224-529: Decatur County is the name of various past and present counties in the United States, all named for Stephen Decatur : Decatur County, Georgia Decatur County, Indiana Decatur County, Iowa Decatur County, Kansas Decatur County, Tennessee Decatur County, Alabama , a former county Decatur County, Missouri , a previous name for Ozark County, Missouri [REDACTED] Topics referred to by
448-518: A merchant ship on his next voyage to Europe. Sailing across the Atlantic and back proved to be an effective remedy, and Decatur came home completely recovered. In the days following young Stephen's return, he was jubilant about his adventure on the high sea and spoke of wanting to go sailing often. His parents had different aspirations, especially his mother who had hopes that Stephen would one day become an Episcopal clergyman, and tried to discourage
672-768: A 100-mile zone, thus shifting its territorial claim four degrees of latitude to the south. Late in Monroe's second term, the U.S. concluded the Russo-American Treaty of 1824 with the Russian Empire, setting the southern limit of Russian sovereignty on the Pacific coast of North America at the 54°40′ parallel (the present southern tip of the Alaska Panhandle ). In October 1817, the United States cabinet held several lengthy meetings to address
896-517: A 38-gun frigate, along with command of all gunboats at Norfolk. Chesapeake had just returned to Norfolk after repairs to damage incurred during the Chesapeake – Leopard affair. Barron had just been relieved of command following his court martial over the incident. Decatur was a member of that court martial, which had found Barron guilty of "unpreparedness", barring him from command for five years. Consequently, Barron's previous orders to sail for
1120-420: A Challenge, to or from, an Enemy's vessel." The next day Hardy gave answer to Decatur's proposal and agreed to have Statira engage Macedonian "as they are sister ships, carrying the same number of guns, and weight of metal." After further deliberation Decatur wanted assurance that Macedonian would not be recaptured should the ship emerge victorious, as he suspected it would be. After several communications it
1344-455: A French dupe and at worst a traitor. With the power to appoint election officials in Virginia, Monroe exercised his influence to help Jefferson win Virginia's presidential electors . He also considered using the Virginia militia to force the outcome in favor of Jefferson. Jefferson won the 1800 election, and he appointed Madison as his Secretary of State. As a member of Jefferson's party and
1568-678: A close, America had a renewed appreciation for the value of a navy. By 1801 the American Navy consisted of 42 naval vessels, three of which were USS President , Constellation and USS Chesapeake . The first war against the Barbary States was in response to the frequent piracy of American vessels in the Mediterranean Sea and the capture and enslavement of American crews for huge ransoms. President Jefferson , known for his aversion to standing armies and
1792-510: A commission as a lieutenant colonel and was expected to lead one of the regiments, but recruitment again proved to be a problem. On Jones's advice, Monroe returned to Williamsburg to study law at the College of William and Mary, becoming a protégé of Virginia Governor Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson, with whom Monroe soon formed a close and lifelong friendship, advised his protégé to pursue a political career and made his library available to him, where
2016-592: A craftsman and was a patriot who was involved in protests against the Stamp Act . His mother was the daughter of a Welsh immigrant whose family was one of the wealthiest in King George County . His paternal great-great-grandfather Patrick Andrew Monroe emigrated to America from Scotland in the mid-17th century as a Royalist after the defeat of Charles I in the English Civil War , and
2240-651: A definition of the boundary between Spanish and American possessions on the North American continent. Beginning at the mouth of the Sabine River the line ran along that river to the 32nd parallel , then due north to the Red River , which it followed to the 100th meridian , due north to the Arkansas River , and along that river to its source , then north to the 42nd parallel , which it followed to
2464-545: A duel between the two. Throughout 1792 and 1793, Monroe and Madison responded to Hamilton's pamphlets accusing Jefferson of undermining Washington's authority with a series of six essays. These sharply worded replies were largely penned by Monroe. As leader of the Republicans in the Senate, Monroe soon became involved in matters of foreign relations. In 1794, he emerged as an opponent of Hamilton's appointment as ambassador to
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#17327758736052688-500: A funeral and military ceremony that was conducted by Preble, Stephen Decatur saw his brother's remains committed to the depths of the Mediterranean. When a good number of days passed without the reinforcements of ships promised by President Jefferson , the attack on Tripoli was renewed by Preble on August 24. As the days passed, Tripoli showed no signs of surrender, which now prompted Preble to devise another plan. Intrepid ,
2912-407: A heavy frigate with 44 guns. This was the same vessel that he supervised the building of while employed at Gurney and Smith, and the same ship, then under the command of John Barry , on which he had commenced his naval career as midshipman in 1798. The frigate had just been commissioned and was outfitted and supplied for service at sea. After taking command of United States , now the rallying point of
3136-748: A key role in the writing and passage of the Northwest Ordinance . The ordinance created the Northwest Territory , providing for federal administration of the territories West of Pennsylvania and North of the Ohio River . Another of Monroe's goals in the Confederate Congress was to negotiate American rights to free navigation on the Mississippi River . During this period, Jefferson continued to serve as
3360-532: A large home in Washington known as Decatur House on Lafayette Square , and was at the center of Washington society in the early 19th century. He became an affluent member of Washington society and counted James Monroe and other Washington dignitaries among his personal friends. In 1820, Decatur's career came to an early end when he was killed in a duel with Commodore James Barron after he refused to retract remarks he had made about Barron's conduct in
3584-462: A large margin, carrying all but one state outside of New England. Monroe won 3,400 votes in Virginia, but received little support elsewhere. Monroe, who had fallen out of favor with the majority of Republicans because of his candidacy, withdrew into private life for the next few years. The plan to sell his second house in Loudon County, Oak Hill , in order to renovate and expand Highland with
3808-519: A legitimate prize of war , and given a new name, USS Intrepid . On October 31, 1803, Philadelphia , under the command of Commodore William Bainbridge , ran aground on an uncharted reef (known as Kaliusa reef) near Tripoli's harbor. After desperate and failed attempts to refloat the ship, she was subsequently captured and her crew imprisoned by Tripolitan forces. After coming up with an elaborate plan, Decatur sailed for Tripoli with 80 volunteers (most of them being U.S. Marines) intending to enter
4032-522: A likely attack on New Orleans by the British, and he asked the governors of nearby states to send their militias to reinforce Jackson. He also called on Congress to draft an army of 100,000 men, increase compensation to soldiers, and establish a new national bank, the Second Bank of the United States , to ensure adequate funding for the war effort. Months after Monroe took office as Secretary of War,
4256-798: A member of the United States Senate , U.S. ambassador to France and Britain, the seventh secretary of state, and the eighth secretary of war. During the American Revolutionary War , he served in the Continental Army . Monroe studied law under Thomas Jefferson from 1780 to 1783 and subsequently served as a delegate to the Continental Congress as well as a delegate to the Virginia Ratifying Convention . He opposed
4480-520: A mentor to Monroe, and, at Jefferson's prompting, he befriended another prominent Virginian, James Madison . On February 16, 1786, Monroe married Elizabeth Kortright (1768–1830), who came from New York City's high society, at Trinity Church in Manhattan. The marriage produced three children, Eliza in 1786, James in 1799 and Maria in 1802. Although Monroe was raised in the Anglican faith,
4704-731: A military expedition to cross into Spanish Florida and attack the Seminoles. In this expedition, led by Andrew Jackson , the US Army displaced numerous Seminole people from their houses along with burning their towns. Jackson also seized the Spanish territorial capital of Pensacola . With the capture of Pensacola, Jackson established de facto American control of the entire territory. While Monroe supported Jackson's actions, many in Congress harshly criticized what they saw as an undeclared war. With
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#17327758736054928-554: A military intelligence service should be established to Chesapeake Bay , which Armstrong dismissed as unnecessary. Since there was no functioning reconnaissance, Monroe formed his own small cavalry unit and began scouting the bay until the British withdrew from it. As the war dragged on, the British offered to begin negotiations in Ghent , and the United States sent a delegation led by John Quincy Adams to conduct negotiations. Monroe allowed Adams leeway in setting terms, so long as he ended
5152-617: A new assessment of the situation on the basis of previously unknown information at the scene of the war. Spain faced revolt in all of its American colonies and could neither govern nor defend Florida. On February 22, 1819, Spain and the United States signed the Adams–Onís Treaty , which ceded the Floridas in return for the assumption by the United States of claims of American citizens against Spain to an amount not exceeding $ 5,000,000 (~$ 141 million in 2023). The treaty also contained
5376-505: A personal confrontation with a British officer which resulted in Decatur returning to the United States. There he took temporary command of the newly built 18-gun brig USS Argus which he sailed to Gibraltar, relinquishing command of the ship upon arrival to Lieutenant Isaac Hull . In exchange Decatur was given command of Enterprise , a 12-gun schooner . On December 23, 1803, Enterprise and USS Constitution confronted
5600-493: A plan that would simply use U.S. naval vessels as barriers guarding their entrances, but the unpopular plan never materialized. Three days after the United States declared war against Britain, a squadron under the command of Commodore John Rodgers in President , along with Commodore Stephen Decatur of United States , Argus , Essex and Hornet , departed from the harbor at New York City. As soon as Rodgers received news of
5824-650: A policy of expansionism against the Spanish Empire. In the 1819 Adams–Onís Treaty with Spain, the United States secured Florida and established its western border with New Spain . In 1823, Monroe announced the United States' opposition to any European intervention in the recently independent countries of the Americas with the Monroe Doctrine, which became a landmark in American foreign policy. Monroe
6048-469: A powerful British squadron on patrol and under the command of Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy . Hardy's squadron, which emerged from behind Montauk Point , consisted of the ships of the line HMS Ramillies and HMS Valiant along with the frigates HMS Acasta and HMS Orpheus . Realizing his only chance for escape was to set a course for New London , Decatur was forced to flee and take refuge at that port where they were blockaded until
6272-736: A representative of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata that his attitude was "impartial neutrality," Although not diplomatically recognized, the young republics enjoyed the advantages of a sovereign nation in economic, trade, and diplomatic relations with the United States. After Spain and America had fully ratified the Adams–Onís Treaty in February 1821 and a liberal government had come to power in Madrid , Monroe officially recognized
