Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1827-01-06
MRS. DECATUR.

Our rsatles are aware that the attention of Con-
gress has been directed TO the claims Of this Lady
respecting the destruction of the irisate Philadel-
phia in tie hsrbor OF Tripoli. Since her memorial
TO Congress doubls have been expressed whether.
in that gallant exploit, her husband accomplished
more than within The line of his duty The
editors of the National 1nieliigencer have been
permitted 10 publish the following letters, tia,
the doubts may lie put at rest " completely and for
ever"
Letter from Captain Spence. relating to the recap
ture OF the Philadelphia.
CiGremOHf, August 80, 1925.
MY DEAR MADAM: have had the honour to
receive your letter of the 29th inst and with great
pleasure communicate the impressions received
on rejoining the squadron soon after the desiruc-
ton of the frga,e Philadelphia.
| sailed from The United States in the SyTen,
Captain Stewart, and unfortunately for myself.
YVES left on shore at Leghorn, with the ship-feyer
During my absence, your Industrious husband gave
his name 10 the world. adorned with imperisbable
renown. SO soon my health would permit, !
joined the higate Constitution, Com Preble, at
Syracuse. had previously been informed at Ma
pies OF the recapture and destruction of the Phla
delpbia by him, who justly termed the " ter
Tor Of the J0e' II was achievement admired
as unerampied. At Naples You could hear Of
nothing but the I" brave DEcATUR"--and all TO-
reign officers with whom / conversed, spoke Of it
most brilliant affair, managed with the gI eatest
address and intrepidity--an intrepidty which no.
thing but sue cess could from the imputa,ion
OF Tasbness.
The destruction OF the frigate Philadelphia is
associated with the name of " Decatur only
and had always supposed him to be The project
or OF the enterprise, from the circumstance of his
having been entrusted with its execution. There
could be no other good assigned for the
preference given hm in the presence Of older ofi-
GERS.
am under the impression that Commodore De-
cstur the first to suggest the recapiure Of the
Il igaie Philadelphia but TO the merit OF the az
fair appears to be wholly independent of the first
suggestion. The preparation for the enterprise,
and iis execution, was by him, who accomplished
1t in bis own peculiar ray, covering himself and
MS companions with homo, and the country with
glory more productive Of respect that all our
previous hi5mes.
ROBERT TRAIL SPENCE.
Mrs. DECATUR.
Letter from Capt Ridgely, relating to the capture
Of the Philadelphia.
P0ytmoNth, ". II. Sept 1911, 1926.
M DEAR MhDAM: 1 have most distinct
recollection Of all the circumstances attending the
preparation for Burning the Philadelphia; and
have no hesitation III saying that the whole orr
ginated with your late lsnentod husbsnd--it was
he who suggested 10 the late Conn., PEBBLE the posi-
am, very sincerely, yonr friend and servant,
81. g. MUGELY.
Mrs. s. DECATUR.
Letter from Capt Crane relating to the capture OF
the Philadelphia.
Navy YARD, CHARLEsTowN,1
September I1th, 1896
My DEAR MADAM: have the honour to sc-
knowledge tho feceip; Of yours Of the 22d uIf.--
My recolleciions are very distinct relative 10 the
re-cspture OF the ffigate Philadelphia. IL bas al.