Decatur, Stephen, Sr., 1752-1808

Staff Only

Dates

Existence: 1752 - 1808

Biography

Stephen Decatur Sr. (June 1751 – November 11, 1808) was an American naval captain in the Revolutionary War and later in the Quasi-War. He was the father of Stephen Decatur Jr. Born in Newport, Rhode Island, Decatur was a merchant captain before the Revolution. During the American Revolution he commanded the "Royal Louis," the Comet," the "Retaliation," the "Rising Sun," and the "Fair American." With the outbreak of the Quasi War with France, Decatur was commissioned as a captain in the United States Navy on May 11, 1798. On May 5, 1798, Decatur was placed in commanded the converted merchant ship USS Delaware and sailed in the first American Navy squadron to cross the Atlantic along with his son Stephen Decatur Jr..

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

Edward Preble letter

Collection

Identifier: Mss 805578.1

Mss 805578.1

Date(s): 1805-10-28

Abstract

In English.

Stephen Decatur letter

Collection

Identifier: Mss 801256

Mss 801256

Date(s): 1801-04-06

Scope and Contents

Letter from Stephen Decatur of Philadelphia to an unidentified recipient, telling him that he will assist Mr. Mechlen in every way to pay off the crew of the Frigate Philadelphia.