6496-512: A result of his service, Monroe became a member of the Society of the Cincinnati . Monroe resumed studying law under Jefferson and continued until 1783. He was not particularly interested in legal theory or practice, but chose to take it up because he thought it offered "the most immediate rewards" and could ease his path to wealth, social standing, and political influence. In 1782, Monroe
6720-485: A similar bill with an amendment, introduced on January 26, 1820, by John W. Taylor of New York , allowing Missouri into the union as a slave state . Initially, Monroe opposed any compromise that involved restrictions on slavery's expansion in federal territories. The question had been complicated by the admission in December of Alabama , a slave state, making the number of slave and free states equal. In addition, there
6944-526: A squadron consisting of the frigate Constitution , the brigs Syren , Argus and Scourge , and the schooners Nautilus , Vixen and Enterprise , towing gunboats and ketches. For the coming attack Preble borrowed six gunboats from King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies who was also at war with Tripoli. Light vessels with shallow drafts were needed to make their way about in the shallow and confined waters of Tripoli's harbor. Making their way into
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7168-521: A way to avoid war with both countries, Washington appointed Monroe as his minister (ambassador) to France , after Madison and Robert R. Livingston had declined the offer. At the same time, he appointed the Anglophile Federalist John Jay as his minister to Britain . Monroe took this position at a difficult time: America's negotiating position was made considerably more difficult by its lack of military strength. In addition,
7392-508: A year as a midshipman aboard the frigate United States . While United States was undergoing repairs Decatur received orders to remain in Philadelphia to recruit and assemble a crew for the vessel. While there, the chief mate of an Indiaman , using foul language, made several derogatory remarks about Decatur and the U.S. Navy, apparently because he had lost some of his crew to Decatur's recruiting efforts. Decatur remained calm and left
7616-465: Is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Stephen Decatur Commodore Stephen Decatur Jr. ( / d ɪ ˈ k eɪ t ər / ; January 5, 1779 – March 22, 1820) was a United States Navy officer. He was born on the eastern shore of Maryland in Worcester County . His father, Stephen Decatur Sr. , was a commodore in
7840-659: Is why Monroe was later able to immediately take advanced courses in Latin and mathematics at the College of William & Mary . He attended this school only 11 weeks a year, as his labor was needed on the farm. During this time, Monroe formed a lifelong friendship with an older classmate, future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Marshall . In 1772, Monroe's mother died after giving birth to her youngest child and his father died soon after, leaving him as
8064-607: The Chesapeake – Leopard affair in 1807. Decatur had emerged as a national hero in his own lifetime, becoming the first post– Revolutionary War hero. His name and legacy, like that of John Paul Jones , became identified with the United States Navy. Decatur was born on January 5, 1779, in Sinepuxent, Maryland , to Stephen Decatur Sr. , a merchant captain and later an officer in the young American navy during
8288-611: The 1800 presidential election . As President Jefferson's special envoy, Monroe helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase , through which the United States nearly doubled in size. Monroe fell out with his longtime friend James Madison after Madison rejected the Monroe–Pinkney Treaty that Monroe negotiated with Britain. He unsuccessfully challenged Madison for the Democratic-Republican nomination in
8512-487: The 1808 presidential election , but he joined Madison's administration as Secretary of State in 1811. During the later stages of the War of 1812 , Monroe simultaneously served as Madison's Secretary of State and Secretary of War. Monroe's wartime leadership established him as Madison's heir apparent, and he easily defeated Federalist candidate Rufus King in the 1816 presidential election . During Monroe's tenure as president,
8736-479: The 1808 presidential election . After Jefferson refused to submit the Monroe-Pinkney Treaty, Monroe had come to believe that Jefferson had snubbed the treaty out of the desire to avoid elevating Monroe above Madison in 1808. Out of deference to Jefferson, Monroe agreed to avoid actively campaigning for the presidency, but he did not rule out accepting a draft effort. The Democratic-Republican Party
8960-580: The 1st United States Congress , anti-federalist Henry Monroe persuaded Monroe to run against Madison, and he had the Virginia legislature draw a congressional district designed to elect Monroe. During the campaign, Madison and Monroe often traveled together, and the election did nothing to diminish their friendship. In the election for Virginia's Fifth District , Madison prevailed over Monroe, taking 1,308 votes compared to Monroe's 972 votes. After this defeat, Monroe moved his family from Fredericksburg to Albemarle County , first to Charlottesville and later to
9184-472: The American Revolution , and his wife Ann (Pine) Decatur. The family of Decatur was of French descent on Stephen's father's side, while his mother's family was of English and Irish ancestry. His parents had arrived from Philadelphia just three months before Stephen was born, fleeing the city during the American Revolutionary War due to its occupation by British forces. They later returned to
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9408-519: The Azores , lookouts on board reported seeing a sail 12 miles to windward. As the ship slowly rose over the horizon, Captain Decatur made out the fine, familiar lines of HMS Macedonian , a British frigate bearing 38 guns. Macedonian and United States had been berthed next to one another in 1810, in port at Norfolk, Virginia. The British captain John Carden bet a fur beaver hat that if
9632-675: The Barbary pirates . Arriving at Gibraltar , Commodore Dale learned that Tripoli had already declared war upon the United States. At this time there were two Tripolitan warships of sizable consequence berthed in Gibraltar's harbour, but their captains claimed that they had no knowledge of the war. Dale assumed they were about to embark on the Atlantic to prey on American merchant ships. With orders to sail for Algiers , Tunis and Tripoli, Dale ordered that Philadelphia be left behind to guard
9856-466: The Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War ; he brought the younger Stephen into the world of ships and sailing early on. Shortly after attending college, Decatur followed in his father's footsteps and joined the U.S. Navy at age 19 as a midshipman . Decatur supervised the construction of several U.S. naval vessels, one of which he later commanded. Promoted at age 25, he is
10080-535: The Federalist Party collapsed as a national political force and Monroe was re-elected, virtually unopposed, in 1820 . As president, he signed the Missouri Compromise , which admitted Missouri as a slave state and banned slavery from territories north of the 36°30′ parallel. In foreign affairs, Monroe and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams favored a policy of conciliation with Britain and
10304-656: The Napoleonic Wars in 1815, the British also ended the practice of impressment. After the war, Congress authorized the creation of the Second Bank of the United States. Monroe resigned as Secretary of War in March 1815 and took over the leadership of the State Department again, emerging from the war politically strengthened and a promising presidential candidate. Monroe decided to seek the presidency in
10528-676: The National Convention , receiving a standing ovation for his speech celebrating republicanism . Monroe's passionate and friendly message of greeting at the inaugural ceremony before the National Convention was later criticized by Jay for its sentimentality, and Washington viewed the speech as "not well devised" in terms of venue and in light of American neutrality in the First Coalition War. Monroe experienced several early diplomatic successes, including
10752-629: The Pacific Ocean . The United States renounced all claims to the west and south of this boundary ( Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, Nevada ), so Spain surrendered any title she had to the Northwest ( Oregon Country ). In 1810, South America's wars of independence began, inspired by the American and French Revolutionary Wars, but the Madison administration, as well as Monroe himself during his first term in office, treated
10976-741: The Philadelphia campaign and spent the winter of 1777–78 at the encampment of Valley Forge , sharing a log hut with Marshall. By late 1777, he was promoted to major and served as Lord Stirling's aide-de-camp. After serving in the Battle of Monmouth , the destitute Monroe resigned his commission in December 1778 and joined his uncle in Philadelphia. After the British captured Savannah , the Virginia legislature decided to raise four regiments, and Monroe returned to his native state, hoping to receive his own command. With letters of recommendation from Washington, Stirling, and Alexander Hamilton , Monroe received
11200-549: The Royal Navy , to instruct his son in navigational and nautical sciences. While serving aboard United States Decatur received what was the equivalent to formal naval training not only from Hamilton but through active service aboard a commissioned ship, which is something that distinguished the young midshipman from many of his contemporaries. He also had a talent for drawing ships and designing and building ship models and when time allowed would also pursue this hobby. Once
11424-687: The United States . With only a minor military presence in Florida, Spain was not able to restrain the Seminole warriors who routinely crossed the border and raided American villages and farms, as well as protected southern slave refugees from slave owners and traders of the southern United States. The Seminole people were also providing sanctuary for runaway slaves, those of which the United States wanted back. In response to Seminole attacks and their provision of aid to escaped slaves, Monroe ordered
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#173277587360511648-414: The War of 1812 with Britain. He was renowned for his natural ability to lead and for his genuine concern for the seamen under his command. Decatur's naval victories in all three conflicts helped to establish the United States Navy as a rising power. During this period he served aboard and commanded many naval vessels and ultimately became a member of the Board of Navy Commissioners . He built, in 1818,
11872-409: The War of 1812 . Intended to avoid war, the Embargo Act only compounded matters that led to war. Finally on June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain. By 1814 Britain had committed nearly 100 warships along the American coast and other points. Consequently, the war was fought mostly in the naval theater where Decatur and other naval officers played major roles in the success of
12096-444: The White House on August 24, 1814, Madison removed Armstrong as Secretary of War and turned to Monroe for help, appointing him Secretary of War on September 27. Monroe resigned as Secretary of State on October 1, 1814, but no successor was ever appointed and thus from October 1814 to February 28, 1815, Monroe effectively held both Cabinet posts. Now in command of the war effort, Monroe ordered General Andrew Jackson to defend against
12320-454: The legislature to secure a location where free and enslaved African Americans suspected of "conspiracy, insurgency, Treason, and rebellion" would be permanently banished outside the United States. Monroe thought that foreign and Federalist elements had created the Quasi War of 1798–1800, and he strongly supported Thomas Jefferson 's candidacy for president in 1800 . Federalists were likewise suspicious of Monroe, some viewing him at best as
