DECATUR, STEPHEN
\dɪkət͡ʃˈʊ͡ə], \dɪkətʃˈʊə], \d_ɪ_k_ə_tʃ_ˈʊə]\
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(1779-1820), was born in Maryland. He began service in the U. S. navy on the "United States" in 1798, and in 1803 commanded the "Argus," and later the "Enterprise." In 1804 he distinguished himself by successfully destroying the "Philadelphia," which had fallen into the possession of Tripoli. In 1812, on the "United States," while commanding an Atlantic squadron, he captured the British ship "Macedonian," and in 1814, after a stubborn battle, was compelled to surrender the unseaworthy ship "President." In 1815, with ten vessels, he humbled the Barbary powers, and concluded a treaty by which tribute was abolished and prisoners and property were restored. He was one of the navy commissioners from 1816 to 1820, when he was killed by Commodore Barron in a duel.
By John Franklin Jameson
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dust storm
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