Correspondence, between the late Commodore Stephen Decatur and Commodore James Barron, which led to the unfortunate meeting of the twenty-second of March

by Stephen Decatur; James Barron

STEPHEN DECATUR.

Com. James Barron.

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No. 14

Norfolk, Feb. 6, 1820.

Sir: Your letter of the 29th of December found me confined to bed, with a violent bilious fever, and it was eight days after its arrival before I was able to read it; the fever, however, about that time, left me, and my convalescence appeared to promise a moderately quick recovery. I, therefore, wrote you my note of the 16th ultimo; in two days after I relapsed, and have had a most violent attack, which has reduced me very low, but as soon as I am in a situation to write, you shall hear from me to the point.

I am, sir,

your obedient servant,

JAMES BARRON.

Com. Stephen Decatur,
Washington.