12544-452: The 1808 presidential election in order to demonstrate the strength of his political position in Virginia. The regular Democratic-Republicans overcame the Quids in the nominating caucus, kept control of the party in Virginia, and protected Madison's base. Monroe did not publicly criticize Jefferson or Madison during Madison's campaign against Federalist Charles Cotesworth Pinckney , but he refused to support Madison. Madison defeated Pinckney by
12768-423: The 1816 election, and his war-time leadership had established him as Madison's heir apparent. Monroe had strong support from many in the party, but his candidacy was challenged at the 1816 Democratic-Republican congressional nominating caucus . Since there was no longer a serious opposition party due to the decline of the Federalists, who were perceived as disloyal because of their pro-British stance and opposition to
12992-427: The Atlantic to the United States. After undergoing routine repairs at New York, United States was part of a small squadron that included the newly captured USS Macedonian (formerly HMS Macedonian ) and the sloop of war Hornet . On May 24, 1813, the squadron departed New York. On that same night United States was struck by lightning which shattered its main mast. By June 1, Decatur's squadron encountered
13216-421: The British Empire and helped avoid an expensive naval arms race in the Great Lakes. In the Pacific Northwest, American territorial claims clashed with those of Tsarist Russia , which had trading posts as far south as San Francisco Bay , and those of Great Britain. The situation intensified in the fall of 1821 when Saint Petersburg closed America's Pacific coastal sea north of 51° latitude to foreign ships within
13440-451: The British West Indies Squadron composed of razee HMS Majestic bearing 56 guns, under the command of Captain John Hayes , along with the frigates HMS Endymion , bearing 40 guns, commanded by Captain Henry Hope , HMS Pomone , bearing 38 guns, commanded by Captain John Richard Lumley , and HMS Tenedos , bearing 38 guns, commanded by Captain Hyde Parker . Decatur had made arrangements for "pilot boats" to mark
13664-442: The British and French to end the attacks on American merchant ships. While the French agreed to reduce the attacks and release seized American ships, the British were less receptive to Monroe's demands. Monroe had long worked for peace with the British, but he came to favor war with Britain, joining with "war hawks" such as Speaker of the House Henry Clay . With the support of Monroe and Clay, Madison asked Congress to declare war upon
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#173277587360513888-441: The British frequently impressed sailors on U.S. ships in hopes of quelling their manpower issues. Many of the sailors they impressed had never been British subjects, and Monroe was tasked with persuading the British to stop their practice of impressment. Monroe found little success in this endeavor, partly due to Jefferson's alienation of the British minister to the United States, Anthony Merry . Rejecting Jefferson's offer to serve as
14112-415: The British ship Melampus who had enlisted in the American Navy through Lieutenant Arthur Sinclair , who was recruiting crew members for Chesapeake , which was at this time in Washington being outfitted for its coming voyage to the Mediterranean. Since the recruiting party was not under the command of Decatur, he refused to intervene. Sinclair also declined to take any action, claiming that he did not have
14336-430: The British ships HMS Bellona and HMS Triumph were lightening their ballasts to prepare for a blockade at Norfolk. During this segment of his life, Decatur's father, Stephen Decatur Sr., died in November 1808 at the age of 57, with his mother's death following the next year. Both parents were buried at St. Peter's Church in Philadelphia. In May 1810, Decatur was appointed commander of United States ,
14560-405: The British squadron away from the coast, but by the next day the storm had subsided, allowing the British fleet to take up positions to the northwest in anticipation of the American fleet trying to escape. The next day President emerged from the west, and Decatur attempted to break through the blockade alone in President and make for the appointed rendezvous at Tristan da Cunha , but encountered
14784-546: The British, and Congress complied on June 18, 1812, thus beginning the War of 1812 . The war went very badly, and the Madison administration quickly sought peace, but were rejected by the British. The U.S. Navy did experience several successes after Monroe convinced Madison to allow the Navy's ships to set sail rather than remaining in port for the duration of the war. After the resignation of Secretary of War William Eustis , Madison asked Monroe to serve in dual roles as Secretary of State and Secretary of War, but opposition from
15008-526: The Cabinet without a prominent Westerner. In late 1817 Rush became the ambassador to Britain, and William Wirt succeeded him as Attorney General. With the exception of Crowninshield, the rest of Monroe's initial cabinet appointees remained in place for the remainder of his presidency. According to historian William Earl Weeks, "Monroe evolved a comprehensive strategy aimed at expanding the Union externally while solidifying it internally". He expanded trade and pacified relations with Great Britain while expanding
15232-414: The Colonies in response to the Boston Tea Party . In Williamsburg, British Governor John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore , dissolved the Assembly after protests by the delegates, who then decided to send a delegation to the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Dunmore wanted to take advantage of the absence of the Burgesses, who had convened to Richmond, and had soldiers of the Royal Navy confiscate
15456-448: The Continental Army and the Virginia militia had an abundance of officers, Monroe did not serve during the Yorktown campaign , and, much to his frustration, did not take part in the Siege of Yorktown . Although Andrew Jackson served as a courier in a militia unit at age 13, Monroe is regarded as the last U.S. president who was a Revolutionary War veteran, since he served as an officer of the Continental Army and took part in combat. As
15680-470: The Jay Treaty, but it was incomplete and did not include the French note or Monroe's written response. Pickering saw this as a sign of Monroe's unsuitability and, together with Hamilton, persuaded Washington to replace Monroe as ambassador. Washington decided Monroe was inefficient, disruptive, and failed to safeguard the national interest. He recalled Monroe in November 1796, the letter of dismissal being deliberately delayed in order to prevent his return before
15904-399: The Louisiana Purchase, and the acquisition doubled the size of the United States. Monroe would travel to Spain in 1805 to try to win the cession of West Florida, but found that the American ambassador to Spain, Charles Pinckney , had alienated the Spanish government with crude threats of violence. In the negotiations on the outstanding territorial issues concerning New Orleans, West Florida and
16128-653: The Mediterranean were canceled and Chesapeake was instead assigned to Commodore Decatur, with a squadron of gunboats, to patrol the New England coast enforcing the Embargo Act throughout 1809. Unable to command, Barron left the country for Copenhagen and remained there through the War of 1812. Before Decatur assumed command of Chesapeake he learned from observers, and then informed the Navy Secretary, that
16352-406: The Monroe Doctrine. He first reiterated the traditional U.S. policy of neutrality with regard to European wars and conflicts. He then declared that the United States would not accept the recolonization of any country by its former European master, though he also avowed non-interference with existing European colonies in the Americas. Finally, he stated that European countries should no longer consider
16576-702: The Navy Benjamin Stoddert recommending to President Jefferson that Decatur be promoted to captain. Decatur was promoted to captain with the date of rank February 16, 1804. He was promoted to captain at the age twenty-five, largely for his daring capture and destruction of Philadelphia in Tripoli's harbor , making him the youngest man ever to hold the rank. On September 10, 1804, Barron arrived at Tripoli with two ships, President and Constellation , whereupon Commodore Preble relinquished command of his blockading squadron to him. Before returning to
16800-537: The Navy Robert Smith gave him orders to supervise the building of four gunboats at Newport, Rhode Island, and four others in Connecticut of which he would later take command. Having drawn many illustrations of and designed and built many models of ships, along with having experience as a ship builder and designer from when he was employed at Gurney and Smith in 1797 while overseeing the construction of
17024-520: The Navy. It was promptly signed by George Washington that same day. There was much opposition to the bill, and it was amended and allowed to pass with the condition that work on the proposed ships would stop in the event that peace with the Pasha of Algiers was obtained. Construction of the six new American frigates was progressing slowly when, because of a peace accord with Algiers in March 1796, work
17248-498: The Pasha of Tripoli that peace was his only viable alternative. Because Preble's rank was not high enough for this command John Adams also brought the news that he would have to surrender command to Barron. The fighting between the squadrons and the bombarding of Tripoli lasted three hours, with Preble's squadrons emerging victorious. However, success and promotion were overshadowed by an unfortunate turn of events for Decatur. During
17472-539: The Rio Grande, Monroe made no progress and was treated condescendingly, and with the support of France, Spain refused to consider relinquishing the territory. After the resignation of Rufus King , Monroe was appointed as the ambassador to Great Britain in 1803. The greatest issue of contention between the United States and Britain was that of the impressment of U.S. sailors. Many U.S. merchant ships employed British seamen who had deserted or dodged conscription, and
17696-499: The Senate limited Monroe to serving as acting Secretary of War until Brigadier General John Armstrong won Senate confirmation. Monroe and Armstrong clashed over war policy, and Armstrong blocked Monroe's hopes of being appointed to lead an invasion of Canada . When British warships appeared in the Potomac River estuary in the summer of the same year, Monroe urged that defensive measures be taken for Washington, D.C., and that
17920-499: The Senate. Though Monroe remained firmly opposed to any compromise that restricted slavery anywhere, he reluctantly signed the Compromise into law (March 6, 1820) only because he believed it was the least bad alternative for southern slaveholders. The legislation passed, and became known as "the Missouri Compromise ", which temporarily settled the issue of slavery in the territories. Monroe's presidential leadership role in drafting
18144-488: The Tripolitan ketch Mastico sailing under Turkish colors , armed with only two guns and sailing without passports on her way to Constantinople from Tripoli. On board were a small number of Tripolitan soldiers. After a brief engagement Decatur and his crew captured the ship, killing or wounding the few men defending the vessel. After its capture the small ship was taken to Syracuse , condemned by Commodore Preble as
18368-460: The Tripolitan vessels. In September 1802, Decatur transferred to the 36-gun frigate USS New York as 1st Lieutenant under Commodore James Barron. While en route to Tripoli the five-ship squadron to which New York was attached encountered gale-force winds, lasting more than a week, which forced the squadron to put up in Malta . While there Decatur and another American officer were involved in
18592-406: The U.S. and Spain signed Pinckney's Treaty . The treaty granted the U.S. limited rights to use the port of New Orleans . Immediately after Timothy Pickering succeeded Secretary of State Edmund Randolph , who had been the only Francophile member of Washington's cabinet, in December 1795, he worked to dismiss Monroe. In 1796, Monroe sent a dispatch summarizing his response to French complaints of
