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1787 Francis Hopkinson Pennsylvania Declaration Signer, Document Signed as Judge from the Court of Admiralty in the Case of "Stephen Decatur v Brigantine Active Commanded by Capt. George Augustus Delanoe"

FRANCIS HOPKINSON (1737-1791). Signer of the Declaration of Independence as a Delegate from New Jersey, Pennsylvania Admiralty Court Judge, Federal Judge, American Author, and he played a key role in the Design of both the First American Flag and the Design of the Great Seal of the United States.

August 21, 1787-Dated, Rare "Stephen DeCatur" Involved Naval Case Manuscript Document Signed, "Fras Hopkinson" as Judge from the Court of Admiralty of the State of Pennsylvania, measuring 7.75" x 12.25", 1 page, Fine. Being a sworn legal deposition statement made by (Captain) George Augustus Delanoe being confirmed as, "Sworn this 21st Day Aug. 1787. Before me (Signed) Fras Hopkinson". Stephen Decatur Sr. was an American Naval Captain in the Revolutionary War and later in the Quasi-War, and the father of Stephen Decatur Jr. George Augustus Delanoe was a Captain in the Royal Navy. This Naval / Stephen DeCatur related Document reads, in full:

"George Augustus Delanoe a witness sworn and examined on the part and Behalf of the in the above Cause deposith and saith that he had the command of the Brig Active and on the Seventh Day of August with the said Brigantine under his command as aford left the Island of Antigua bound with Dispatches to the port of New York, that on the Eighteenth Day of August Instant the said Brigantine was on the High Seas on her passage aforesaid captured and taken by the ship called the Royal Louis commanded by Stephen DeCatur Esquire and that at the Time of such Capture the said Vessel was the property of the King of Great Britain or of some subject or Subjects of the said King and further this ???". Edge chips, toning, folds. From the Francis Hopkinson Family Archives

Additional Information:

Stephen Decatur is described here as the Commander of the Ship called the Royal Louis. It was a tradition in the French Royal Navy to name the largest ship "Royal Louis" after the French Monarch. At least six ships bore this name. However, this was in reference to the American Privateer ship Royal Louis.

Stephen Decatur Sr. was an American Naval Captain in the Revolutionary War and later in the Quasi-War, and the father of Stephen Decatur Jr. George Augustus Delanoe was a Captain in the Royal Navy.

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