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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Online Library of Selected Images -- Picture Data

Photo #: NH 56753 "Decatur's Conflict with the Algerine at Tripoli." "Reuben James interposing his head to save the life of his commander" Engraving, after a painting by Alonzo Chappel, published by Johnson, Wilson & Co., New York, 1874. It depicts Lieutenant Stephen Decatur in mortal combat off Tripoli in 1804, with Boatswain's Mate Reuben James acting to protect Decatur from an enemy swordsman. This incident reportedly took place during the boarding of USS Philadelphia on 16 February 1804, but the scene as depicted more closely resembles the fight to capture a Tripolitan gunboat on 3 August 1804. In addition to Reuben James, Daniel Frazier has also been credited with this act of heroism. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph. Online Image: 113KB; 455 x 765 pixels

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18 November 2002