18816-859: The United Kingdom and a supporter of the First French Republic . Since 1791 he had taken sides with the French Revolution in several essays under the pseudonym Aratus. As the 1790s progressed, the French Revolutionary Wars came to dominate U.S. foreign policy, with the British and French navies both interfering with U.S. trade with Europe. Like most other Jeffersonians, Monroe supported the French Revolution , but Hamilton's followers tended to sympathize more with Britain. In 1794, hoping to find
19040-428: The United States at the expense of the Spanish Empire, from which he obtained Florida and the recognition of a border across the continent. Faced with the breakdown of the expansionist consensus over the question of slavery, the president tried to provide both North and South with guarantees that future expansion would not tip the balance of power between slave and free states, a system that, Weeks remarks, did indeed allow
19264-579: The United States he sailed to Malta in Constitution on September 14, so it could be caulked and refitted. From there he sailed to Syracuse in Argus , where on September 24 he ordered Decatur to sail this vessel back to Malta to take command of Constitution . From here Decatur sailed Constitution back to Tripoli to join Constellation and Congress , the blockading force stationed there now under
19488-415: The United States won its independence and no longer had the protection of Britain, it was faced with the task of protecting its own ships and interests. There were few American ships capable of defending the American coastline, much less of protecting merchant ships at sea and abroad. The few warships that were available were converted into merchant ships. The French in particular were outraged that America
19712-545: The United States would claim that France had sold West Florida to the United States for several years to come. Though he had not ordered the purchase of the entire territory, Jefferson strongly supported Monroe's actions, which ensured that the United States would continue to expand to the West. Overcoming doubts about whether the Constitution authorized the purchase of foreign territory, Jefferson won congressional approval for
19936-457: The United States' efforts during this time. Upon the onset of the war President James Madison ordered several naval vessels to be dispatched to patrol the American coastline. The U.S. flagships President , Essex and the Hornet were joined in lower New York harbor by United States commanded by Decatur, Congress , and Argus . Secretary of State James Monroe had originally considered
20160-467: The War of 1812, the Democratic-Republican caucus in Congress was crucial to Monroe's victory. Secretary of the Treasury William H. Crawford had the support of numerous Southern and Western Congressmen, while Governor Daniel D. Tompkins was backed by several Congressmen from New York. Crawford appealed especially to many Democratic-Republicans who were wary of Madison and Monroe's support for
20384-551: The West Indies to patrol its waters looking for French privateers and men-of-war . During the months that followed 25 armed enemy craft were captured or destroyed. With orders to rendezvous with merchantmen bound for America, Norfolk continued on to Cartagena (Colombia) with orders to escort the ships back to the United States, protecting them from pirates and privateers. Decatur transferred back to United States by June 1800; with extra guns and sails and improved structure,
20608-532: The Western Hemisphere open to new colonization, a jab aimed primarily at Russia, which was attempting to expand its colony on the northern Pacific Coast. In the period between 1817 and 1819, Mississippi, Illinois, and Alabama were recognized as new states. This rapid expansion resulted in a growing economic divide between the regions and a change of power in Congress to the detriment of the southern states, which viewed their plantation economy, which
20832-578: The Years 1794, 5, and 6, which sharply attacked Washington's government and accused it of acting against America's interests. He followed the advice of his friend Robert Livingston who cautioned him to "repress every harsh and acrimonious" comment about Washington. However, he did complain that too often the U.S. government had been too close to Britain, especially regarding the Jay Treaty. Washington made notes on this copy, writing, "The truth is, Mr. Monroe
21056-496: The absence of a bill of rights and worried about surrendering taxation powers to the central government. Monroe called for the Constitution to include guarantees regarding free navigation on the Mississippi River and to give the federal government direct control over the militia in case of defense. In doing so, he wanted to prevent the creation of a standing army, which proved to be a critical point of contention between
21280-502: The academy. He then enrolled for one year at the University of Pennsylvania in 1795, where he better applied himself and focused on his studies. At the university, Decatur met and became friends with Charles Stewart and Richard Somers , who would later become naval officers themselves. Decatur found the classic studies prosaic and life at the university disagreeable, and at the age of 17, with his heart and mind set on ships and
21504-531: The anti-Christian barbarians on the African coast in one night than all the European states had done for a long period of time." Upon his return to Syracuse, Decatur resumed command of Enterprise . With the significant victory achieved with the burning of Philadelphia , Preble now had reason to believe that bringing Tripoli to peaceful terms was in sight. Preble planned another attack on Tripoli and amassed
21728-529: The attacking vessels; Decatur's ship was struck with a 24-pound shot through her hull above the waterline. Before the battle ended USS John Adams , commanded by Isaac Chauncey , arrived on the scene. On board the vessel were official documents promoting Decatur to the rank of captain . John Adams also brought news that, upon the loss of the frigate Philadelphia , the government was sending four additional frigates, President , Congress , Constellation and Essex , to Tripoli with enough force to convince
21952-526: The authority or any such orders from a superior officer. The matter was then referred to the British minister at Washington, a Mr. Erskine, who in turn referred the matter to the Navy Department through Barron, demanding that the three deserters be surrendered to British authority. It was soon discovered that the deserters were American citizens who had been impressed into the Royal Navy, and since
22176-416: The berthed Philadelphia he encountered a light wind that made his approach tedious. He had to casually position his ship close enough to Philadelphia to allow his men to board while not creating any suspicion. When the two vessels were finally close enough, Catalano obtained permission for Decatur to tie Intrepid to the captured Philadelphia . Decatur surprised the few Tripolitans on board when he shouted
22400-467: The bilateral statement proposed by the British became a unilateral declaration by the United States. While Monroe thought that Spain was unlikely to re-establish its colonial empire on its own, he feared that France or the Holy Alliance might seek to establish control over the former Spanish possessions. On December 2, 1823, in his annual message to Congress, Monroe articulated what became known as
22624-522: The bill, and so the entire measure failed. The ensuing debates pitted the northern "restrictionists" (antislavery legislators who wished to bar slavery from the Louisiana territories and prohibit slavery's further expansion) against southern "anti-restrictionists" (proslavery legislators who rejected any interference by Congress inhibiting slavery expansion). During the following session, the House passed
22848-423: The burning vessel in Tripoli's harbor and set sail for the open sea, barely escaping in the confusion. With the cover of night helping to obscure the enemy gunfire, Intrepid and Syren made their way back to Syracuse, arriving February 18. After learning of Decatur's detachment's daring capture and destruction of Philadelphia without suffering a single fatality, British Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson , who at
23072-541: The capital of Williamsburg, Virginia , and enrolled him in the College of William and Mary in June 1774. Jones also introduced Monroe to important Virginians such as Thomas Jefferson , Patrick Henry , and George Washington . During this phase of the American Revolution , opposition to the British government grew in the Thirteen Colonies in reaction to the " Intolerable Acts ", a series of harsh laws against
23296-579: The cession of Florida make sense. Spain had been exhausted by the Peninsular War in Europe and needed to rebuild its credibility and presence in its colonies. Revolutionaries in Central America and South America were beginning to demand independence. Spain was unwilling to invest further in Florida, encroached on by American settlers, and it worried about the border between New Spain and
23520-407: The chief mate instead accepted Decatur's challenge and secured a location for the duel. Decatur, being an expert shot with a pistol, told his friend Lieutenant Charles Stewart that he believed his opponent not to be as able and he would thus endeavor to only wound his opponent in the hip, which is exactly how the duel turned out. The honor and courage of both duelists having been satisfied, the matter
23744-595: The children were educated according to the teachings of the Episcopal Church . After a brief honeymoon on Long Island, New York , the Monroes returned to New York City to live with her father until Congress adjourned: In the fall of 1786, Monroe resigned from Congress and moved to his uncle Jones' house in Fredericksburg, Virginia , where he successfully passed the bar exam and became an attorney for
23968-522: The city. Meeting with François Barbé-Marbois , the French foreign minister, Monroe and Livingston agreed to purchase the entire territory of Louisiana for $ 15 million; the purchase became known as the Louisiana Purchase . In agreeing to the purchase, Monroe violated his instructions, which had only allowed $ 9 million for the purchase of New Orleans and West Florida. The French did not acknowledge that West Florida remained in Spanish possession, and
24192-430: The command of Barron. On November 6, he relinquished command of Constitution to Commodore John Rodgers , his senior, in exchange for the smaller vessel Congress . In need of new sails and other repairs Rodgers sailed Constitution to Lisbon on November 27, where it remained for approximately six weeks. On March 8, 1806, Decatur married Susan Wheeler, the daughter of Luke Wheeler, the mayor of Norfolk, Virginia . She
24416-608: The command of General Johann von Kalb , and the Virginia Militia. At the end of 1780, the British invaded Virginia and Monroe, who had become a colonel in the meantime, was given command of a regiment for the first time, but he was still unable to raise an army due to a lack of interested recruits, Monroe returned to his home in King George County, and was not present for the British raid on Richmond. As both
24640-474: The conclusion of a popular war that they had opposed. Monroe received 183 of the 217 electoral votes , winning every state but Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Delaware. Since he previously served as an officer of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and as a delegate to the Continental Congress , he became the last president who was a Founding Father . Born in 1758, he was also
24864-804: The conflict between Paris and London in America intensified the confrontation between the Anglophile Federalists and the Francophile Republicans. While the Federalists were basically only aiming for independence from Great Britain, the Republicans wanted a revolutionary new form of government, which is why they strongly sympathized with the First French Republic. After arriving in France, Monroe addressed
