Commodore James Barron had barely reached open water on his ship
Chesapeake when he was confronted by a powerful British frigate,
Leopard. The Chesapeake was poorly equipped and had an
unexperienced crew, as well as far inferior weapons to those of
the British warship. The British demanded the return of four
British deserters who were supposedly on the Chesapeake.
Commodore Barron refused to comply with the order and the
Leopard opened fire on Chesapeake, killing three and wounding
eighteen. Barron ordered the flag lowered and Chesapeake
surrendered. Barron's ship had only fired one gun. Barron was
born in Virginia about 1768 and grew up in a family of naval
heritage. He spent some years on his father's ship, then joined
the Navy as a Lieutenent. He was successful on his first tour on
the frigate United States. Barron was promoted to Captain and
commanded the frigate Essex under the his brother's squadron.
Barron was later given command of the USS President. Then after
five years he was promoted to Commodore