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Correspondence, between the late Commodore Stephen Decatur and Commodore James Barron, which led to the unfortunate meeting of the twenty-second of March — John Shaqi

Correspondence, between the late Commodore Stephen Decatur and Commodore James Barron, which led to the unfortunate meeting of the twenty-second of MarchDecatur, Stephen

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Correspondence, between the late Commodore Stephen Decatur and Commodore James Barron, which led to the unfortunate meeting of the twenty-second of March

Name: Correspondence, between the late Commodore Stephen Decatur and Commodore James Barron, which led to the unfortunate meeting of the twenty-second of March
Author: Decatur, Stephen

Decatur, Stephen

Barron, James, 1769-1851 -- Correspondence; Decatur, Stephen, 1779-1820 -- Correspondence

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                            CORRESPONDENCE,

                            BETWEEN THE LATE

                       COMMODORE STEPHEN DECATUR

                                  AND

                        COMMODORE JAMES BARRON,

                            WHICH LED TO THE

                          UNFORTUNATE MEETING

                                 OF THE

                         TWENTY SECOND OF MARCH

                   *       *       *       *       *

                                BOSTON:
                     PRINTED BY RUSSELL & GARDNER.

                                 1820.

The friends of the late Commodore DECATUR, have learned, with very great
regret, that misconceptions injurious to him prevail, and are extending,
relative to the difference between him and Commodore BARRON. To place
the subject in its true light, they have thought it necessary to submit
to the public, without comment, the whole correspondence which preceded
the meeting.

                           CORRESPONDENCE, &c.

                   *       *       *       *       *

                                 No. 1.

                                        HAMPTON, (VA.) JUNE 12,[1] 1819.

SIR: I have been informed, in Norfolk, that you have said that you could
insult me with impunity, or words to that effect. If you have said so,
you will no doubt avow it, and I shall expect to hear from you.

                    I am, sir, your obedient servant,
                                                           JAMES BARRON.

To Commodore STEPHEN DECATUR,
    _Washington_.

[1] With respect to the date of this letter, it may be proper to
observe, that, although it is 12th June, yet the figure 2, as made,
might well be mistaken for a 3: hence, in Commodore Decatur's letter of
reply, he considered the date to be 13th June. On referring, however, to
the post mark on the back of the letter, it was found to have been put
into the post office on the 12th: hence, in Commodore Decatur's letter
to Commodore Barron, of the 31st October, 1819, it is recognized as
dated on the 12th.

                   *       *       *       *       *

                                 No. 2.

                                              WASHINGTON, JUNE 17, 1819.

SIR: I have received your communication of the 13th instant. Before you
could have been entitled to the information you have asked of me, you
should have given up the name of your informer. That frankness which
ought to characterize our profession required it. I shall not, however,
refuse to answer you on that account, but shall be as candid in my
communication to you as your letter or the case will warrant.

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Correspondence, between the late Commodore Stephen Decatur and Commodore James Barron, which led to the unfortunate meeting of the twenty-second of March

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