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STEPHEN DECATUR Commander of the US Frigate United States Certifies Prize Money

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 4,500.00 USD
STEPHEN DECATUR Commander of the US Frigate United States Certifies Prize Money
Autographs
Stephen Decatur Commander of the U.S. Frigate “United States” Certifies Prize Money Due a Deceased Sailor’s Wife
STEPHEN DECATUR, Jr. (1779-1820). American Naval Officer notable for his heroism in the Barbary Wars and in the War of 1812; President Thomas Jefferson recommended he be promoted at age 25 on February 16, 1804, Decatur became he the Youngest Seaman to reach the Rank of Captain in the history of the United States Navy; Decatur was given Command of the frigate USS Constitution (October 28 to November 9, 1804); served under Three Presidents, and played a major role in the early development of the U.S. Navy; rising in rank to Commodore.
War of 1812 Period, Partly-Printed Document Signed, “Stephen Decatur” as Commander of the U.S. Frigate “United States”, no date, 1 page, measuring about 6.5” x 5.75., Very Fine. USS United States was the First of the Six original frigates of war in the United States Navy to be built per Act of Congress in 1794, and completed in 1797.

The United States declared “War” on the United Kingdom on June 18th, 1812. Upon receipt of the news, the frigate United States, the frigate Congress, and the brig Argus, joined with Commodore John Rodgers' naval squadron at New York City and put to sea immediately, cruising off the East coast until the end of August. The squadron again sailed on October 8th, 1812, this time from Boston. Three days later, after capturing Mandarin, the frigate United States commanded by Stephen Decatur, parted company and continued to cruise eastward.

Here, Stephen Decatur signs as Commander of the U.S. Frigate “United States”, certifying that a sailor, William Barrett, now deceased, had served about the U.S. Frigate “United States” when it Captured the (now) American Ship “Mandarin,” and that sailor Barrett was entitled to be paid his portion of the Prize Money. The blank reverse side of this document has three handwritten notes, each relating to the financial probate payment of William Barrett’s estate. This rare “Stephen Decatur” Signed Document reads, in full:

“NO. --- ON BOOKS. --- United States’ Frigate the United States.

I HEREBY certify, That Wm. Barrett Decd. late a Master on board the United States’ Frigate the United States, was attached to the aforesaid ship of war, during the capture of the American ship Mandarin, whilst the said ship of war was under the command of Commodore Stephen Decatur, and that he is entitled to such portion of Prize Money as the law directs, from proceeds of such capture, whereof Luke Wheeler, and Littleton W. Tazewell, Esqrs, of Norfolk, Virginia, are Prize Agents. --- (Signed) John B Pincurlake, Purser. - Approved, (Signed) Stephen Decatur, Commander.”

On one such reverse note, Barrett’s widow “Hannah Barrett,” who signs at Boston on August 23rd, 1815 requesting pay due go to a Peter Finigan or Order; whereas the next two notes are Signed by “Peter Finegan” at Boston on November 12th, 1816, and final notation is signed by “John Heard” (as Register of Probate) at Boston on Sept. 11, 1817 certifying that Hannah Barrett of Boston, late of William Barrett the late Mariner deceased, was given bonds for the faithful discharge of said Trust. This rare form document relates to the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812 and its Privateering and Prize distribution.

Decatur’s signature written as “Commander” is easily readable in brown ink at the conclusion of the printed text. It is fully Signed, “Stephen Decatur” the signature measuring a full 2.75” across. Aslo signed by John B Pincurlake, as Purser. An easily removable very thin paper hinge on the reverse runs the length of the left side edge and faint trace of prior removed hinges at the top corners. Overall, an attractive. very rare War of 1812 Period official United States Naval Document from this most important and historic American Naval officer. Decatur commanded the United States Frigate United States from until May 1814. The Ship Mandarin was captured by Decatur and his crew on October 11, 1812.

Numismatic collectors should know that Decatur’s portrait is found printed on the U.S. Series 1880 Twenty Dollar Silver Certificate, and that “Stephen Decatur” portrait currency was rated as the 28st “most beautiful banknote” illustrated in the book: “100 Greatest American Currency Notes” as compiled by Q. David Bowers and David Sundman. The Obverse: Bust of Captain Stephen Decatur is shown on the right hand side of the bill in his full naval military uniform, and Decatur was only pictured on 1878 and 1880 $20 U.S Silver Certificates.

This is the Only Example of this impressive form and content, War of 1812 United States Navy Signed Document we have offered. It has bold eye appeal and a choice authorization, “Stephen Decatur Commander.” full signature. A museum quality Naval rarity that appears excellent for display.
Stephen Decatur Jr. (January 5, 1779 – March 22, 1820) was an American Naval Officer who rose to rank of Commodore.

He was born on the eastern shore of Maryland in Worcester County. His father, Stephen Decatur Sr., was a commodore in the United States Navy who served during the American Revolution; he brought the younger Stephen into the world of ships and sailing early on. Shortly after attending college, Decatur followed in his father's footsteps and joined the U.S. Navy at the age of nineteen as a midshipman.Decatur supervised the construction of several U.S. Naval vessels, one of which he later commanded.

Promoted at age 25, he is the youngest man to reach the rank of Captain in the history of the United States Navy. He served under Three Presidents, and played a major role in the early development of the U.S. Navy.

In almost every theater of operation, Decatur's service was characterized by acts of heroism and exceptional performance. His service in the U.S. Navy took him through both Barbary Wars in North Africa, the Quasi-War with France, and the War of 1812 with Britain. He was renowned for his natural ability to lead and for his genuine concern for the seamen under his command. His numerous naval victories against Britain, France and the Barbary states established the United States Navy as a rising power.