can- cel a claim which has slept too long. 16 The Mediterranean was the cradle of the American navy. Its character and discipline — its subsequent success in war — its influ- ence in peace — and its present high character throughout the world, iiave their origin in the wars declared against the several powe.s OB the Barbary coastj and in that school of fierce conten- tion and ultimate glory were the Hulls, Bainbridges, and Deca- turs — the Perrys, Lawrences, McDonoughs, Joneses, and the gal- axy of naval heroes, taught to fight and conquer. It is not, there- fore, surpiising that the nation should be anxiously alive to the discussion of any claim arising from services rendered in that re- mote quarter of the world. Having passed some time on the Barbary coast in the publie ser- vice, it became necessary to make myself familiar with the rela- tions between the United States and those regencies, not only from their commencement, but to trace their history, the treaties, trib- utes, and diplomatic intercourse, as well as the wars, which finally established the independence of our flag on the coast of Africa. Our difficulties first commenced with Tripoli — with the Pacha ofwhich kingdom, as well as the other states, we had some indefi- nite arrangements; and for sometime prior to the appearance of a naval force in the Mediterranean, our merchant vessels and sea- men were protected by the British, Swedish, and such friendly powers, who had for many years treaties with the Barbary states — aided by occasional donations and tributes, which were considered advisable in preference to war, at a period when the naval force of the country was too limited for a hazardous experiment, and when the formidable strength and atrocious piracies of the Barbary cor- sairs paralvzed tlie efforts of the Christian powers. As the commerce of the United States increased in the Mediter- ranean, the friendly interference of European powers in our behalf was considerably diminished, and it is not uncharitable to believe, that commercial rivalry first suggested to the Pacha of Tripoli to demand a considerable and perpetual tribute, or give us the alter- native of war — either of which was not at that period desirable. The capture of several of our vessels, and the consequent slave- ry of our citizens, roused the people to a sense of their wrongs, and war was formally declared against the Pacha of Tripoli; and our disposable force was sent to the Mediterranean, with all the young officers, including Decatur, who have subsequently perpet- uated the glory and triumphs of the American flag. This war with Tripoli was of vital importance to a nation hav- ing an infant navy, and desirous of establishing a name and a char- acter among the governments of the earth. It was not simply to chastise an African pirate and abolish tribute — it was to secure for- ever to the American flag that freedom which it claimed, and to which it was every where pre-eminently entitled. The nation, therefore, in tracing the triumphs, the discipline, and high character of the American navy to the war with Tripoli, cannot avoid being grateful to all who distinguished themselves in that memorable contest, and to rewaril with honour and profit those who acliievcd important victories. The war at its commencement, and for two years, dragged heav- 17 ily, without any of those animating results which the people fondly anticipated — it was a dull routine of blockade, costly, unpropitious and discouraging — occasional proofs of valour and seamanship were discernible — ^jealousies and bickerings broke out among senior offi- cers, who, far removed from their government, were compelled to exercise discretionary powers— the expense of the war was not unfelt, and taking the unpromising state of things into considera- tion, the Government of the United States did contemplate at one period proposing such terms of peace and payment of a small trib- ute, which several of the European powers then complied with — and the unfortunate capture of the Philadelphia frigate, and long captivity of her officers and crew, did not tend to inspirit the na- tion to a further and more active prosecution of the war. The cir- cumstances attending the capture of that vessel, are well known. The Philadelphia frigate, commanded by Captain Bainbridge, in sailing close to the town, struck on a rock, and became station- ary, under the powerful batteries of the citadel, A brisk fire be- tween each was sustained for several hours, until the tide falling, the ship settled, and her gunwales were under water, and the Cap- tain, officers, and three hundred men, became prisoners of war. — The Tripolitans took possession of the ship, warped her at high tide from the rocks, moored her under the castles, with the crescent waving over the star-spangled banner, while the crew were carried captives to the dungeons, to undergo the most painful suffering. It was at this juncture, when the sliip was in possession of the eneni}', and under the protection of several hundred pieces of ord- nance frowning from the battlements, that Decatur and a handful of brave men, in a little xebeque, disguised as fishermen, fastened themselves to the frigate, sprang on board, and after a fierce and bloody encounter with the '•'malignant and turban'd Turk," on the quarter-deck, carried her at all points, drove the Turks into the sea, tore down the crimson llag, fired her in several parts, and took to their little fishing-smack and sailed off triumphantly, re- garding