Evening star., 1940-02-25

too, Is the marvellous achievement
OF that famous Revolutionary sailor,
John Paul Jones. whose monument
stands at Seventeenth street in the
Mall; and those of Oliver Hazard
Perry, who gained renown at the
battle of Lake Erie, a painting of
which is in the United States Cap
itol Building; James Lawrence,
whose dying words were Don't give
up the ship" and many others. And
as distinguished naval officers are
not confined to any particular
country, Lord Nelson might also be
mentioned as one of the greatest
In history.
At the time of Decatur's valiant
exploit. the harbor of Tripoli was
being blockaded by the Americans
who had returned to this place to
bring the Bashaw to terms, and it
was at this time that Capt. Decatur
conceived the idea of destroying the
Philadelphia, at one time the flag
ship of his father, Commodore
Stephen Decatur, sr., naval
officer of the American Rev.
olution. His idea was also to
liberate the crew of the captured
American ship, the officers of which,
including Capt. William Bainbridge,
had been made prisoners of war,
while those of lesser grade were
made slaves.
With rs volunteers, Capt. Decatur
sailed into the harbor and ran
alongside the Philadelphia under
the guns of the castle, boarded her,
killed or drove into the sea all of
her defenders. set her on fire, and
then under cover of a heavy pro-
tective cannonade by the American
squadron escaped without losing
man. ---
Associates of Decatur.
OF those who accompanied Capt.
Decatur in this gallant night expe-
dition, the following names have
been preserved: Its. James Law
renee, of which more later; j. Balm
bridge and J. Thorn; Dr. Herman,
Midshipmen c. Morris, T. MacDon-
ough, R. lizard, A. Laws, j. Davis,
j. Rowe, T. o. Anderson and Pilot
Salvatore Catalan. and 1t. Charles
Stuart in the brig Siren.
On August 8, 1904, in a further
engagement in this harbor, 1t. James
Decatur, brother of Stephen, jr.,
and son of Stephen, sr., was NOR
tally wounded, after distinguishing
himself. At the same time Capt.
Stephen Decatur. who was in COM
mand of gunboat No. 4, again per-.
formed deed of heroism, when in
the attack. latter pouring showers
OF grape and musket balls on the
enemy, as he approached" accord
ing to Dawson, he bore down on
and attacked one of the largest of
the enemy's squadron"
He engaged in a close and des-
perate struggle with the captain of
the Tripolitan, whom Decatur at
tackled with a pike.
The Turk was a large and eX-
ceedingly powerful man, and as his
assailant approached he seized the
pike, wrested it from his hand, and
turned it against its owner. Parry
ing the thrust. Decatur drew his
cutlass and attempted to cut off the
head of the pike, but the weapon
broke at the hilt, leaving the Amer
ican. apparently, at the mercy of
the Turk. A second thrust was par
ried with his arm, and Decatur
sprang upon and grappled his op-
ponent.
Shot Is Fatal.
The trial of strength which fol-
lowed this resolute adventure speed
lily terminated in favor of the Turk.
although, in falling, Decatur so far
released himself that he lay, on the
deck, side by side with his enemv.
The latter Immediately attempted
to reach a small poniard which he
carried In his sash, but Decatur,
perceiving his object, grasped his