25088-609: The conflicts as civil wars and kept the United States neutral. Monroe was deeply sympathetic to the revolutionary movements against Spain, and was determined that the United States should never repeat the policies of the Washington administration during the French Revolution, when the nation had failed to demonstrate its sympathy for the aspirations of peoples seeking to establish republican governments. He did not envisage military involvement in Latin American affairs, but only
25312-560: The continuation of American expansion for the best of four decades. Upon taking office, Monroe pursued warmer relations with Britain in the aftermath of the War of 1812. In 1817, the United States and Britain signed the Rush–Bagot Treaty , which regulated naval armaments on the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain and demilitarized the border between the U.S. and British North America . The Treaty of 1818 , also with Great Britain,
25536-455: The corsair captain, the man responsible for James' mortal wound, and immediately engaged the man. He was a large and formidable man in Muslim garb, and armed with a boarding pike he thrust his weapon at Decatur's chest. Armed with a cutlass Decatur deflected the lunge, breaking his own weapon at the hilt. During the fight Decatur was almost killed by another Tripolitan crew member, but his life
25760-465: The countries of Argentina , Peru , Colombia , Chile , and Mexico , all of which had won independence from Spain. Secretary of State Adams, under Monroe's supervision, wrote the instructions for the ministers to these new countries. They declared that the policy of the United States was to uphold republican institutions and to seek treaties of commerce on a most-favored-nation basis. The United States would support inter-American congresses dedicated to
25984-736: The declaration of war, fearing that the order to confine naval ships to port would be reconsidered by Congress, he and his squadron departed New York bay within the hour. The squadron patrolled the waters off the American Upper East Coast until the end of August, their first objective being a British fleet reported to have recently departed from the West Indies. Rodgers' squadron again sailed on October 8, 1812, this time from Boston, Massachusetts. Three days later, after capturing Mandarin , Decatur separated from Rodgers and his squadron and with United States continued to cruise eastward. At dawn on October 25, five hundred miles south of
26208-529: The declarations of independence by former Spanish colonies in South America and the increasing piracy, particularly from Amelia Island . Piracy on the southern border with the Floridas was intensified by smugglers, slave traders, and privateers who had fled from the Spanish colonies over which the mother country had lost control. Spain had long rejected repeated American attempts to purchase Florida. However, by 1818, Spain's troubling colonial situation made
26432-458: The development of economic and political institutions fundamentally differing from those prevailing in Europe. Monroe took pride as the United States was the first nation to extend recognition and to set an example to the rest of the world for its support of the "cause of liberty and humanity". In January 1821, Adams first expressed the idea that the American double continent should be closed to further colonization by foreign powers. The idea, which
26656-469: The early favorite to eventually succeed Monroe. An experienced diplomat, Adams had abandoned the Federalist Party in 1807 in support of Thomas Jefferson's foreign policy, and Monroe hoped that the appointment would encourage the defection of more Federalists. After General Andrew Jackson declined appointment as Secretary of War, Monroe turned to South Carolina Congressman John C. Calhoun , leaving
26880-527: The eight-year-old from such jaunty ambitions, fearing such would distract Stephen from his studies. Decatur attended Woodbury Academy in Woodbury, New Jersey . At the direction of his father, Decatur attended the Episcopal Academy , at the time an all-boys school that specialized in Latin, mathematics, and religion; however, Decatur had not applied himself adequately, and barely graduated from
27104-475: The eldest son in charge of the family. Though he inherited property, including slaves, from both of his parents, the 16-year-old Monroe was forced to withdraw from school to support his younger brothers. His childless maternal uncle, Joseph Jones , became a surrogate father to Monroe and his siblings and paid off his brother-in-law's debts. A member of the Virginia House of Burgesses , Jones took Monroe to
27328-484: The end of the war. Decatur attempted to sneak out of New London harbor at night in an effort to elude the British blockading squadron. On the evening of December 18, while attempting to leave the Thames River , Decatur saw blue lights burning near the mouth of the river in sight of the British blockaders. Decatur was furious, believing that various residents had set the signals to betray his plans. He abandoned
27552-432: The establishment of a central bank and protective tariffs. Monroe largely ignored old party lines in making federal appointments, which reduced political tensions and augmented the sense of "oneness" that pervaded the United States. He made two long national tours to build national trust, which included ceremonies of welcome and expressions of good-will. Monroe appointed a geographically balanced cabinet, through which he led
27776-415: The establishment of the Second Bank of the United States. Despite his substantial backing, Crawford decided to defer to Monroe on the belief that he could eventually run as Monroe's successor, and Monroe won his party's nomination. Tompkins won the party's vice presidential nomination. The moribund Federalists nominated Rufus King as their presidential nominee, but the party offered little opposition following
28000-480: The executive branch. At Monroe's request, Crawford continued to serve as Treasury Secretary. Monroe also chose to retain Benjamin Crowninshield of Massachusetts as Secretary of the Navy and Richard Rush of Pennsylvania as Attorney General. Recognizing Northern discontent at the continuation of the Virginia dynasty, Monroe chose John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts as Secretary of State, making Adams
28224-402: The existing American treaty with Britain only pertained to criminal fugitives of justice, not deserters in the military, Barron accordingly also refused to turn them over. Soon thereafter Chesapeake left Norfolk, and after stopping briefly at Washington for further preparations, set sail for the Mediterranean on June 22. In little time she was pursued by HMS Leopard , which at the time
28448-552: The federalists and the anti-federalists. Monroe also opposed the Electoral College , which he viewed as too corruptible and susceptible to state interests, and favored direct election of the president. After Madison reversed his decision and promised to pass a bill of rights, the Virginia Convention ratified the Constitution by a narrow vote, though Monroe himself voted against it. In the 1789 election to
28672-450: The fighting Decatur's younger brother, James Decatur , in command of a gunboat, was mortally wounded by a Tripolitan captain during the boarding of a vessel feigning surrender. Midshipman Brown, who was next in command after James, managed to break away from the ambushing vessel and immediately approached Decatur's gunboat bringing the news of his brother's fatal injury. Decatur had just captured his first Tripolitan vessel and upon receiving
28896-465: The first Secretary of the Navy. Stoddert immediately ordered his senior commanders to "subdue, seize and take any armed vessel or vessels sailing under the authority or pretense of authority, from the French Republic." At this time, America was not even ranked with European naval forces. On May 22, 1799, Decatur was promoted to lieutenant by President John Adams after serving for more than
29120-506: The first governor of Louisiana Territory , Monroe continued to serve as ambassador to Britain until 1807. In 1806 he negotiated the Monroe–Pinkney Treaty with Great Britain. It would have extended the Jay Treaty of 1794 which had expired after ten years. Jefferson had fought the Jay Treaty intensely in 1794–95 because he felt it would allow the British to subvert American republicanism . The treaty had produced ten years of peace and highly lucrative trade for American merchants, but Jefferson
29344-479: The flagship of his new squadron, along with Hornet , a sloop bearing 20 guns, USS Peacock bearing 22 and USS Tom Bowline bearing 12 guns. In January 1815, Decatur's squadron was assigned a mission in the East Indies . However, the British had established a strict blockade in the squadron's port of New York, therefore restricting any cruises. On January 14, a severe snowstorm developed, forcing
29568-632: The fledgling army valued literacy in its officers, Monroe was commissioned with the rank of lieutenant, serving under Colonel George Weedon and later Captain William Washington . After months of training, Monroe and 700 Virginia infantrymen were called north to serve in the New York and New Jersey campaign . Monroe's regiment played a central role in the Continental Army's retreat across the Delaware River on December 7 in response to
29792-703: The fledgling party's leaders in the Senate. He also helped organize opposition to John Adams in the 1792 election, though Adams defeated George Clinton to win re-election as vice president. When Monroe took part in congressional investigations into Hamilton's illegal transactions with James Reynolds in November 1792, this led to the uncovering of the first political sex scandal in the United States: The payments had been hush money to keep Hamilton's affair with Reynolds' wife secret. Hamilton never forgave Monroe for this public humiliation, which almost led to
30016-408: The fleet of English West-Indiamen. On August 31, Decatur sailed United States to Boston. On October 8, he sailed a second cruise with Rodgers' squadron. The desire for expansion into the Northwest Territory , the capture and impressment of American citizens into the Royal Navy along with British alliance with, and recruitment of, American Indian tribes against America, were all events that led into
30240-465: The frigate United States , Decatur was a natural choice for this new position. Decatur and his wife Susan lived together all through this period. After overseeing the completion of gunboats, Decatur returned to Norfolk in March 1807 and was given command of the Naval Yard at Gosport . While commissioned there he received a letter from the residing British consul to turn over three deserters from
30464-419: The further introduction of slaves into Missouri and required that all future children of slave parents therein should be free at the age of twenty-five years. After three days of rancorous and sometimes bitter debate, the bill, with Tallmadge's amendments, passed. The measure then went to the Senate, which rejected both amendments. A House–Senate conference committee proved unable to resolve the disagreements on
30688-505: The governor's actions that they conducted daily military drills on campus afterward. On June 24, 1775, Monroe and 24 militiamen stormed the Governor's Palace, capturing several hundred muskets and swords. In early 1776, about a year and a half after his enrollment, Monroe dropped out of college and joined the 3rd Virginia Regiment in the Continental Army , despite mourning the death of his brother Spence, who had died shortly before. As
30912-462: The greater range of the guns aboard United States , Decatur and his crew got off seventy broadsides, with Macedonian only getting off thirty, and consequently emerged from the battle relatively unscathed. Macedonian had no option but surrender, and thus was taken as a prize by Decatur. Eager to present the nation with a prize, Decatur and his crew spent two weeks repairing and refitting the captured British frigate to prepare it for its journey across
31136-506: The harbor personnel in Arabic that their ship had lost its anchors during a recent storm and was seeking refuge at Tripoli for repairs. By 9:30 p.m. Decatur's ship was within 200 yards of Philadelphia , whose lower yards were now resting on the deck with her foremast missing, as Bainbridge had ordered it cut away and had also jettisoned some of her guns in a futile effort to refloat the ship by lightening her load. As Decatur approached
