Decatur, Stephen

Autograph letter, signed ("S Decatur"), 3 pages (13 x 8 in.; 330 x 204 mm), Washington, D.C., 9 March 1816, to Littleton Tazewell in Norfolk; formerly folded, silked on recto, mended seal tear touching two words. Maroon half-morocco clamshell box.

formerly folded, silked on recto, mended seal tear touching two words
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Lobbying for renewal of Fulton's monopoly on the steamboat.

Commodore Decatur (1779-1820), fresh from his heroic exploits in the War of 1812, served as Navy Commissioner from 1816 to 1820. He is here writing to Littleton Waller Tazewell (1774-1860), who had been Decatur's lawyer during the war, and was then serving in the Virginia House of Delegates, on the subject of renewing that State's patent for Robert Fulton, now owned by his widow Harriet Livingston Fulton and her family. Decatur had been a friend and admirer of Fulton's since 1806, and actually had business arrangements with him, so he was not an uninterested advocate. It was later in 1820 that efforts were made to break down the Fulton Livingston monopoly which had long been fiercely contested; the legislatures of New York, New Jersey, and the Congress were involved, and appeals presented by Aaron Ogden, former governor of New Jersey. Many important issues in Constitutional Law were raised by this effort, the suit being skillfully handled by Daniel Webster for those who contested the patent. The result of the suit was to establish the authority of the Federal Government to regulate navigation and other interstate relations, the final opinion the work of Chief Justice John Marshall.

Decatur writes: "Govnr. Ogden, Cutting, & the whole host of steam men are now here endeavouring to obtain an extension of their pattent from Congress. Their bill is now before the senate. Its passage through that body is doubtful; a little aid I think would effect it. Mrs. Fulton will not derive the benefit of her Husbands tallents & services to the public, unless they succeed. ... I think the steam boat at Norfolk would be much more valuable if she had an exclusive right, & the term extended, otherwise opposition may be got up which would destroy the advantage of the company. ... They are desirous of your coming up to this place without delay as the business in now in progress. The Secy of the Treasury has made a call on the Chairman of the Committee of Ways & Means for $100,000, for our claim, & I presume he will do the needfull."

The letter closes with an offer to Tazewell of a post as Judge Advocate General for the Navy " ... with power to appoint his deputies when he cannot attend in person. I know nothing of the salary contemplated. Would you take it? If so write [to] the navy board."