Page:Niles' Weekly Register, v1.djvu/59

THE WEEKLY REGISTER.

Vol. I.] BALTIMORE, SATURDAY, September 28, 1811. [No. 4.

"—I wish no other herald,

" No other speaker of my living Actions,

" To keep mine honor from corruption

" But such an honest chronicler."

Shakspeare — HENRY VIII.

Printed and published by H. Niles, Water-street, near the Merchants' Coffee-House, at $5 per annum

The "affair' of the Chesapeake
At the request of several gentlemen; and, indeed in strict concord with our general plan, we proceed to Register a concise account of the attack on the United States' frigate Chesapeake, bv the British man of war Leopard, on the 22d of June, 1807, off the capes of Virginia. As, in some of the public documents we may find it useful to insert hereafter, the nature of the trans- action is poin*edly exposed, the annexed account has been made as short as a history of the case would admit of.

"Wc commence with the following annunciation of the event from the National Intelligencer; every part of which was afterwards substantiated by indubitable testimony.

Washington, June 26.

British Outrage. — We give the public the particu- lars of the following outrage on the American flag, under the influence of feelings, which we are cer- tain, are in union with those entertained universally with our fellow-citizens; feelings which cannot, which ought not to be suppressed. We know not indeed that this savage outrage has a precedent in naval annals.

On Monday last the U. S. frigate Chesapeake, of 38 guns, left the Capes, where there lay at anchor a British squadron consisting of three two deckers and one frigate of 38 guns. As she passed dus squadron, without molestation, one of the two deckers, the Leopard, put off, and went to sea before the Chesapeake. When the latter came up with the Leopard, at the distance of about three leagues from the squadron, her commander, cap- tain Humphries, hailed the Chesapeake, and said he had a despatch to deliver from the British comman- der in chief (meaning admiral Berkeley of the Ame- rican station.) Commodore Barron, supposing it was a despatch for Europe, hove to, when captain Humphries sent on board of her a letter covering an order of admiral Berkeley, to take from the Che- sapeake three men alleged to be deserters from the Melampus frigate, and designating them by name. Commodore Barron replied by letter that no such men as named in admiral Berkeley's order were on board, & added that his crew could not be mustered for examination by any other officers than his own. This answer was couched in terms of politeness. It was no sooner received than a broadside va3 dis- charged from the Leopard. The crew of the Chesa- peake at this time were not at quarters, consider- ing the Leopard a friend, and commodore Barron not contemplating the possibility of danger so im- mediately after leaving the Capes. No other attempt Was therefore made to fight he;- than the discharge of a few straggling* guns, while the Leopard repeat- ed three or four more broadsides; when the Chesa- peake struck her colors, after having three men killed and eighteen wounded.

A boat was then put off from the Leopaid with an officer who demanded four men. Commodore Barron said lie considered the Chesapeake as a prize to the Leopard — the captain of which vessel, said no; that his orders were to take out the men, which having executed, he had noihing further 10 do with her. Thus dismissed she returned to Hampton Roads, where she now lies. She received in her hull twenty -two round shot, her foremast and main- mast were destroyed, her mizen-mast greatly injuiv ed, and her rigging and sails very much cut.

Of the wounded eight are considered dangerous, and two have lost an arm. Commodore Barron suffered a contusion, received from a splinter which is not serious. No other officer is wounded, except- ing midshipman Broom, and he but slightly.

Nothing evinces in more striking colors, the in- solence of captain Humphries, than his immediate return after this outrage to the Capes where he now lies with the other ships of the squadron.

On the second day of July, the President of J he United States issued die annexed proclamation:

BY THOMAS JEFFERSON,

PRESIDENT OP THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAJUTIOM

During the wars, which for some time, have un- happily prevailed among the powers of Europe, the United States of America, firm in the principle o£ peace, have endeavored by justice, hv a regular discharge of all their national and social duties, and by every friendly office their situation has admitted, to maintain with all their belligerents, their accus- omed relations of friendship, hospitality & commer- cial intercourse. Taking no part in trie questions which animate these powers against each o'her, nor permitting themselves to entertain a wLh but for 'he resteration of general peace, they have objerved with good faith the neuirality they assumed, and • hey believe that Uo instance of departure from its duties can be justly imputed to them by any nation. A free use of their harbors and waters, the means of refitting and of refresh men., of succour to their sick and suffering, have, at all times, and on equal principles, been extended to all, and this too xrnidst a constant recurrence of acts of insubordination to the laws, of violence to the persons, and of trespass on the property of our citizens, committed by offi- cers of one of the belligerent parties received among us. In truth these abuses of the laws of hospitality have, with few exceptions, become habitual to the commanders of the British armed vessels ho* vering on our coasts and frequenting our harbors. They have been the subject of repeated representa* tions to their government. Assurances have been, given that proper oders should restrain them within the limit of the rights, and of the respect due to a, friendly nation: but those orders and assurances have been witnout effect; no instance of punish- ment for past wrongs have taken place. At ienrih, a deed, tvamcenjing ail we'have lutherto seea or

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