The Chesapeake–Leopard Affair was a naval engagement that occurred off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia, on June 22, 1807, between the British warship HMS Leopard and American frigate USS Chesapeake, when the crew of the Leopard pursued, attacked and boarded the American frigate looking for deserters from the British Navy. The Chesapeake was caught off guard and in a state of unpreparedness and after a short battle involving broadsides from the Leo...
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The Chesapeake–Leopard Affair was a naval engagement that occurred off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia, on June 22, 1807, between the British warship HMS Leopard and American frigate USS Chesapeake, when the crew of the Leopard pursued, attacked and boarded the American frigate looking for deserters from the British Navy. The Chesapeake was caught off guard and in a state of unpreparedness and after a short battle involving broadsides from the Leopard, her commander James Barron surrendered his vessel to the British after firing only one shot. Four crew members were removed from the American vessel and were tried for desertion, one of whom was subsequently hanged aboard the Leopard. The Chesapeake was allowed to return home where James Barron was court martialed and suspended from command.
The Chesapeake-Leopard Affair created uproar among Americans and strident calls for war with Great Britain, but these quickly subsided. President Thomas Jefferson initially attempted to use this...
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