at a distance the sublime spectacle of the crackling flames illuminating the crescents of the mosques, and the turrets of the castles — the blaze of artillery from the embrazures — the blowing up of the ship — the shrieks of the dying, and the imprecations of the Turkish soldiery together, "making night hideous." It has been said that Decatur, after recapturing the frigate, could not have brought her out; and in reply to that charge, it is said that his orders were positive to burn her. Burning her to the water's edge, was calculated to make a more deep and appalling impression upon the Mussulmcn than merely carrying away the ship; and this spirited act of Decatur's, while it reflected the high- est honour on his courage, was loudly applauded throughout Eu- rope, and infused new hopes in the nation, while it created on the part of the Pacha, a higher respect for our national capacities and resources, and compelled him to propose terms of peace. The results of this extraordinary attempt were of incalculable ad- vantage to the nation; they led to an honourable peace; to the abol- ishment of tribute; to the liberation of the suffering captives; to fu- ture peace and honour; to a gallant, ambitious spirit in the navy; to 18 ail increasing popularity in that branch of our defence; tea strict discipline — and all of which were productive of future and perma- nent glory in the war with the greatest naval power of the world. These consequences go far to strengthen a claim which is in itself unquestionable, and would be recognized by all well organized and just governments. The war with Algiers in 1815 was declared upon the same prin- ciple, and prosecuted with the same views as the former one with Tripoli; but the Algerines were a much more formidable power, possessing a stronger navy, and fortifications almost impregnable; of a high, audacious, and unsubduable spirit. The command of the squadron was given to Decatur, from the settled conviction that his name was more familiar to the Barbary states, in consequence of his exploits before Tripoli, and in this idea the Government was not mistaken. I was in that neighbourhood during the Alge- rine war, and it is a fact unparalleled inhistory, and almost incon- ceivable in the annals of warfare, that \n fifty days after the squad- ron sailed from Sandy Hook, a treaty of peace was signed between Algiers and tiie U. States, which included indemnification for the past and security for the future. In that short space of time Decatur had arrived in the Mediterranean, fought and captured a frigate, and some small vessels — killed the Algerine Admiral — sailed into the harbour of Algiers, and ratified the treaty at the cannon' smoidh. It was not expected that our differences with Algiers would ter- minate without delay, bloodshed, and cost — the nation was deter- mined to abolish tribute and punish the Barbarians at every sacri- fice — but the name of Decatur, the promptness of his movements; and iiis success on the threshold of the contest, saved a large sum to the government, the loss probably of valuable lives, and secured additional honour and freedom to our flag. Here was the harvest of that fame and national honour which first sprang up at Tripoli. From Algiers, the squadron sailed for Tunis, where a gross infraction of the treaty had been committed, and nearly §50,000 ot American property had been cut out by the British. We were on the spot at the time, and perceived the ef- fect of the same influence. "Tell your Admiral to come ashore and see me," said the Bey. "He declines coming, your highness, until these disputes are settled, which are best done on board ship." "But this is not treating me with becoming dignity; Hamuda Pa- cha, of blessed memory, commanded them to land and wait at the palace until he pleased to receive them." Very likely, your high- ness, but that was twenty years ago." "I know this Admiral; he is the same one who, in the war with Sidi Yusef, of Trablis, burnt the frigate." "The same." "Hum! why do they send wild young men to treat for peace with old powers? Then you Ameri- cans don't speak truth — you went to war with England, a nation with a great fleet, and said you took their frigates in equal fight — an honest people always speak truth." "Well, Sir, and that was true. Do you see that tall ship in the bay, with a blue flag? (the Guerriere) that one was taken from the British; that one near the small island, (the Macedonian) was also captured on equal terms; that sloop near Cape Carthage, (the Peacock) was also taken in battle.'' The Bey laid clown the telescope, reposed on his cush- ions, and with a small tortoise-shell conilj, set with diamonds, combed his beard. A small vessel got under weigh, and came near the batteries; a pinnace with a few men rowed about the harbour, and one person, dressed in the garb of a sailor, icas taking soundiiigs — it iLms Deca- tur. "Tell the Admiral to land," said the Bey, "and all shall be settled to his satisfaction," which was done. From Tunis Decatur went into Tripoli with the squadron-, where difficulties had also arisen. These were soon and satisfactorily settled, and the old Pacha received in the most friendly manner, the commander of the squadron, who, when a young man, had de- stroyed his frigate, and bearded him under his very batteries. It is, however, unnecessary to recapitulate the naval triumphs of our flag in the Mediterranean — they are known, duly apprecia- ted, and are sources of great and honest pride — they