.COM for just $5.98 at Namecheap

After surviving a daring trojan horse against Tripolitans

In 1801, the four Barbary states of Morocco, Algeria, Tunis, and Tripolitania had become notorious for their persistent raids on U.S. commercial ships. In response, President Thomas Jefferson ordered U.S. Navy vessels to patrol the Mediterranean Sea to protect American vessels from the Barbary pirates. [i]

This sustained action began in June 1803, leading to a prolonged conflict lasting several years. During this time, the U.S. Navy and Marines fought numerous battles with the Barbary forces, ultimately establishing a treaty with the Barbary states in 1815. This treaty ended the Barbary pirate raids and allowed American ships to travel safely in the Mediterranean Sea. [i]

In 1803, the United States frigate Philadelphia ran aground off the coast of Tripoli, a North African city-state that was part of the Ottoman Empire. This incident occurred during the First Barbary War, a conflict between the United States and the Barbary States. [ii]

Tripolitan gunboats quickly captured Philadelphia, and the crew was taken, prisoner. Fearing that the Tripolitans would use the advanced warship as a model to build their powerful frigates, the U.S. dispatched a daring mission led by Officer Stephen Decatur to destroy Philadelphia. [ii]



Decatur and his men sailed into Tripoli harbor in a captured Tripolitan ketch and used explosives to destroy Philadelphia. This daring mission was a notable success, and Decatur and his crew returned to the United States without any casualties. [iii]

Decatur’s accomplishments continued to be recognized in the years that followed. Meanwhile, Commodore James Barron was harshly criticized for being unable to defend his ship, the Chesapeake, during a British assault. As a result, Decatur was part of a court-martial that found Barron guilty, and he was suspended from the Navy for five years. [iii]

Following Barron's court-martial, a 13-year dispute ensued between the two men.

In 1812, during the War of 1812, United States Navy Commodore Stephen Decatur made a name for himself when he took control of the British warship Macedonian, captained by John Carden, near the Madeira Islands while in command of the USS United States. [iv]

Decatur and his crew boarded the Macedonian, overwhelming the British and capturing the ship in just twenty minutes. He then sailed the Macedonian back to the United States, and the prize was eventually incorporated into the United States Navy. Decatur’s daring feat made him a national hero, and he was celebrated by the American public for his heroism and skill. [iv]

Halloween Sale Arrives Early: Get 15% OFF All Pet Supplies + Free Shipping

Unfortunately, James Barron had already left the country when his removal from the Navy ended in 1813, and he did not return to aid in the war against Britain. [v]

This led Stephen Decatur to express his displeasure with Barron, believing he had not done enough to contribute to the war effort. Decatur’s feelings of disappointment were further intensified by the fact that Barron had not even returned to the country to aid in the conflict. [v]

Search & Book Your Rental Car!

Stephen Decatur was an American naval officer who became a hero of the War of 1812.

After the war, Decatur continued to excel, leading U.S. forces during the Algerian War’s second Barbary conflict. [vi]

Decatur was tasked with dispatching a small squadron to the Mediterranean Sea to confront the dey of Algiers, who was demanding tribute from the United States. After a fierce battle, Decatur managed to force the ‘dey’ to sign a peace treaty ending American tribute to Algeria. [vi]

Buy K9 Advantix online with lowprice + free shipping in USA. Shop Now

Get Extra 7% OFF + Free Shipping on All Orders! Use Code: BPCDGSP7

In his toast, Stephen Decatur expressed his patriotism and loyalty to his country. He declared that he hoped that in any interaction his country had with foreign nations, they would always be in the right. [vi]

However, he also made it clear that he was loyal to his country no matter what, even if it was wrong. This phrase has become an iconic example of unthinking patriotism, and Decatur is remembered for his patriotism and loyalty in the face of adversity. [vii]

Kinguin.net - Cheap Game CD Keys. Compare Prices and Buy! Find Steam, Origin, PSN and XBOX Keys Always in Low Prices. Save on Every Game. 24/7 Customer Support. Instant Delivery in 5 min.

Get New Games Cheaper Hottest Deals!

In 1816, Decatur returned to Washington and established himself as an important member of the city’s society.

However, his relationship with his former naval rival, Commodore James Barron, had become increasingly strained. [vi]

In 1818, Decatur began to openly criticize Barron’s attempts to return to active duty in the Navy, which further damaged the men’s relationship. This ultimately resulted in Barron challenging Decatur to a duel, which Decatur accepted and took place in Bladensburg, Maryland on March 22, 1820. [viii]

A formal engagement between two people, often involving dangerous weapons like swords, pistols, or guns, was a duel. It was conducted in a designated space, such as a dueling ground, and was closely monitored by a referee to ensure the duel followed the established rules and regulations. Duels were usually held to settle points of honor or settle disagreements. [ix]

The two participants involved in the duel were held to a rigid code of conduct, and the defeated party was expected to maintain their poise and self-respect even in the face of loss. [ix]

In some cases, an understanding was made between the rivals before the duel, such as the length of time, the gap between them, and the weapons employed. In a majority of cases, however, the duelists agreed to fight until one of them was no longer able to go on or until one gave up. [ix]

Sightseeing Pass

In 1820, Commodore Stephen Decatur and Commodore James Barron were involved in a duel in Bladensburg, Maryland. Decatur was shot in the side, and Barron was also injured. Decatur was initially thought to have survived the incident, but his injuries were more serious than originally thought, and he succumbed to them shortly thereafter. [x]

Barron was seriously wounded in the duel with Decatur but eventually recovered and was reinstated into the Navy in 1821, although he was granted a lower rank than he had previously held. This was likely due to the fact that Barron had essentially instigated the duel, which was deemed to be an act of insubordination. [x]


Despite his lower rank, Barron remained in the Navy until 1837, when he retired with the rank of Commodore. During his time in the Navy, Barron served in several notable roles, including Commander of the Mediterranean Squadron, where he led a blockade of the Barbary Coast, and Navy Commissioner, in which he oversaw naval operations and personnel. [xi]

He also took part in several notable battles, such as the Battle of Hampton Roads, in which he commanded the USS Congress. The Navy recognized Barron’s service with awards and decorations, including the Order of Merit and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. [xi]

Barron also received several honorary awards from foreign governments, including the Order of the Bath from the British. Barron’s meritorious service was marked by distinction and dedication, and his contributions to the United States Navy are still remembered today. [xi]


References

[i] Naval History and Heritage Command, Barron, James Commodore, USN, (1769-1851) (2023)

[ii] National Museum of the United States Navy, Frigate Philadelphia ran aground near Tripoli (2023)

[iii] National Museum of the United States Navy, Burning of the frigate Philadelphia in Tripoli Harbor (2023)

[iv] J.F. Loubat, LL.D, The Medallic History of the United States of America 1776-1876 (1878)

[v] Naval History and Heritage Command, Barron, James Commodore, USN, (1769-1851) (2023)

[vi] Encyclopedia.com, Decatur’s Cruise to Algiers (2023)

[vii] George Holbert Tucker, Norfolk Historical Society, Decatur Drinks a Famous Tooast (2023)

[viii] Naval History and Heritage Command, Barron, James Commodore, USN, (1769-1851) (2023)

[ix] Britannica, duel (Mar. 2, 2023)

[x] Naval History and Heritage Command, Barron, James Commodore, USN, (1769-1851) (2023)

[xi] Id.