intense correspondence between the men leading up to their face-off. the white house historical association hosted this event to commemorate the dual s 200 anniversary. duel s 200th anniversary. good afternoon, everybody. i appreciate giving a few reflections. secretary dalton, secretary ball, secretary nicholson, members of the white house historical association, and also the white house national council on the white house history, and guests,stinguished including descendents of stephen decatur. i would like to thank all of you and all of us for coming to celebrate the life and the legacy of one of our navies most illustrious commanders and 80 s most navy s most illustrious commanders. his legacy is one of the most enduring legacies we have in our navy. he helped shape the trajectory of every nation early naval forces, and as a result, accelerated influence in world affairs. he commenced his career in the navy in 1798. that was a critically important time for the unite