have procu- red us indemnity for the past, and security for the future — and probably no oflicer has done more to bring about this desirable state of things than Commodore Decatur. Whilst these facts are every where admitted, and whilst the nation is disposed to pay the debt of gratitude due to a deceased gallant officer, the question at present relates to indemnity for de- stroying the Philadelphia frigate. I am not apprised of the nature of the objections to the claim, if any objections are made. I can only say, that the nation has de- rived a greater benefit from the destruction of the Philadelphia fri- gate, than from the possession of the frigate itself. She had been captured, and was in possession of the enemy, and was recaptured and destroyed — the claim is therefore legal and equitable, and lo- ses none of its force from its not having been heretofore liquidated. It is a claim that the nation recognises, and is bound in honor to pay, and one that the American people, I am persuaded, will feel a pleasure in adjusting to the satisfaction of the representative of Commodore Decatur, and the gallant crew who foughtf and con- quered under him. M. M. NOAH. New Yerk, November S, i8'26. United States' Frigate Constitution,) , Syracuse Harbour, Jan. 31, 1804. 5 Sir: You are hereby ordered to take command of the prize ketch, which I have named the Intrepid, and prepare her with all possible despatch for a cruise of thirty days, with full allosvanceof water, provision, &c. for seventy-five men. I shall send you five midshipmen from the Constitution, and you will take seventy men, including officers, from the Enterprise, if that number can be found ready to volunteer their services for boarding and burning the Philadelphia in the harbour of Tripoli,' if not, report to me, and I will furnish you with men to complete your complement. It is expected you will be ready to sail to-morrow evening, or some iiours sooner, if the signal is made for that purpose. 20 It is my orders that you proceed to Tripoli, in company with the Syren, lieutenant Stewart, enter that harbour in the night, board the Philadelphia, burn her, and make good your retreat, with the Intrepid, if possible, unless you can make her the means of de- stroying the enemy's vessels in the harbour, by converting her into a fire-ship, for that purpose, and retreating in your boats and those of the Syren. You must take fixed ammunition and apparatus, for the frigate's 18-pounders, and if you can, without risking too much, you may endeavour to make them the instruments of destruction to the shipping and Bashaw's castle. You will provide all the neces- sary combustibles for burning and destroying ships. The destruc- tion of the Philadelphia is an object of great importance, and I rely with confidence on your intrepidity and enterprise to effect it. — Lieutenant Stewart will support you with the boats of the Syren, and cover your retreat with that vessel. Be sure and set fire in the gun-room births, cockpit, store-rooms forward, and births on the birth-deck. After the ship is well on fire, point two of the 18-poi'.nders, shotted, down the main hatch, and blow her bottom out. I enclose you a memorandum of tlie articles, arms, ammunition, fire-works, &c. necessarj', and which you are to take with you. Return to this place as soon as possible, and report to me your proceedings. On boarding the frigate, it is probable you may meet with resist- ance — it will be well, in m-i\ev to prevent alarm, to carry all by the sword. Mav God prosper and succeed you in this enterprise. 1 have the honour to be. Sir, your obedient serv't. EDWARD PREBLE. Lieut. Commandant Decatur, Intrepid. On board the ketch Intrepid, at Sea, > Februarv 17, 1804. C Sir: I have the honour to inform you, that in pursuance to your orders of the 31st ultimo, to proceed with this ketch oft' the harbour of Tripoli, there to endeavour to effect the destruction of the late U. States' frigate Philadelphia, I arrived there, in company with the United States' brig Syren, lieutenant commandant Stewart, on the 7th, but owing to the badness of the weather, was unable to ef- fect any thing unitil last evening, when we had a light breeze from the N. E. At 7 o'clock I entered the harbour with the Intrepid, the Syren having gained her station without the harbT)ur, in a situ- ation to support us in our retreat. At half past 9 o'clock, laid her alongside of the Philadelphia, boarded, and after a short contest, carried her. I immediately fired her in the store-rooms, gun-room, cockpit, and birth-deck, and remained on board until the flames had issued from the spar-deck, hatchways, and ports, and before I had got from alongside, the fire had communicated to the rigging and tops. Previous to our boarding, they had got their tompions out, and hailed several times, but not a gun fired. The noise occasioned by boarding and contending for possession, although no fire-arms were used, gave a general alarm on shore, and on board their cruisers, which lay about a cable and a half's •21 length from us, and many boats filled with men, lay around, but from whom we received no annoyance. They commenced a fire on us from all their batteries on shore, but with*no other effect than one shot passing through our top-gallant sail. The frigate was moored within half gunshot of the Basliaw's cas- tle, and of their principal battery — two of their cruisers lav within two cables' length on the starboard quarter, and their gun-boats within half gunshot on the starboard