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Letter to Editor
June 4, 1804
The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser
Washington, District Of Columbia
What is this article about?
Edward Preble writes to the Secretary of the Navy recommending Lieutenant Decatur for immediate promotion to post captain for his gallant destruction of an enemy 40-gun frigate using a small 60-ton vessel with 4 guns, under heavy enemy fire in 1804.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
SIR,
Lieut. Decatur is an officer of too much value to be neglected. The important service he has rendered in destroying an enemy's frigate of 40 guns, and the gallant manner in which he performed it in a small vessel of only 60 tons and 4 guns under the enemy's batteries, and surrounded by their corvettes and armed boats, the crews of which stood appalled at his intrepidity, would in any navy in Europe insure him instantaneous promotion to the rank of post captain.
I wish as a stimulus, it could be done in this instance, it would eventually be of real service to our navy. I beg you most earnestly to recommend him to the President that he may be rewarded according to his merit.
With the highest respect,
I have the honor to be, sir,
Your most obedient servant,
EDWARD PREBLE.
Honorable Secretary of the Navy.
Feb. 19th, 1804.
Lieut. Decatur is an officer of too much value to be neglected. The important service he has rendered in destroying an enemy's frigate of 40 guns, and the gallant manner in which he performed it in a small vessel of only 60 tons and 4 guns under the enemy's batteries, and surrounded by their corvettes and armed boats, the crews of which stood appalled at his intrepidity, would in any navy in Europe insure him instantaneous promotion to the rank of post captain.
I wish as a stimulus, it could be done in this instance, it would eventually be of real service to our navy. I beg you most earnestly to recommend him to the President that he may be rewarded according to his merit.
With the highest respect,
I have the honor to be, sir,
Your most obedient servant,
EDWARD PREBLE.
Honorable Secretary of the Navy.
Feb. 19th, 1804.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Informative
What themes does it cover?
Military War
What keywords are associated?
Lieut Decatur
Naval Promotion
Enemy Frigate
Intrepidity
Edward Preble
Tripoli Service
What entities or persons were involved?
Edward Preble
Honorable Secretary Of The Navy
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Edward Preble
Recipient
Honorable Secretary Of The Navy
Main Argument
lieut. decatur deserves immediate promotion to post captain for his heroic destruction of an enemy 40-gun frigate using a small vessel, a feat that would earn such reward in any european navy; recommends urging the president to reward him accordingly.
Notable Details
Destroying An Enemy's Frigate Of 40 Guns
Small Vessel Of Only 60 Tons And 4 Guns
Under The Enemy's Batteries, Surrounded By Their Corvettes And Armed Boats
Crews Stood Appalled At His Intrepidity