 Naval General Service. One bar: ENDYMION Wh PRESIDENT. Edge: John Barnett. Extremely Fine. Once cleaned. Replacement ribbon. Barnett was aboard HMS Endymion as a Supernumerary Private, Royal Marines.
U.S.S. President stood out to sea from New York harbor in the teeth of a howling snow storm in the evening of January 14, 1815. On the following day she fell in with the British squadron blockading the city. After a chase, at 2:30 that afternoon HMS Endymion began firing her bow-chasers, which were answered by President's stern-chasers. For the next two and a half hours neither vessel entirely suceeded in overcoming the other. President suffered the most loss of life and limb but was still able to sail at fight's end. Endymion lost less than half the number killed of her adversary but was unable to make way. When HMS Pomone and HMS Tenedos arrived and fired into President, the American vessel surrendered.
American naval historians of the last century declared the victory in full measure to Commodore Decatur and President. It seems likely that, had not the rest of the British blockading squadron arrived when it did, Decatur might have made his escape. More sober judges might declare the fight a draw, as did the captain of HMS Majestic as he gallantly returned Decatur's sword following the surrender.
Ex Spink & Son, Ltd. on December 9, 1965.
| |
|
