Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-01-03

w;,h honor. and the country with glory more
productive of respect than all our previous TRIO
itsa ROBERT TRAIL SPENCE.
Mas. DECATUR.
Letter from Captain Rdgely, relating to the capture
of the Philadelphia.
Portsmouth,, " H. Sept 10Th, 1926.
NV Dear Madam: have most distinct re-
collection Of all the circumstances attending
the preparation for burning the Philadelphia;
and | have no hesitation in saying that the
whole originated with yonr late lamented hus-
bandit was he who suggested TO the LATE
Commodore oreble the possibility OF the en-
terprise.
am, very sincerely, your friend s. servant,
CHI. G. RIDGELY.
Mrs S. DECATUR.
Letter fro m Captain Crane, relating to the cap
,ure Of the Philadelphia.
Navy YARD, CHARLEsTowN,2
Sepfem6cy l4th, 1926.
MY DEAR MADAM; have the honour to &C
knowledge the receipt Of yours OF the ed ult.
NV recolIections are very distinct relative to
the re-capture Of the friga.e Philadelphia. 1t
has always been my belief that Commodore De-
ca,ur planned as well as executed the enterprise.
have the honor 10 be, with the highes, re-
spect, your obe9't servant, w. M. CRANE.
Mrs. DECATUR.
BoRDENrowN, December IL, 1926.
MY DEAR Mas DECATUR: The re-assem-
bling of the honorable Congress Of the United
States, renders il necessary to delay no longer
answering your esteemed favor Of June last, in
which YOU request me to state such infoIma-
ton, relative to the burning of the Philadelphia
in the harbor Of Tripoli, as may possess, in
aid of yo0r claim on our country for the sue
cess of that gallant enterprise, so ably and hon
oraby performed by your late husband.
| regret that my limited abilities disqualify
me from pourtrayng, in those glowing colors
Of which that act is susceptible, the gallantry
and perseverance with which it was performed
by my late friend.
You state that your late husband had given
you TO understand that the project Of burning
that frigate al her moorings, and thereby re-
move serious impeachment to the future ope
ra,ions Of the squadron against Tripoli origi-
mated with him. This understanding was per-
fectly correct; it did originate with your lale
husband, and he first volunteered himself to
carry it into effect, and asked the permission of
Com. Preble, off Tripol, Con FIRST discovering
the frieate was los, to the squadron, to effect il,
with the schooner Enterprise, then under his
command.
The COMMANDMENTS Chief thought it too haz-
arcous u be effected in that way, but promised
your late husband tina, the object should becar.
ried into effect OF proper occasion, & that he
should be the executive officer when il was DONE
1t was accordingly effected in the kttch Intrepid
by your husband and seventy volunteers from
the schooner he commanded, at great hazard,
not only Of life or liberty, but that Of reputa-
ton, and IN the season most per:lous in ap-
preaching that coast. The recollec ton Of the
difficulties and dangers he had TO encounter in
that expedition, Of which was an eye witness,
txcites more and more my admiration of his
gallantry and enterprise; and although the re.
suit she'd lustre throughout Europe, over the
American character, and excited an unparallel-
ed emulation in the squadron in our county
is where il has never been duly estimated, or
properly understood.
Courage and great force alone could not have
effected it. 1t was necessary not only to pu,
the smallest possible force to the hazard, but its
success depended upon very small force being
used. The genius and mental resources Of the
executive officer could alone compensate for
the want of force and numbers. To these de-
mands your late husband was found fully ade
quate, and hence the brilliant result. The Fri.
gate was completely destroyed, in the midst of
the enemy, and his retreat effected, without the
loss Of man.
Accept, my dear Madam, the assurance Of
my highest respect and esteem,
CHAS STEWART,
Capt. U. S. Navy.