SIR: I have been informed, in Norfolk, that you have said that you could
insult me with impunity, or words to that effect. If you have said so,
you will no doubt avow it, and I shall expect to hear from you.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
JAMES BARRON.
To Commodore STEPHEN DECATUR,
_Washington_.
[1] With respect to the date of this letter, it may be proper to
observe, that, although it is 12th June, yet the figure 2, as made,
might well be mistaken for a 3: hence, in Commodore Decatur's letter of
reply, he considered the date to be 13th June. On referring, however, to
the post mark on the back of the letter, it was found to have been put
into the post office on the 12th: hence, in Commodore Decatur's letter
to Commodore Barron, of the 31st October, 1819, it is recognized as
dated on the 12th.
* * * * *
No. 2.