Blockaded in New London, Stephen Decatur Writes to John Rodgers Trying to Save a Friends Career. A month later, Decatur broke the blockade and headed for the Caribbean.
Stephen Decatur. Autograph Letter Signed, to John Rodgers. New London, CT, April 1, 1814. 2 pp., plus address leaf.
Stephen Decatur Writes John Rodgers Trying to Save a Friend's Career
Decatur urgently writes Commodore Rodgers to intervene in saving the job of Navy Agent “Mr. Richards.” One “Champlin” (most likely future Commodore Stephen Champlin of Rhode Island) went to Washington and “mislead the Secretary of the Treasury … and the senate” by calling Richards “untrustworthy.
Decatur asserts that “Nothing but the immediate interposition of his friends can save him [Richards]. Decatur already wrote to the Secretary (George Campbell) and urges Rodgers to do the same: "This must be done instantly."
With additional notes and docketing on address leaf. Minor foxing, a few small tears not affecting signature. 2 inch sq. loss on address leaf not affecting any text.