Subject files
Scope and contents note
The Joseph Kennedy, S.J. papers is a small collection of miscellaneous correspondence received by Fr. Kennedy along with some biographical data and miscellaneous articles and printed matter that interested him. The primary interest of the collection is the information accumulated by Fr. Kennedy on the case of Susan Decatur, wife of the famous naval commodore, Stephen Decatur, Jr. The latter lost his life in a duel with Commodore James Barron in Bladensburg, Maryland in March 1820. After his death, Susan Decatur attempted unsuccessfully to claim compensation for her husband's participation in the burning of the ship, "The Philadelphia," on February 16, 1804. This began many years of legal dispute, and the claim was still before Congress in 1860 when Susan Decatur died.
Included in this collection is a lengthy study on the subject by Dennis G. Terez entitled, "The Long and Involved Claim of Susan Decatur" (1984) [see Folder 1:4]. In addition, Fr. Kennedy took copious notes on the case [see Folder 1:5].
Dates
- From the Collection: 1912 - 1984
- From the Collection: Majority of material found within 1980 - 1984
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: 0.25 Linear Feet (1 box)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
General Note
Series No. in Collection: 1
Repository Details
Part of the Georgetown University Manuscripts Repository
Lauinger Library, 5th Floor
37th and O Streets, N.W.
Washington DC 20057
speccoll@georgetown.edu