The Life and Character of Stephen Decatur is a biography written by S. Putnam Waldo that provides a detailed account of the life of Stephen Decatur, a renowned American naval officer who served during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The book covers Decatur's early life, his career in the Navy, and his heroic actions during the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812. It also delves into his personal life, including his marriage and family relationships. The book presents Decatur as a courageous and skilled naval officer, who was also known for his intelligence, wit, and charm. In addition to providing a compelling narrative of Decatur's life, the book also offers insights into the political and social context of the time, including the tensions between the United States and the Barbary States, and the challenges faced by the young American Navy. Overall, The Life and Character of Stephen Decatur is a fascinating and informative biography that sheds light on an important figure in American history.1822. Late Commodore and Post-Captain in the Navy of the United States and Navy Commissioner: Interspersed with brief notices of the origin, progress, and achievements of the American Navy. The biography of Naval hero Stephen Decatur. Decatur's first real act of heroism came in 1804 during the Barbary Wars in the Mediterranean. Under cover of darkness, Decatur led a group of sailors into Tripoli Harbor and seized control of the recently captured U.S. frigate, Philadelphia. Decatur ordered his men to set fire to the vessel and then fight the crew in hand-to-hand combat. Thus, the Philadelphia could never be used by the Tripolitans against the Americans. After this most bold and daring act of the age, Decatur was promoted to captain. In 1812, Captain Decatur and his men captured the ship the Macedonia and brought her back to the safe shores of the United States. Again, Decatur's exploits were celebrated around the world. However, his celebrity was short lived as he was mortally wounded in 1820 in a duel.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
