| Notes: |
Reprint of the reissue, by Matthew C. Perry, of a pamphlet published anonymously under the same title (Washington : 1821). Cf. NUC pre-1956. The documents include charges, supported by affidavits, filed by Commodore O.H. Perry with the Navy department in 1818, relating to Captain Elliott's conduct during the battle of Lake Erie. According to a statement in the preface, copies of the documents were left by O.H. Perry, shortly before his death, with Commodore Decatur, to be published if occasion demanded.
"When the late Commodore Perry was about to sail on the cruise which terminated his valuable life, he requested Commodore Decatur to take charge of the following documents to keep Captain Elliott in check during his absence; and, if any accident happened to him while on his cruise, that they might be published, as the most effectual means which would then be left, of guarding his character against the baseness and falsehood of Captain Elliott"--Preface, p. [3].
The documents include Perry's letter to the secretary of the Navy and charges against Elliott, dated August 8, 1818, with other letters and affidavits, all relating to the latter's conduct during the Battle of Lake Erie.
"After Commodore Decatur's death, these documents were published without the knowledge of Commodore Perry's relatives, the object of the publisher being to destroy the reputation of Captain Elliott, because he acted as second to Commodore Barron in his unfortunate duel with Commodore Decatur."--Jarvis, Biog. notice of Com. Jesse D. Elliot, 1835, p. 222.
The republication by M.C. Perry of the earlier pamphlet, with additional affidavits, was caused by the publication of a statement by Captain Elliott in a Washington newspaper. cf. Jarvis, Biog. notice, p. 224.
Publishers note, p. [24], signed: Matthew C. Perry, New York, April 6, 1821. |
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