31360-433: The harbor with Intrepid without suspicion to board and set ablaze the frigate Philadelphia , denying its use to the corsairs. USS Syren , commanded by Lieutenant Charles Stewart , accompanied Intrepid to provide supporting fire during and after the assault. Before entering the harbor eight sailors from Syren boarded Intrepid , including Thomas Macdonough , who had recently served aboard Philadelphia and knew
31584-512: The harbor, Decatur decided to write a letter to Captain Thomas Hardy offering to negotiate a resolution of the situation at a prearranged meeting. He proposed that matched ships from either side meet and, in effect, have a duel, to settle their otherwise idle situation. The letter was sent under a flag of truce but was in violation of orders, as after the loss of Chesapeake , Navy Secretary Jones forbade commanders from "giving or receiving
31808-413: The heart, but while wrestling the arm of his adversary, Decatur managed to take hold of his pistol and fired a shot point-blank , immediately killing his formidable foe. When the fighting was over, 21 Tripolitans were dead with only three taken alive. Later James Decatur was taken aboard Constitution where he was joined by his brother Stephen, who stayed with him until he had died. The next day, after
32032-589: The hostilities and preserved American neutrality. When a British fleet of 50 warships and 5,000 soldiers massed in the mouth of the Potomac, Monroe scouted the Chesapeake Bay with a troop and on August 21 sent the President a warning of the impending invasion so that Madison and his wife could flee in time and the state's assets and inhabitants could be evacuated. The British burned the U.S. Capitol and
32256-487: The immediate neighborhood of Monticello , where he bought an estate and named it Highland . After the death of Senator William Grayson in 1790, Virginia legislators elected Monroe to serve the remainder of Grayson's term. Since the Senate, unlike the House of Representatives, met behind closed doors, the public paid little attention to it and focused on the House of Representatives. Monroe therefore requested in February 1791 that Senate sessions be held in public, but this
32480-482: The last president who belonged to the Republican generation . Monroe's inauguration took place on March 4, 1817. As Monroe was the first president to take office during a period of peace and economic stability, the term " Era of Good Feelings " was soon coined. This period was characterized by the unchallenged dominance of the Republicans, who by the end of Madison's term had adopted some Federalist policies, such as
32704-420: The leader of the largest state in the country, Monroe emerged as one of Jefferson's two most likely successors, alongside Madison. Shortly after the end of Monroe's gubernatorial tenure, President Jefferson sent Monroe back to France to assist Ambassador Robert Livingston in negotiating the Louisiana Purchase . In the 1800 Treaty of San Ildefonso , France had acquired the territory of Louisiana from Spain; at
32928-464: The loss of Fort Washington. In late December, Monroe took part in a surprise attack on a Hessian encampment at the Battle of Trenton . Though the attack was successful, Monroe suffered a severed artery in the battle and nearly died. In the aftermath, Washington cited Monroe and William Washington for their bravery, and promoted Monroe to captain. After recovering for two months, Monroe returned to Virginia to recruit his own company of soldiers. Lacking
33152-523: The militia when the Assembly called it into action, but Monroe used his stature to convince legislators to enhance state involvement in transportation and education and to increase training for the militia. Monroe also began to give State of the Commonwealth addresses to the legislature, in which he highlighted areas in which he believed the legislature should act. Monroe also led an effort to create
33376-480: The navy, acted contrary to such sentiment and began his presidency by sending U.S. naval forces to fight the Barbary states rather than continue paying huge annual tributes to the petty North African kingdoms. On May 13, 1801, at the beginning of the war, Decatur was assigned duty aboard the frigate USS Essex to serve as the first lieutenant. Essex , bearing 32 guns, was commanded by William Bainbridge and
33600-506: The news turned command of his captured prize over to Lieutenant Jonathan Thorn and immediately set out to avenge his brother's treacherous injury. After catching up with and pulling alongside the Tripolitan ship, Decatur was the first to board the enemy vessel with Midshipman Macdonough at his heels along with nine volunteer crew members. Decatur and his crew were outnumbered 5 to 1 but were organized and kept their form, fighting furiously side by side. Decatur had little trouble singling out
33824-450: The order "board!", signaling to the hidden crew below to emerge and storm the captured ship. Without losing a single man, Decatur and 60 of his men, dressed as Maltese sailors or Arab seamen and armed with swords and boarding pikes , boarded and reclaimed Philadelphia in less than 10 minutes, killing at least 20 of the Tripolitan crew, capturing one wounded crewman, and forcing the rest to flee by jumping overboard. Only one of Decatur's men
34048-476: The people of Missouri to form a state constitution. Before the bill was returned to the House, a second amendment was adopted on the motion of Jesse B. Thomas of Illinois , excluding slavery from the Louisiana Territory north of the parallel 36°30′ north (the southern boundary of Missouri), except within the limits of the proposed state of Missouri. The House then approved the bill as amended by
34272-435: The pilot Salvatore Catalano , who spoke Arabic . The boarding party remained hidden below in position, prepared to board the captured Philadelphia . The men were divided into several groups, each assigned to secure given areas of the ship, with the additional explicit instruction of refraining from the use of firearms unless it proved absolutely necessary. As Decatur's ship came closer to Philadelphia , Catalano called out to
34496-510: The plan went awry, exploding prior to arriving at its target, killing all aboard. The siege of the harbor and Tripoli, with the momentous capture of the fortress of Derna by US Marines ("the shores of Tripoli") proved successful and ultimately caused the Bashaw of Tripoli to consider surrender and the return of American prisoners held captive, including Commodore Bainbridge of Philadelphia , who had been held prisoner since October 1803 when that ship
34720-428: The potential weapon of commercial warfare against Britain. The president made no attempt to obtain another treaty, and as a result, the two nations drifted from peace toward the War of 1812 . Monroe was severely pained by the administration's repudiation of the treaty, and he fell out with Secretary of State James Madison. On his return to Virginia in 1807, Monroe received a warm reception, and many urged him to run in
34944-778: The presidential election. Returning to his home in Charlottesville, he resumed his dual careers as a farmer and lawyer. Jefferson and Madison urged Monroe to run for Congress, but Monroe chose to focus on state politics instead. In 1797, Monroe published A View of the Conduct of the Executive, in the Foreign Affairs of the United States: Connected with the Mission to the French Republic, During
35168-419: The pressure on him to speak out on the future of the Western Hemisphere. For their part, the British also had a strong interest in ensuring the demise of Spanish colonialism, with all the trade restrictions mercantilism imposed. In October 1823, Richard Rush, the American minister in London, corresponded with Canning to work out a common position on a potential French intervention in South America. When Monroe
35392-446: The proceeds, failed due to the low real estate prices. After the election Monroe quickly reconciled with Jefferson, but their friendship endured further strains when Jefferson did not promote Monroe's candidacy to Congress in 1809. Monroe did not speak with Madison until 1810. Monroe devoted his attentions to farming at his Charlottesville estate, experimenting with new horticultural techniques in order to switch from tobacco, whose value
35616-402: The project and returned to New London. In a letter to the Navy Secretary, dated December 20, Decatur charged that traitors in the New London area were in collusion with the British to capture United States , Hornet and Macedonian . The allegations of treason soon became public, causing controversy and debate among New London residents and others over the matter. A congressional investigation
35840-434: The protection of U.S. trade from French attacks. In February 1795, Monroe used his influence to secure the release of all American citizens imprisoned since the French Revolution and Adrienne de La Fayette , the wife of the Marquis de Lafayette. He had already secured the release of Thomas Paine in July 1794 and took him in, but when Paine worked on a diatribe against Washington despite Monroe's objections, they parted ways in
36064-482: The provision of moral support, as he believed that a direct American intervention would provoke other European powers into assisting Spain. Monroe initially refused to recognize the Latin American governments due to ongoing negotiations with Spain over Florida. Following their respective declarations of independence, the South American republics quickly sent emissaries to Washington to ask for diplomatic recognition and economic and trade relations. In 1818, Monroe assured
36288-399: The ratification of the United States Constitution . In 1790, Monroe won election to the Senate where he became a leader of the Democratic-Republican Party. He left the Senate in 1794 to serve as President George Washington 's ambassador to France but was recalled by Washington in 1796. Monroe won the election as Governor of Virginia in 1799 and strongly supported Jefferson's candidacy in
36512-416: The ratification of the proposed Constitution involved more than a simple clash between federalists and anti-federalists . Virginians held a full spectrum of opinions about the merits of the proposed change in national government, and those who held the middle ground in the ideological struggle became the central figures. Led by Monroe and Edmund Pendleton , these "federalists who are for amendments" criticized
36736-428: The refurbished ship made her way down the Delaware River. Aboard the ship at this time were Decatur's former classmates Lieutenant Charles Stewart and Midshipman Richard Somers , along with Lieutenant James Barron. Following the Quasi-War, the U.S. Navy underwent a significant reduction of active ships and officers; Decatur was one of the few selected to remain commissioned. By the time hostilities with France came to
36960-440: The same residence they had once left in Philadelphia and Decatur grew up there, eventually graduating from the Episcopal Academy. Decatur came to love the sea and sailing in a roundabout manner. When Stephen was eight years old, he developed a severe case of whooping cough . In those days, a supposed tonic for this condition was exposure to the salt air of the sea. It was decided that Stephen Jr. would accompany his father aboard
37184-427: The same ship that captured Philadelphia , was loaded with barrels of gunpowder and other ordnance and sent sailing into a group of Tripolitan vessels defending the harbor, commanded by Lieutenant Richard Somers, with Midshipman Henry Wadsworth and eleven volunteers. The plan was to place the ketch amidst the Tripolitan ships, light the fuzes, and evacuate to ships awaiting their return at the harbor entrance, but somehow
37408-446: The same term This disambiguation page lists articles about distinct geographical locations with the same name. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Decatur_County&oldid=998639842 " Category : United States county name disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description
37632-413: The scene without further incident. When he related the matter to his father, however, Captain Decatur stressed that the honor of the family and of the Navy had been insulted and that his son should return and challenge the chief mate to a duel. Stephen's friend and shipmate, Lieutenant Somers, was sent ahead with a letter from Decatur asking if an apology could be obtained from the man. Refusing to apologize,
