The central gazette. [volume] (Charlottesville, Va.) 1820-1827, 1827-01-06
y. z. CNL UOU "
Vice President OF the United states
Copy Of a letter from Commodore .Ste.oart To III,
Decatur

Copy Of a letter from Commodore Ste.oar,to Mrs
decatur
BoRDENToN, Dec. 12, 1876.
My dear Mrs. DECATUR:
Ahe reasse mbiD% of the honorable Con-
gress of the United States renders it neces-
sary that should IN longer delay answer
lug your esteemed favor of June last, IN
which you requested me 10 state such insor-
nation relative to the burning OF the Phila-
ueiPhia, In the harbor OF Tripoli,- as l may
possess, IN aid OF your claim on our couatry
Tor The success OF that gallant enierprize, so
ably and honorabiy perfurmed by your late
husband.
Iregret that my limited abilities disquaIi-
~ me from portrayiDS IN those glowing CO.
ioufs oil which that act is susceptible, the
Saiiantry and perseverance with which il
was performed by my ,aie friend.
You state that yo0t iatc busbahd had CIV
en- you TO understand that The projccI OF
burning that frigalc, nj her mornings, and
thereby remove serious impcdimcnl o The
iuture operations of the Squadron against
ErIpOh, originated with him Fins undef-
Standing was perfectly curreet--it did ORR
s,nate with yunr late husband, and he first
volunteered himself 10 carry 1t into effect
anu asked the permission Of Commodore
Treble, oil iripoli, (oa first discovering the
l I
with the schooner Eu.erpr.ss, inem under
his command. The h,cr
thought II too hazardous 10 be effected IN thai
way, but promised your late husband that il
should be carried into effect on IL proper oc-
casitn and that he should be the executive
ofheer wheiT u was done. Ii WAS according.
~ ELECTED IN the keteii Intrepid by your hus.
band aud seventy volunteers from the schr.
he commanded; at great hazard, not only of
life or liberty, but that of reputation also,
ana at a seaso, most perious in approach.
ing that coast. The recollection of the DIFF.
heulties and dangers he had to encounter in
mat expedition, Of which 4 was an eve wit
ness, excfes more aud more my admiration
OF his galiantry and enterprise; and aitho'
The result shed lustre throughout Europe
over the American character, and excited an
unparalleled emulation in the SQUADRON. in
our country alone is where it has never been
duly estimated, or properly understood
courage and great force alone could not have
effected IT. 1t was necessary not Only TO nut
the smallest possible force 10 hazard, hut lis
success depended upon a very small force
being used; the genius and mental resources
OF the executive officer could alone eolupep-
sale the want of force and plumbers. To
these demands your late husband was found
fully adequate; aud hence the brilliant re
suit HE frigaie was completely DESTROYED
IN the midst OF lhe enemy, and his retreat eff
fecied without the loss of a man.
Accept, my dear madam, the assurance Of
my highest respect AMI esteem.
CtfhS: STEWART,
Captain u. 5. Navy.
Mts. SUSAN DEcATUR.
Defeat Of the BraSitians.-A letter from
The Coast of Brazil has inst reached ne
which contains information unpleasant 10
the cause the Emperor. II is dated SAN.
Tos, September Goth, aud to this effect.
There has been serious conflict between
the Boenos Ayrean troops and the Brazil
iaps, near MOntcvideo,- in hieh the latter
were dfeated with The loss, il is here cnrfet.