Desperate conflict of American seamen under Decatur, on boarding a Tripolitan corsair - Whitney and Jocelyn sc; Darley, fecit. LCCN2006691577, Henry Howe, 1855

Title: desperate conflict of american seamen under decatur, on boarding a tripolitan corsair / whitney and jocelyn sc; darley, fecit. A plate from the book life and death on the ocean, 1855, by henry howe. "desperate conflict of american seamen under decatur, on boarding a tripolitan corsair. The engraving shows decatur, thrown prostrate by the piratical chief, has seized, with one hand, the arm uplifted for a fatal thrust, while with the other he is presenting the pistol to the body of his adversary. Near him lies his broken sword, and at his feet the noble sailor, reuben james (note: actually daniel frazier), who when a mortal blow was aimed at his beloved commander. Unable, from his wounds, to wield a weapon, heroically interposed his own body as a shield, and fell, severely wounded to the deck. The terrible struggle taking place over the persons of the principals, appears in the attitude and expressions of the group. In the background, indistinctly seen is tripoli, with its batteries, the american gun boats, and the old ship constitution. " reference abstract/medium: 1 print: engraving. Date: 1855. Collection: Miscellaneous Items in High Demand, PPOC, Library of Congress.