Unable to mount a defense, the Chesapeake surrendered, allowing the British to board and arrest the suspected deserters. Master Commandant Charles Gordon, of the Chesapeake, refused, and the Leopard fired on the American ship for a few minutes, killing five men and wounding several more. The Leopard’s captain, Salusbury Humphreys had intelligence indicating the presence of deserters on board the Chesapeake, and he demanded the Chesapeake turn them over. The Chesapeake- Leopard affair brought the conflict to a boiling point, challenging not only so-called sailors’ rights, but also offending the sovereignty of the young United States. Disputes between the two governments about the return of deserters were frequent. The British often docked in Virginia to bring on fresh water and food, and this provided many sailors the opportunity to desert. In 18, ships of the British navy cruised off the coast of North America looking to intercept French ships known to frequent the area.
In some cases the Royal Navy impressed American citizens, in others the Navy contended the conscripted were actually deserters falsely claiming American citizenship. The brutal practice of impressment combined with ambiguity of citizenship status led to numerous conflicts. Modern systems of documentation did not exist. But just who was a British subject? The United States was a relatively new nation, and many of its citizens were born elsewhere. Impressment was a major source of men, and experienced sailors who were also British subjects were prime targets. The British navy, after years of war, experienced chronic difficulty recruiting crews for its hundreds of ships. (1808) Impressment - Chesapeake- Leopard AffairĪnother maritime conflict centered around impressment, the practice of forcibly conscripting men into naval service. Christopher Gore ought to be supported as governor-for his attachment to Britain.
British barbarity and piracy!! : The Federalists say that Mr.
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