bow. She had all her guns mounted and loaded, which, as they became hot, went oft". As she lay with her broadside to the town, I have no tloubt but some dam- age has been done by them. Before I got out of the harbour, her cables had burnt oft", and she drifted in under the castle, where she was consumed. I can form no judgment as to the number of men on board, but there were twenty killed. A large boat full got off, and many leapt into the sea. We have made one prisoner, and I fear from the number of bad wounds he has received he will not recov- er, although every assistance and comfort has been given him. I boarded with sixty men and officers, leaving a guard on board the ketch for her defence, and it is with the greatest pleasure I inform you, I had not a man killed in this affair, and but one slightly wound- ed. Every support that could be given I received from my officers, and as each of their conduct was higidy meritorious, I beg leave to enclose you a list of their names. Permit me also, Sir, to speak of the brave fellows I have the honour to command, whose coolness and intrepidity was such as I trust will ever characterise the Amer- ican tars. , ' it would be injustice in me, were I to pass over the important services rendered by Mr. Salvadore, the pilot, on whose good con- duct the success of the enterprise in the greatest degree depended. He gave me entire satisfiiction. I have the honour to be, Sir, &c. STEPHEN DECATUR. Com. Edward Pkebie, comiTianding U. S. Squadron in the Mediterranean. Extracts from Commodore Preble's Official Despatches. United States' Ship Constitution, > Syracuse Harbour, 19th of February, 1804. 5 Sir: I have the honour to inform you that the United States' brig Syren, lieutenant commandant Stewart, and ketch Intrepid, of four guns, lieutenant commandant Decatur, arrived here last evening from a cruise. They left this port the 3d instant, with my orders to proceed to Tripoli, and burn the frigate, late United States' fri- gate Philadelphia, at anchor in that harbour. I was well informed that her situation was such as to render it impossible to bring her out, and her destruction being absolutely necessary to favour my intended operations against that cit}', I determined the attempt should be made. I enclose you copies of my orders on this occasion, which have been executed in the most gallant and officer-like man- ner by lieutenant commandant Decatur, assisted by the brave offi- cers and crew of the little ketch Intrepid, under his command. — - Their conduct in the performance of the dangerous service assij^n- ed them, cannot bt sufficiently estimated. It is beyond all praise. Had lieutenant Decatur delayed one half hour for the boats of the Syren to have joined him, he would have failed in the main object, as a gale commenced immediately after the frigate was on fire, and it was with difficulty the ketch was got out of the harbour. The Syren, owing to the lightness of the breeze in the evening, was obliged to anchor at a considerable distance from the city, which prevented her boats from rendering such assistance as they might have done, had they entered the harbour earlier. Lieutenant Stewart took the best position without the harbour to cover the retreat of the Intrepid, that the lightness of the breeze would admit of; his conduct thiough the expedition has been judi- cious and highly meritorious. But i'ew of the officers of the squad- ron could be gratified by sharing in the danger and honour of the enterprise. Injustice to them, I beg leave to observe, that they all offered to volunteer their services on the occasion, and I am confident, whenever an opportunity offers to distinguish themselves, that they will do honour to the service. I enclose you lieutenant com- mandants Stewart and Decatur's official communications, with the names of the officers on board the ketch. With the highest respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient humble servant, EB)V ARD PREBLE. The crew of the Intrepid consisted of Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, Jr., commander. C James Lawrence, Lieutenants < Joseph Bainbridge, ( Jonathan Thorn. Surgeon Lewis Heormann. 'Ralph Izard, John Rowe, Charles Morris, Jr., Midshipmen< Alexander Latti% O^W^S John Davis, Thomas M'Donough, [_Thoinas 0. Anderson, from the Syren. Pilot Salvator Catalano, and sixty-two men. The Philadelphia, at the time she was destroyed, was lying in the harbour of Tripoli, protected not only by her own guns, and a considerable number of Turks on board, but by a number of batte- ries on shore, gun-boats, gallies, &c. viz: Fort English, mounting ... - 7 guns. American, - - - - 7 Palace. - - ... 10 Between Palace and Molehead, - - - 14 Molehead and Crown Battery, - - - 19 23 Fort Way, - - - - - " H Two small batteries, . . - - 9 Malta battery, - - - - - 9 Half-moon battery, . . - - 10 West Diamond battery, - - - - 9 Battery with arched embrazures, - - - 3 Western battery, - - - • - 7 Of heavy calibre, 115 guns. 19 Gun-boats, 2 Gallies, 2 Schooners of 8 guns each, and one brig of 10 guns. All the batteiies and vessels were fully manned; the whole number of troops estimated at 25,000 Arabs, &c. The whole naval force of the United States, in the Mediterranean, at that period, was 1 fri- gate, 3 brigs, 3 schooners, 2 bombs, 6 gun-boats, manned by 1060 men. Before the Philadelphia was taken by the Tripolitans, the demand of the Bashaw of Tripoli for peace, was 200,000 dollars, and the repayment of all his expenses during