Correspondence: Stephen Decatur to Keith Spence., 01/09/1804-01/09/1804

File — Box: 1, Folder: 1

Identifier: 47638

Collection-level Scope and Content Note

From the Collection:

The Carroll Spence papers consist of material originally pasted/sewn into a folio scrapbook album, probably by Spence, chiefly concerning his career as U.S. envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the Sublime Porte (Turkey). Includes correspondence and addresses sent and received by Spence by high ranking officials, diplomats, as well as various American and foreign residents in Turkey. Also included is some correspondence to Robert Traill Spence, father of Carroll Spence, as well as to Keith Spence, the latter's grandfather. Other material conists of autograph notes, possibly by Spence and/or members of his family concerning the family's genealogy.

Dates

01/09/1804-01/09/1804

Collection-level Access Restrictions

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.

Extent

From the Collection: 2.5 Linear Feet (3 boxes)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Shelf Location

08/12/05

Container Summary

Contains autograph transcription of a letter from Decatur to Keith Spence, father of Robert Traill Spence, about whom the letter is written; and grandfather of Carroll Spence. Addressed from the U.S. Ship Congress, in Tunis Bay, Decatur commends Spence's son Robert for a "manliness of conduct that will make every American proud of him"; as well as reporting wounds he (Decatur) received during a battle in Tripoli. In 1804, Decatur was the captain in command of a gunboat division in Tripolitan waters. The letter also mentions Captain James Barron, who later killed Decatur in a duel near Bladensburg, Maryland (March 22, 1820).

Subjects and Associated Physical Materials

DECATUR, STEPHEN - CORRES. TO SPENCE, KEITH (1804)(COPY): Transcript

SPENCE, KEITH - CORRES. FROM DECATUR, STEPHEN (1804)(COPY): Transcript

SPENCE, ROBERT TRAILL - REFERENCE BY DECATUR, STEPHEN (1804): Autographed Letter

BARRON, JAMES - REFERENCE BY DECATUR, STEPHEN (1804): Autographed Letter

TRIPOLI, BATTLES (1804) - REFERENCE BY DECATUR, STEPHEN (1804): Autographed Letter

DECATUR, STEPHEN: TRIPOLI (1804) - CORRES. ABOUT: Autographed Letter