mainly, that no tribute should ever be required, by Algiers, from the United States of America; that all Americans in slavery should be given up without ransom; that compensation should be made for American property seized; that all citizens of the United States, taken in war, should be treated as prisoners of war are by other nations, and not as slaves, but held subject to an exchange without ransom. After concluding this treaty, he proceeded to Tunis, where he obtained indemnity for the outrages exercised or permitted by the bashaw. Thence he went to Tripoli, where he made a similar demand with like success, and procured the release of 10 captives, Danes and Neapolitans. He arrived at the United States Nov. 12, 1815, was subsequently appointed one of the board of navy commissioners, and was residing at Washington, in that capacity, when he was killed in a duel with commodore Barron, March 22, 1820, occasioned by his animadversions on the conduct of the latter. Courage, sagacity, energy, self-possession, and a high sense of honor, were the characteristic traits of Decatur. From his boyhood, he was remarkable for the qualities which presage eminence in naval warfare. He enjoyed the sea as his element. He possessed an active, muscular frame, a quick and penetrating eye, and a bold, adventurous and ambitious spirit.
COMMODORE ISAAC HULL.
Commodore Isaac Hull, was born in Connecticut, March 9th 1775.
His father was an officer in the American army during the whole of the
revolutionary war, and was detained for a long time a prisoner in the Jersey
prison-ship. Commodore Hull's passion for the sea was very early displayed,
and became stronger as he grew up. With the hope of diverting his attention
to other pursuits, he was sent by his friends to his uncle, General
William Hull, at Boston, where he went to school. The object desired,
however, not having been accomplished, they consented to his making a
voyage. This proved a disastrous one; the vessel in which he sailed being
wrecked on the coast of Ireland. He nevertheless returned home fortified
in his resolution of leading the life of a seaman, which his family no longer
opposed. At the age of 19, he already commanded a ship to London.
On the passage of a bill by Congress for the increase of the navy, he
made application for a lieutenantcy in the U. S. service, and devoted himself
assiduously, while awaiting the decision of the government in his case,
to the studies necessary for the naval profession. He was commissioned
as a lieutenant on the 9th of March 1798, the day on which he completed
his 23d year. He was ordered to the frigate Constitution, then preparing
for sea at Boston. For a period of about four years, he was occupied in
cruising on the West India station, for the protection of American merchantmen
going to or returning from the Windward Islands. In 1808, he
distinguished himself by cutting out of the harbor of Port Platte, in the
island of Hayti, the French letter of marque, the Sandwich; an enterprise
executed with great gallantry and spirit, and without any loss to the assailants.
On the return of the Constitution to Boston, Lieutenant Hull was
directed to superintend the repairs of the ship; but before this service was
completed, he was ordered to proceed as first lieutenant of the frigate
Adams to the Mediterranean. He subsequently commanded the schooner
Enterprise of 12 guns, and rendered in her effectual aid to Captain Rodgers