the war. Alter her destruction, he agreed to make peace on our terms, viz,: exchange of prisoners, man for man. and §60,000 for the surplus in his pos- session. The Bey of Tunis had frequently threatened war, but v/as deterred no doubt by the impression produced by the energy of our squadron. Commodore Preble to the Secretary of the Navy, February 3d, 1804, estimates the American captives in Tripoli, at - - 300 The Tripolitan captives, - . . ^ 60 Balance of prisoners in favour of Tripoli, 240 Commodore Preble to J. L. Cathcart, February 19, 1S04. The Philadelphia was got off' the rocks without damage; all her guns were taken out to tioat her close in with the Bashaw's Castle, v/ncn-e she was moored; her guns were then put on board, and the ship and her batteries got in fine order. Her guns were kept load- ed, tompions out, and a strong guard constantly on board. Sidi Mahammed Dghies, Minister at Tripoli, to Captain William Bainbridge, 5th March, 1604. In the actual state of things, and above all, on account of the anger of his excellency the Bashaw, who has rendered himself in- accessible, you must know. Captain, that I cannot undertake to charge myself with another negotiation [to obtain the benefit of fresh" air for Ca[)tain B. and officers, who were kept closely confi- ned after the burning of the Pliiladelphia.l 24 Colonel Lear to Commodore Preble, Algiers, 23d March, 1804. The burning of the Philadelphia is a circumstance which does honour to the head which planned, and the bold enterprise which executed it. I think it must be productive of good effects to our affairs in this sea. The loan of gun-boats, so essential in the operations before Tri- poli, of August and September, 1803, was not obtained till the 13th of May, 1804. The destruction of the Philadelphia had its influence, no doubt, in obtaining the loan. It is understood that the Basliaw of Tripoli was anxious to dis- pose of the Philadelphia to some of the other Barbary powers in exchange for smaller fleet vessels, with which he might extensively annoy our trade in the Mediterranean, to the protection of which, our naval force in that sea would have been inadequate. This im- pending mischief was avoided by the destruction of the Philadelphia. Copy of a letter from Commodore Preble to the Secretary of the Navy. United States' Ship Constitution, ) Syracuse Harbour, 19th of February, 1804. 3 Sir: Lieutenant Decatur is an officer of too much value to be neglected. The important service he has rendered, of destroying an enemy's frigate of forty guns, and the gallant manner in which he performed it, in a small vessel oT only sixty tons and four guns, under the enemy's batteries, surrounded by their corsairs and arm- ed boats, the crews of which stood appalled at his intrepidity and daring, would, in any navy in Europe, insure him instantaneous promotion to the rank of Post Captain. I wish, as a stimulus, it would be done in this instance — it would, eventually, be of real service to our Navy. 1 beg most earnestly to recommend him to the President, that he may be rewarded according to his merit. EDWARD PREBLE. Letter from Com. Rodgers, President of the Navy Board, relative to the distribution. Washington, Nov. 15th, 1827. Dear Madam: I have received your communication of the 9th inst. wherein you request my opinion in regard to the provisions contained in the bill reported by the Naval Committee during the last session of Congress, to compensate yourself, as the widow and representative of Captain Stephen Decatur, and the officers and crew of the United States' ketch Intrepid, for the capture and destruction of the Tripolitan frigate, late the United States' frigate Philadelphia. With respectful deference for the opinions of the honourable gentlemen who reported that bill, as well as for the opinions of oth- er gentlemen vvho have expressed to you their views upon the same subject, I would t.ike the libeify to suggest a principle oi" distribu- tion which to my mind would have been equally equitiibl(% and at the sau)e time more likely, I conceive, to have nift the views and wisht-s of the claimants gfnerally. The mode I would suggest is as follows: If the sum appropriated by Congress should be §100.000. I woulil recomuienti setting apart 85,000 as the proper sum lor remuniM-a- ting the ht-irs (d the conjinaiiding tdfici-r (d' the squadron; and then divide auHHig the officers and crew of tlie Intn'pid exclusively the renuining 895.000: apportioning to each class of the claimants ihe same relative share as thi-y would have been entitled to receive, had the actual number of officers and men on board the Intrepid at the time she destroyed the Philadelphia, been precisely the same as is known to have been on board that ship at the time of her capture by the Tripiditans. The enclose*! exhibit,* which corresponds in principle with the mode of distribution suggested, will show, in the division of any amount which miijht be awarded, the specific sum that each officer and seaman would be entitled to receive. With great respect and regard, I am, dear Madam, your obedient servant. Mrs. Susan Decatur. JOHN RODGERS. * The Exhibit accompanying ihe letter of Commodore Rogers, relative to the mode o-' distribution. Suppose Ccmgress were to appropriate the sum of $100,000, to reward the captors of the frigate Philadelphia, and to direct that the principle of distribution should be, 1st. To allow to tile commanding f discov- ering the frigate was lost to the s(|uadron,) t(» ett'ect it with (he schooner Knierprise, then under his command. 