[US MARINE CORPS]. HENDERSON, Archibald (1783-1859). Autograph letter signed ("Archd Henderson Lt. Col. Commt."), regarding the bravery of Captain William H. Freeman. "Head Quarters of the Marine Corps," Washington, DC, 3 December 1822. 

2 pages, 7 3/4 x 9 5/8 in., creased, chipping and toning to edges, large tear to upper left corner. Addressed to Captain William H. Freeman, U.S. Marine Corps, Norfolk, Virginia.

Henderson writes, "I have received your letter of the 25th ulto. and congratulate you on your safe return from the dangerous service on which you have been recently employed. The chivalrous performance of duty by an individual of a Corps adds to its reputation as a military Body, and makes its character more honoured by the community at large. It gives me particular satisfaction to entrust[?] to you the gratification that has been afforded me by your voluntary and honourable participation in the attack of the 9th ulto. and as the Commandant of the Corps return you my thanks for having thus given additional standing to it. As soon after the receipt of this, as your lameness will allow, you will proceed to Head Quarters and await further orders."

Archibald Henderson (1783-1859) served as the fifth and longest-serving commandant of the US Marine Corps, holding that position from 1820 until his sudden death in 1859. Here, he writes to Captain William Freeman, commending his chivalrous performance during an engagement while aboard the USS Alligator under Lieutenant Commandant Allen. The incident was reported along with Allen's death in the 4 December 1822 issue of the American Federalist Columbian Centinel: "We deeply regret to announce the death of Lieut. Commandant Allen, of the U.S. navy killed by pirates...The Alligator, which he commanded, having touched at Havana, the 10th ult. Lt. Al. was informed by an American captain, that several vessels had been captured by two pirates, and were detained at Cape Romain, and without coming to anchor he sailed in search of the pirates, and to retake the vessels...The water being shallow, Lt. A. manned two boats in one of which he, and Capt. Freeman, of the marines, embarked...on approaching the pirates, who kept up a constant fire, Lt. A. received two balls, one in the head, and the other in the breast, which occasioned his death in four hours..."