37856-418: The sea, discontinued his studies there. Though his parents were not pleased with his decision, they continued to be supportive of him. Through his father's influence, Stephen gained employment at the shipbuilding firm of Gurney and Smith, business associates of his father, acting as supervisor to the early construction of the frigate United States . He was serving on board this vessel as a midshipman when it
38080-420: The ship was berthed there, Commodore Barry received orders to prepare for a voyage to transport two U.S. envoys to Spain and on December 3 sailed on United States for Lisbon via England. During the crossing the ship encountered gale force winds, and at their insistence, the two envoys were dropped off at the nearest port in England. Upon returning home and arriving on the Delaware River on April 3, 1800, it
38304-485: The ship's layout intimately. Decatur established a close friendship with Macdonough and became his mentor during the course of their careers. On February 16, 1804, at seven o'clock in the evening under the dim light of a waxing crescent moon, Intrepid slowly sailed into Tripoli harbor. Decatur's vessel was made to look like a common merchant ship from Malta and was outfitted with British colours . To further avoid suspicion, on board were five Sicilian volunteers including
38528-434: The spring of 1796. Months after Monroe arrived in France, the U.S. and Great Britain concluded the Jay Treaty , outraging both the French and Monroe—not fully informed about the treaty prior to its publication. Despite the undesirable effects of the Jay Treaty on Franco-American relations, Monroe won French support for U.S. navigational rights on the Mississippi River —the mouth of which was controlled by Spain —and in 1795
38752-445: The state's first penitentiary , and imprisonment replaced other, often harsher, punishments. In 1800, Monroe called out the state militia to suppress Gabriel's Rebellion , a slave rebellion originating on a plantation six miles from the capital of Richmond. Gabriel and 27 other enslaved people who participated were all hanged for treason. The executions sparked compassionate feelings among the people of Virginia, and Monroe worked with
38976-414: The state. In 1787, Monroe won election to another term in the Virginia House of Delegates. Though he had become outspoken in his desire to reform the Articles, he was unable to attend the Philadelphia Convention due to his work obligations. In 1788, Monroe became a delegate to the Virginia Ratifying Convention , which voted on the adoption of the United States Constitution. In Virginia, the struggle over
39200-444: The support of Secretary of State Adams, Monroe defended Jackson against domestic and international criticism, and the United States began negotiations with Spain. Monroe later fixed the government's official position in a letter from Adams to Spanish Ambassador Luis de Onís , which he edited accordingly by removing all justifications for Jackson's actions. He also emphasized that although Jackson had exceeded his orders, he had come to
39424-470: The support of the more radical factions of the Democratic-Republicans. Madison also hoped that Monroe, an experienced diplomat with whom he had once been close friends, would improve upon Smith's performance. Madison assured Monroe that their differences regarding the Monroe-Pinkney Treaty had been a misunderstanding, and the two resumed their friendship. The Senate voted unanimously (30–0) to confirm him. On taking office, Monroe hoped to negotiate treaties with
39648-401: The temporary capital of New York City . In 1784, Monroe undertook an extensive trip through Western New York and Pennsylvania to inspect the conditions in the Northwest. The tour convinced him that the United States had to pressure Britain to abandon its posts in the region and assert control of the Northwest. While serving in Congress, Monroe became an advocate for western expansion, and played
39872-550: The time was blockading the French port at Toulon , is said to have stated it was "the most bold and daring act of the Age." Decatur's exploit made him an immediate national hero in the US. Appreciation for the efforts of Preble and Decatur was not limited to their peers and countrymen. At Naples , Decatur was praised and dubbed "Terror of the Foe" by the local media. Upon hearing the news of their victory in Tripoli, Pope Pius VII publicly declared that "the United States, though in their infancy, had done more to humble and humiliate
40096-420: The time, many in the U.S. believed that France had also acquired West Florida in the same treaty. The American delegation originally sought to acquire West Florida and the city of New Orleans , which controlled the trade of the Mississippi River . Determined to acquire New Orleans even if it meant war with France, Jefferson also authorized Monroe to form an alliance with the British if the French refused to sell
40320-400: The town and shore batteries, while the ropes securing the ship burned off, allowing the vessel to drift into the rocks at the western entrance of the harbor. While Intrepid was under fire from the Tripolitans who were now gathering along the shore and in small boats, the larger Syren was nearby providing covering fire at the Tripolitan shore batteries and gunboats. Decatur and his men left
40544-435: The two ever met in battle, Macedonian would emerge victorious. However, the engagement in a heavy swell proved otherwise as United States pounded Macedonian into a dismasted wreck from long range. During the engagement Decatur was standing on a box of shot when he was knocked down almost unconscious when a flying splinter struck him in the chest. Wounded, he soon recovered and was on his feet in command again. Because of
40768-401: The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent . The treaty resulted in a return to the status quo ante bellum , and many outstanding issues between the United States and Britain remained. Americans celebrated the end of the war as a great victory, partly due to the news of the treaty reaching the United States shortly after Jackson's victory in the Battle of New Orleans . With the end of
40992-428: The way for clear passage out to sea, but due to a plotting error the pilot boats took up the wrong positions and consequently President was accidentally run aground. James Monroe James Monroe ( / m ə n ˈ r oʊ / mən- ROH ; April 28, 1758 – July 4, 1831) was a Founding Father of the United States , and served as the fifth president of the United States from 1817 to 1825. He
41216-446: The wealth to induce soldiers to join his company, Monroe instead asked his uncle to return him to the front. Monroe was assigned to the staff of General William Alexander, Lord Stirling as an auxiliary officer. At the Battle of Brandywine , he formed a close friendship with the Marquis de Lafayette , a French volunteer who encouraged him to view the war as part of a wider struggle against religious and political tyranny. Monroe served in
41440-428: The weapons of the Virginian militia, which alarmed militiamen and students of the College of William & Mary, including Monroe. They marched to the Governor's Palace and demanded that Dunmore return the confiscated gunpowder. When more militiamen arrived in Williamsburg under the leadership of Patrick Henry, Dunmore agreed to pay compensation for the confiscated goods. Monroe and his fellow students were so incensed by
41664-407: The west end of Tripoli harbor, they began bombarding Tripoli on August 3, 1804. Preble divided his gunboats into two divisions, putting Decatur in command of the second division. At 1:30 Preble raised his signal flag to begin the attack on Tripoli. It was elaborate and well planned with brigs, schooners and bomb ketches coming into the attack at various stages. The Tripolitan pasha , Murad Reis ,
41888-420: The works of Epictetus in particular had a great influence on Monroe With the British increasingly focusing their operations in the Southern colonies , the Virginians moved the capital to the more defensible city of Richmond , and Monroe accompanied Jefferson to the new capital. Jefferson appointed Monroe as a military commissioner with the task of maintaining contact with the Southern Continental Army, under
42112-591: The young American Navy, Decatur sailed to most of the naval ports on the eastern seaboard and was well received at each stop. On May 21, 1811, he sailed United States from Norfolk along with USS Hornet on assignment to patrol the coast, returning to Norfolk on November 23 of that year. In 1812 he sailed with Argus and Congress but were soon recalled upon receiving news about the outbreak of war with Britain. There Decatur joined Captain John Rodgers , commander of President and his squadron. On this cruise Rodgers failed to accomplish his mission of intercepting
42336-428: The youngest man to reach the rank of captain in the history of the United States Navy. He served under three presidents and played a major role in the early development of the U.S. Navy. In almost every theater of operation, Decatur's service was characterized by acts of heroism and exceptional performance. His service in the U.S. Navy took him through both Barbary Wars in North Africa, the Quasi-War with France, and
42560-410: Was a bill in passage through the House (January 3, 1820) to admit Maine as a free state . Southern congressmen sought to force northerners to accept slavery in Missouri by connecting Maine and Missouri statehood. In this plan, endorsed by Monroe, Maine statehood would be held hostage to slavery in Missouri. In February 1820 the Senate passed a bill for the admission of Maine with an amendment enabling
42784-505: Was a member of the American Colonization Society which supported the colonization of Africa by freed slaves, and Liberia 's capital of Monrovia is named in his honor. Following his retirement in 1825, Monroe was plagued by financial difficulties and died on July 4, 1831, in New York City—sharing a distinction with Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson of dying on the anniversary of U.S. independence . Historians have generally ranked him as an above-average president. James Monroe
43008-401: Was a veteran and hero of the Revolutionary War and was Decatur's good friend and mentor. Decatur accepted the appointment on May 1. During his early naval career Decatur learned the arts of naval war under Barry, and also James Barron , both of whom took a liking to Decatur. To ensure his son's success in his naval career, the senior Decatur hired a tutor, Talbot Hamilton, a former officer of
43232-400: Was ascertained that neither side could trust the other and so the proposal floundered, never coming to fruition. In May 1814, Decatur transferred his commodore's pennant to President , a frigate with 44 guns. By December 1, 1814, Secretary of the Navy William Jones , a staunch proponent of coastal defense, appointed Decatur to lead a four-ship squadron comprising President , which would be
43456-403: Was attached to Commodore Richard Dale 's squadron which also included USS Philadelphia , President and USS Enterprise . Departing for the Mediterranean on June 1, this squadron was the first American naval squadron to cross the Atlantic. On July 1, after encountering and being forestalled by adverse winds, the squadron sailed into the Mediterranean with the mission to confront
43680-501: Was born on April 28, 1758, in his parents' house in a wooded area of Westmoreland County in the Colony of Virginia , to (Andrew) Spence Monroe and Elizabeth Jones. The marked site is one mile (1.6 km) from the unincorporated community known today as Monroe Hall, Virginia . The James Monroe Family Home Site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. He had one sister, Elizabeth and three younger brothers, Spence, Andrew and Joseph Jones. Monroe's father worked as
43904-414: Was cajoled, flattered, and made to believe strange things. In return he did, or was disposed to do, whatever was pleasing to that nation, reluctantly urging the rights of his own." On a party-line vote, the Virginia legislature elected Monroe as Governor of Virginia in 1799. He would serve as governor until 1802. The constitution of Virginia endowed the governor with very few powers aside from commanding