'I'he Commatnler- in-( hiel (houuht it too ha'/.aidous to be effected in that vt'av, but picimised your late husband that the object should be carried into effect on a proper occasion, and (hat he sh<»uld be the executive ofticrr when it was(bine. It was accordingly effected in the ketch Intrepid, hy your husband and 70 vidunteers from (he schooner he commanded, at <>;reat hazard, not otdy of life or liberty, but that of reputation, and in the season most perilous in approaching that coast. The recoil, ction (d" the difficulties and \rin, w'licli x f ssel was enga- ged ill the < xptdi'ion. He was tlit senior ofticei-, and liad also volunteered Ins services; ai d (lie pieference was given to Coininodore Decatiii', because lie Iiacl been the first to i)ro[)()se it; and in constqnence (,f it, be wn> pio- moled over tbe heads of Stewart, Unll, t'bauncey, and many ot'iers ot the most distinguished officers of the Navy, who all admitted that he had de- served it. Philadelphia, Jan. 5th, 1827. My dear Mrs. Decatur: I received your letter of tlie 30th ult. tothiy, in which ytm re(|U('St iidoiination of tlie time your hus- band |)ro|)osed to destrov the (Viijate Philadelphia, in the li.irbour of I'lipoli. Without refiMring to my books and p;ipers, now at Bioilcntown, I could not <;ive vt»u thi* exact datfs which you wishj but this is of no moment, as the facts relative to that transaction will be sufficient. The squailron under the commafid of Commodore Preblp, had been detained some time, as they severally arrived at Gibraltar, (with the exception ;ate was stroiifjly iirjted by Capt. Hiiinbridjic* and the niode he pointeddut was by surprise, 'i'his »b spalch (u!ly confiruiinir all our ideas and previous corivi-rsations on that snbjeet, «lecid«Ml the Commodore at once to carry it intottiVct, which was done so«in alhr. in the man- ner set forth in his reports on that bubject, to the Secietary of the Navy. 1 remain, with the highest respjct and esteem, your most obedi- ent servant, CHAS. STEWART. Letter froinCapt. Spence, relating to the recapture of the Philadelphia. Claremont, August 30, 1826. My Dkar Madam: I have had the honour to receive your letter of the 29th instant, and wilh great pleasure communicate the im- pressions I received on rejoining the squadron, soon after the de- struction of the frigate Philadelphia. I sailed from the United States in the Syren, Captain Stewaft; and, unfortunately for myself, was left on shcu-e at Leghorn, with the ship fever. During my absence, your illustrious husband gave his name to the world, adorned with imperishable renown. So soon as my heallh would permit, I joined the frigate Constitution, Com. Preble, at Syracuse. I had previously been informed at Naples of the recapture and destruction of the Philadelphia by him, who was justly tern.ed the ''terror of the foe." It was an achievement ad- mired as unexampled. At Naples you could hear of nothing but the *'brave Decatur" — and all foreii:n officers with whom I conversed, spoke of it as a most brilliant afi'ir, managed with the greatest ad- dress and intrepidity — an intrepidity which nothing but success could rescue from the imputation of rashness. The destruction of the frigate Philadelphia is associated with the name (d' Decatur only, and I had always supposed him to be the projector of the et)terprise, from the circumstance of his having been entrusted with its execution. There could be no other good reason assigned for the preference given him in the presence of older officers. 1 am under the impression that Commodore Decatur was the first to suggest the recapture of the frigate Philadelphia: but to me, the merit of the affair appears to be wholly independent of the first suggestion. The f)reparation for the enterprise, and its execution, was by him, wljo accomplished it in h'lsuwu peculiar way, covering him- self and his companions with honour, and the country with a glory more productive of respect than all our previous tributes. ROBERT TRAIL SPENCE. Mr 3. S-- Decatuk- 'iLettcr from Commodore Chnitncey, relating to the recapture of the Philadelphia. Navy Yard, New Vork, t^th Dec. 18-26. My Dear Madam: Your Iftfer, of the 24(h instant, I have this iiKUiieiit had the huiionr of" rcceiviti";. anil I hasten to state that I was not irt tlie Mediterranean when the Philadelphia was destroy- ed, but I jitiiit'd the s(|iia(lron soon alter, anleased. Both these propositions were re- jected, and they were explicitly infurined, that the negotiation must be carried on, on board the fleet, and that h(»stjlities, as far as they respected vessels, ccmid n«)t cease. 1 hey leturned on shore. On the f(»Ilovvin}i; day, the same persons returned; ami informed us that thev were c(tmmissioned by the Dey ((» treat with us on the propo- sed b.isis, and their anxiety appeared extreme to conclude the peace immediately. We then hroujrht forward the model of a treaty, which we de- clared would nut be departed from in substance; at the same time declaring, that although the United States would never stipulate for payitig tribute under any torm whatever, yet that they were a m ignaniiiioiis and generous nati(m, who woulil, upon the presenta- tion of Consuls, do what was customary with other great nations in their friendly inteicourse with Algiers. The treaty was then examined, and they were of opinion that it would not be agreed to in its present form; and particularly request- ed that the article requiring ihe resti