William Bainbridge (1774 – 1833). He was a Commodore in the United States Navy, notable for his victory over HMS Java during the War of 1812.Bainbridge gained early sea-going experience in conducting forbidden trade with the British West Indies where he came into conflict with both the British and French navies during the Revolutionary War. He also engaged the French in the Quasi War right after the U.S. gained its independence and in the naval war against the Barbary States.When the War of 1812 broke out Bainbridge was given command of the USS Consttution which dfeated the Java on December 29th, 1812.

After the war, Bainbridge served again in the second war against the Barbary States where he again distinguished himself. Bainbridge was a combative, feisty individual who even served as a second in a duel that caused Steven Decatur,Jr. his life. Prior to that duel with Commodore James Barron, a man who had been found negligent in a Courts Martial in which Decatur participated, Decatur thought Bainbridge was his friend but as it turns out Bainbrige was very jealous of Decatur's hero status and although Decatur want to be concilliatory at the time of the duel, Bainbridge and Barron's second would have none of so during the duel Decatur was fatally wounded. His funeral was a national event attended by anyone who was anyone at the time including the President of the United States.

This letter comes with an engraving of Bainbridge as shown.

Price: $450.00

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