44128-436: Was called while Decatur made efforts to discover who was responsible but was unsuccessful. Whether the signals were given by a British spy or an American citizen remains uncertain. Democratic-Republicans (the then-future Democratic Party ) immediately blamed the Federalists who were adamantly against the war from the beginning, and so here earned themselves the name "Blue-light Federalists" . Unable to get his squadron out of
44352-432: Was captured after running aground near Tripoli harbor. On June 4, 1805, the Bashaw of Tripoli finally surrendered and signed a peace treaty with the United States. Shortly after his recapture and destruction of Philadelphia , Decatur was given command of the frigate Constitution , a post he held from October 28 to November 9, 1804. Upon the day of Decatur's return with Intrepid , Commodore Preble wrote to Secretary of
44576-404: Was concluded October 20, 1818, and fixed the present Canada–United States border from Minnesota to the Rocky Mountains at the 49th parallel . The accords also established a joint U.S.–British occupation of Oregon Country for the next ten years. Though they did not solve every outstanding issue between the U.S. and Britain, the treaties allowed for greater trade between the United States and
44800-439: Was dependent on slavery, as increasingly threatened. In February 1819, a bill to enable the people of the Missouri Territory to draft a constitution and form a government preliminary to admission into the Union came before the House of Representatives . During these proceedings, Congressman James Tallmadge, Jr. of New York "tossed a bombshell into the Era of Good Feelings" by offering the Tallmadge Amendment , which prohibited
45024-408: Was discovered that United States had incurred damage from the storms she had weathered at sea. Consequently, the vessel was taken up the Delaware to Chester, Pennsylvania , for repairs. Not wanting to remain with United States during the months of repairs and outfitting, Decatur obtained a transfer to the brig USS Norfolk under the command of Thomas Calvert. In May the Norfolk sailed to
45248-408: Was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates . After serving on Virginia's Executive Council, he was elected to the Fourth Congress of the Confederation in November 1783 and served in Annapolis until Congress convened in Trenton, New Jersey in June 1784. He had served a total of three years when he finally retired from that office by the rule of rotation. By that time, the government was meeting in
45472-453: Was expecting the attack and had his own gunboats lined up and waiting at various locations within the harbor. Throughout the month of August 1804 Preble used these gunboats to launch a series of furious attacks on Tripoli, forcing the residents to flee into the countryside. During this time, Decatur in command of the gunboats captured three Tripolitan gunboats and sank three others. The Tripolitans also inflicted considerable damage on some of
45696-423: Was first confronted with the matter. The incident soon came to be referred to as the Chesapeake – Leopard affair , an event whose controversy would lead to a duel between Barron and Decatur some years later, as Decatur served on Barron's court-martial and later was one of the most outspoken critics of the questionable handling of Chesapeake . On June 26, 1807, Decatur was appointed to command Chesapeake ,
45920-516: Was given command of a squadron of gunboats stationed in the Chesapeake Bay at Norfolk, Virginia, the home of his future wife, Susan Wheeler. He had long requested such an assignment; however, one of his colleagues believed that his request was also motivated by a desire to be close to Wheeler. While stationed here Decatur took the opportunity to court Miss Wheeler, whom he would soon marry that year. After their marriage in March, Decatur lived with his wife's family in Norfolk until June when Secretary of
46144-445: Was halted. After some debate and at the insistence of President Washington, Congress passed an act on April 20, 1796, allowing the construction and funding to continue, but only on the three ships nearest to completion at the time: USS United States , USS Constellation and USS Constitution . In 1798, John Barry obtained Decatur's appointment as a midshipman aboard United States , under Barry's command. Barry
46368-449: Was increasingly factionalized, with " Old Republicans " or "Quids" denouncing the Jefferson administration for abandoning what they considered to be true republican principles. The Quids, led by John Randolph of Roanoke , tried to enlist Monroe in their cause. The plan was to run Monroe for president in the 1808 election in cooperation with the Federalist Party , which had a strong base in New England. Monroe decided to run against Madison in
46592-521: Was initially rejected and not implemented until February 1794. During the presidency of George Washington , U.S. politics became increasingly polarized between the Anti-Administration Party , led by Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson and the Federalists , led by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. Monroe stood firmly with Jefferson in opposing Hamilton's strong central government and strong executive. The Democratic-Republican Party coalesced around Jefferson and Madison, and Monroe became one of
46816-541: Was later adopted by Monroe, was influenced by the Adams–Onís Treaty and the negotiations on border disputes in the Oregon Country. Adams emphasized that the further colonization of America, except for Canada, should be in the hands of the Americans themselves. This later became a principle in Monroe's administration. After the Spanish Revolution of 1820 was ended by France, Secretary of War Calhoun and British Foreign Secretary George Canning warned Monroe that European powers might intend to intervene in South America, increasing
47040-413: Was launched on May 10, 1797, under the command of Commodore John Barry . In the years leading up to the Quasi-War , an undeclared naval war with the revolutionary French Republic ( France ) involving disputes over U.S. trading and shipping with Britain, the U.S. Congress passed the ' Act to provide for a Naval Armament ' on March 27, 1794. The act provided for the commissioning of six frigates for
47264-408: Was not prepared to do battle and was unable to return fire. Inside twenty minutes, three of her crew were killed and eighteen wounded. Barron struck the ship's colors and surrendered his ship, whereupon she was boarded and the alleged deserters were taken into British custody. News of the incident soon reached President Jefferson, the Department of the Navy and Decatur, who was outraged, was the one who
47488-422: Was once pursued by Vice President Aaron Burr and Jérôme Bonaparte , brother to Napoleon , both of whom she turned down. For several months after their marriage the couple resided with Susan's parents in Norfolk, after which Stephen received orders sending him to Newport to supervise the building of gunboats. The couple never had children during their fourteen years of marriage. In the spring of 1806, Decatur
47712-398: Was part of a British squadron in Lynnhaven Bay . Upon closing with Chesapeake , Barron was hailed by the captain of Leopard and informed of a demand from Vice-Admiral Humphreys that Chesapeake be searched for deserters. Barron found the demand extraordinarily bold. When he refused to surrender any of his crew, Leopard soon opened fire on Chesapeake . Having just put to sea, Chesapeake
47936-417: Was part of an ancient Scottish clan known as Clan Munro . In 1650, he patented a large tract of land in Washington Parish, Westmoreland County, Virginia . Also among James Monroe's ancestors were French Huguenot immigrants, who came to Virginia in 1700. At age 11, Monroe was enrolled in Campbelltown Academy, the only school in the county. This school was considered the best in the colony of Virginia, which
48160-475: Was presented with this correspondence, which had yielded no tangible results, in mid-October 1823, his first reaction was to accept the British offer. Adams vigorously opposed cooperation with Great Britain, contending that a statement of bilateral nature could limit United States expansion in the future. He also argued that the British were not committed to recognizing the Latin American republics and must have had imperial motivations themselves. Two months later,
48384-425: Was resolved without a fatality. By July 1, 1799, United States had been refitted and repaired and commenced its mission to patrol the South Atlantic coast and West Indies in search of French ships which were preying on American merchant vessels. After completing this mission the ship was taken to Norfolk, Virginia , for minor repairs, and then set sail for Newport, Rhode Island , arriving on September 12. While
48608-402: Was slightly wounded by a sabre blade. There was hope that the small boarding crew could launch the captured ship, but the vessel was in no condition to set sail for the open sea. Decatur soon realized that the small Intrepid could not tow the larger and heavier warship out of the harbor. Commodore Preble's order to Decatur was to destroy Philadelphia where she berthed as a last resort, if she
48832-418: Was spared by the already wounded Daniel Frazier , a crewman who threw himself over Decatur just in time, receiving a blow intended for Decatur to his own head; Frazier's act of heroism later got wrongly attributed to Reuben James . The struggle continued, with the Tripolitan captain, being larger and stronger than Decatur, gaining the upper hand. Armed with a dagger the Tripolitan attempted to stab Decatur in
49056-429: Was steadily declining, to wheat. In 1810, Monroe returned to the Virginia House of Delegates and was elected to another term as governor in 1811, but served only four months, as less than two months into his term, Monroe was asked on Madison's behalf if he would be willing to succeed Robert Smith as Secretary of State. In April 1811, Madison appointed Monroe to his cabinet as Secretary of State in hopes of shoring up
49280-413: Was still involved in trading with Britain, a country with whom they were at war, and because of American refusal to pay a debt that was owed to the French crown, which had just been overthrown by the newly established French Republic. As a result, France began intercepting American ships that were involved in trading with Britain. This provocation prompted President Adams to appoint Benjamin Stoddert as
49504-439: Was still opposed. When Monroe and the British signed the new treaty in December 1806, Jefferson refused to submit it to the Senate for ratification. Although the treaty called for ten more years of trade between the United States and the British Empire and gave American merchants guarantees that would have been good for business, Jefferson was unhappy that it did not end the hated British practice of impressment and refused to give up
49728-431: Was the last Founding Father to serve as president as well as the last president of the Virginia dynasty . He was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party , and his presidency coincided with the Era of Good Feelings , concluding the First Party System era of American politics. He issued the Monroe Doctrine , a policy of limiting European colonialism in the Americas. Monroe previously served as governor of Virginia ,
49952-418: Was unseaworthy. With the ship secure, Decatur's crew began placing combustibles about Philadelphia with orders to set her ablaze. After making sure the fire was large enough to sustain itself, Decatur ordered his men to abandon the ship and was the last man to leave. As the flames intensified, the guns aboard Philadelphia , all loaded and ready for battle, became heated and began discharging, some firing into
50176-512: Was well known for her beauty and intelligence among Norfolk and Washington society. They had met at a dinner and ball held by the mayor for a Tunisian ambassador who was in the United States negotiating peace terms for his country's recent defeat at Tunis under the silent guns of John Rodgers and Decatur. Before marrying Susan, Decatur had already vowed to serve in the U.S. Navy and maintained that to abandon his service to his country for personal reasons would make him unworthy of her hand. Susan
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