ution of the property thev had captured, and which had l)een distributed, might be expunged, al- leging that such a demand had never before been made upon Al- giers. To this it was answered, that the claim was just, and would l)e adhered to. They then asked whether, if the treaty should be siy;ned by the Dey. wa would engage to restore the cap- tured vessels; which we refused. They then represented, that it was not the present Dey who had declared the war, which they ac- knowledged to be unjust, conceding that they were whidly in the wrong, and had no excuse whatever; requesting, however, that we wituid take the case of the Dey into consideration, and upon his agreeing to terms with us nxtre favourable than had ever been made with any other nation, to restore the ships, which they stated W(tul(l be (»f little or n*o value to us, but be (d' great im[)ortance to him, as they would satisfy the people with the conditions of the peace we were going to conclude with him. We consulted upon this question, and determined that, consi;ht hundrei! and twenty. STEPHEN DECATUR, [l. s.] Signed, scaled, published, and delivered, on the day and year aforesaid, by the Testati)r,|as his last Will and Testament, in pre- sence of us, who, at his request, and in his presence, and in the presence of each other, have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses. Jno. Rodgers, Thos. Sim, Saml. R. Trevitt.^ LIST of Vessels destroyed, recaptured, or restored, with the amounts allowed by JicAs of Congress for the same. LAWS U. STATE6. VESSELS CAPTUBJMG vess'ls captur'l AMOUNT. REMARKS. Vol. IV., p. 522 Constitution Guerriere -, 50,000 Destroyed ib. do. Java 50,000 do ib. Wasp Frolic 25,000 Recaptured , ib. 543 Hornet Peacock 25,000 Destroyed • ib. - Detroit - 12,000 ib. 693 . Lake Erie ves- ^ sels 255.000 > Purchased To Capt. Perry- Lake Cnamplain 5,000 ) ib. 835 . vessels 310,000 Purchased Vol. VI., p. 17 Hornet Penguin 25,000 Destroyed ib. 77 Wasp Avon and Rein- > Destroyed deer And one year's 50,000 pay - , ib. 8G Constitution Levant 25,000 Recaptured Cyane 40,000 Purchased ib. 115 Squadron Algerine ves- sels 100,000 Restored Barataria ves- ■■ sels 50,000 Captured ib. 118 Land and naval To be paid out from force of fines and forfeitures pirates ib. 366 Preble, Stewart, &c. Transfer 2,500 Vol. III. p. 590 John Adams Mpshouda 8,594 Restored ib. Philadelphia Mirboha 5,000 do Vol. VII ., p. 40 Two gigs - Black Snake - 3,000 Destroyed United States Macedonian 100,000 Purchased To which add the British sloop of war Hermes, destroyed by the garrison of Fort Boyer, Mobile Point, in September, 1814, a*^ ' paid for (full value, $40,000,) by act of Congress. ■i9 PRIZE LISTS OF THE GURRIERE, MACEDONIAN, AND JAVA: THE ONLY SHIPS OF THE SAME CLASS OF THE PHILADELPHIA THAT HAVE EVER BEEN CAPTURED BY OUR NAVAL FORCES. A STATEMENT shovsing the proper distribution of the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, received from the Secretary of the Navy of the United States, on the ''loth March, 1813, being part of the sum of two hundred thousand dollars awarded to the ''Commander, Officers, and Crew of the United States' Frigate United States, in lieu of the British Frigate Macedonian, their prize, captured by the said Frigate United States," on the Hoth day of Octo- ber, 1812, and taken by the Government of the United States at a valuation of two hundred thousand dollars. Whole sum to be distributed, as above, (at this time,) Class First. Consisting of one Commander, - Class Second. Consisting of 6 Sea Lieutenants and one Sailing Master, Class Third. Consisting of one Chaplain, two Lieute- nants of Marines, one Surgeon, one Pur ser, one Boatswain, one Gunner, one Carpenter, four Master's Mates, Class Fourth. Consi^tingof 15 Midshipmen, 2 Surgeon's Mates, 1 Captain's Clerk, 3 Boatswain's Mates, 2 Gunner's Mates, 2 Carpen ter's Matfs, 1 Ship's Steward, 1 Sail maker, 1 Master at Arms, 1 Armourer, 1 Cockswain, 1 Cooper, Class Fifth. Consisting of 1 Gunner's Yeoman, 1 Boatswain's Yeoman, 8 Quarter Mas- ters, 9 Quarter Gunners, 1 Sailmaker's Mate, 3 Sergeants of Marines, 2 Corpo- rals of Marines, 1 Drummer, 1 Fifer, 5» f 1 Ship's Corjioral, ^; I 16 Captains ot Guns, e g -^ 2 Captains of Tops, ■JJ^I 1 Captain of Forecastle, ^ 11 Captain after Guard, Sixth Class. Consisting of 173 Seamen, 148 Ordinary Seamen, 47 Marines, 9 Landsmen, 4 Bovs, - - - . . 3A "^i ^ ^ ^ », 12 H Share of each. Amount of each class. Total. 1428 57 1-7 833 33 1-5 564 51 19-31 ^ 381 20' 4S0 260 41 2-3 91 86 3 « !$ 15,000 10,000 10,000 17,500 12,600 35,000 ion, 000 1^100,000 50 STATEMENT showing the distribution of the sum oj $50,000 among the crew of the Frigate Constitution, f op the capture of the British Frigate Java. RANK. 1 1 1 .2 1 3-20 Sum award- ed. Pro- portion "A each. Captain, - - . . . 1st $50,000 #7,500 Lieutenants and Sailing Master, 2d 6 2-20 833 33 Chaplain, Lieutenants of Marines, Surgeon, Purser, Boatswain, Gunner, Carpenter, and Master's Mates, 3d 11 2-20 454 54 Midshipmen, Surgeon's Mates, Captain's Clerk, Boatswain's Mates, Carpenter's Mate, Ship's Steward, Sail maker. Master at Arms, Armorer, and Gunners' Mate, 4th 34 3^-20 257 35 Gunner's Yeoman, Boatswain's Yeoman, Carpenter's Yeoman, Quarter Masters, Quarter Gunners, Sailmaker's Mates, Ser- geants and Corporals of Marines, Drum- mer, Fifer, and extra petty officers. 5th 40 2^-20 156 25 Seamen, Ordinary Seamen, Marines, Boys, and all other persons doing duty on board. 6th 393 485 7-20 $50,000 44 52 Frigate Constitution — Hull — Capture of the Gurriere — $50,000 voted by Congress to the Captors. Oreiv of the Constitution — whole number A71 — Distribution: CLASS. Number in each class. Amount dis- tributed. Proportion to each class. Aggregate amount to each class. Amount to each class. 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 7 9 29 36 389 $•50,000 3-20ths. 2-20. 2-20. 3^-20. 2^-20. 7-20. $7,500 5,000 5,000 8,750 6,250 17,500 $7,500 714 28 555 55 301 07 173 61 44 98 471 50,000 Note — The original prize lists may be seen on application to Charles W. Goldsborough, Esq. Secretary to the Navy Board. 51 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, January 6, 1629. Mr. Hoffman, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to which was referred the bill from the Senate, entitled "An act to compensate Susan Decatur, widow and representative of Captain Stephen Deca- tur, deceased, and others," reported the same without amend- ment.* AN ACT to compensate Susan Decatur, widow and representative of Captain Stephen Decatur, deceased, and others. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the sum of one hundred thousand dollars be, and the same is hereby appro- priated, as a full compensation and remuneration to Susan Decatur, widow and representative of the late Captain Stephen Decatur, commander, and to the officers and crew of the United States' schooner Intrepid, for the capture and destruction of the Tripolitan frigate, late the United States' frigate Philadelphia, out of any mo- ney in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated. Sec. 2. And be it further enacted. That the said sum of one hundred thousand dollars be divided among, and paid (under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy) to, the commanding officer of the squadron, and to the surviving officers and crew of the said schooner Intrepid, and the representatives of such as are dead, in the manner following, that is to say: To the widow of the late Com. Preble, commander of the squadron, $5,000 00 To Susan Decatur, widow and legal representative of the late Stephen Decatur, commander of the expedition, the first class, - - 31,412 42 2d Class, three persons, who will receive each $4,188 32 - - 12,'564 96 "' ^" - .- . , 2,991 65 3-5 - 14'958 28 1,357 32 5-9 - 12,215 93 1,006 80 9-11 - 11.074 89 304 13 1-7 - 12,773 52 3d do 5 do do do 4th do 9 do do do 5th do 11 do do do 6th do 42 do do do .$•100,000 *Tlus bill passed the Senate by a majority of 32 to] 3. Note.— The above distribution was calculated and recommended by the Na- vy Commissioners, as being, in their opinion, the most equitable that could be applied to the case. It preserves the same disparity of proportion for the different grades ot officers and men, that prevails under the prize act, when applied to a regular crew. ' ' CONTENTS. Pose Circular of 15th December, 1825, - - - . - 3 Letter from Capt. Ja'b. Jones, respecting the practicability of taking the frigate Philadelphia from the harbor of Tripoli, - - 8 Certificate of Salvadore Catalano, the Pilot, ■ - - - ib, Capt. Jones' opinion of the distance the Philadelphia was from the en- trance of the harbor at the time she was set fire to, - - ib. Circular of December 1st, 1826, - - ... g Hon. Littleton W. Tazewell's opinion of the validity of the rlaii,., - 14 Letter from Dr. Ridgcly, Surgeon of the frigate Philadelphia, - ib Statement of M. M. Noah, late U. S. Consul of Tripoli, - - 15 Commodore Preble's orders to Lieutenant Decatur, - - - \% Lieutenant Stephen Decatur's report to Commodore Preble, - - 20 Extracts from Commodore Preble's Official Despatches, - - 21 Commodore Preble to J. L. Cathcart, Feb. 19, 1804, - - - 23 Sidi Mahammed Dghies, Minister at Tripoli, to Capt. Bainbridge, - ib.- Colonel Lear to Commodore Preble, Algiers, 23d March, 1804, - 24 Commodore Preble to the Secretary of the Navy, recommending the promotion of Lieutenant Decatur, - - - - ib. Letter from Com. Rodgers, President of the Navy Board, relative to the distribution of the sum that shall be appropriated by Congress, - ib. Exhibit accompanying the letter of Com. Rodgers, ' - '- - 25 Letter from Com. Warrington, Navy Commissionel-, on the same subject, ib. Letters from Com. Stewart, relative to the recapture of the Philadelphia, 26 Letter from Capt. Spence on the same subject, - - - 28 Letter from Com. Chauncey on the same subject, - - - 29 Letters from Capts. Crane and Ridgely, and Com. Rodgers, ditto, - ib. Letter from Col. Benton, of the Senate, relative to the Hermes, - .30 Commodore Decatur and Mr. Shaler to Mr. Monroe, - - ib. Commodore Decatur to the Secretary of State, - - - 32 Commodore Decatur to the Prime Minister of Tunis, - - 33 Extract from the Analectic Magazine, ... - 34 Extract from the North American Review, - - - - 38 Extract from the Washington Journal, - - - - - ib. Extract of a despatch from Major Henry Lee, Consul General ofthe U. States at Algiers, 20th Dec. 1829, - - - - - 39 Legal Opinion of Walter Jones, Esq. - - - - • ib. Legal Opinion of R. S. Coxe, Esq. ----- 44 Copy of the last Will of Com. Stephen Decatur, - - - 47 List of Vessels destroyed, recaptured, or restored, - - - 48 Prize List of the Frigate Macedonian, - - - - - 49 Prize List of the Frigate Java, - - - - - - 50 Prize List of the Frigate Guerriere, - - - - - ib. An Act to compensate Susan Decatur, widow and representative of Ste- phen Decatur, deceased, and others, .... 51 t^ mrf. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 011 782 896 7