Yankee Ships and Yankee Sailors: Tales of 1812 Read online

  ALLEN, OF THE _CHESAPEAKE_

  Give a ship an unlucky name, and it will last throughout the whole ofher career. A sailor is proverbially superstitious, and he clingsjealously to tradition.

  It is told that when the frigate _Chesapeake_ was launched she stuckfast on the ways, and did not reach the water until the following day,which was Friday. Although she was a fine vessel to look at, shegrounded upon the bar upon her first attempt to sail, and, when oncefree, behaved herself in such a lubberly fashion that those whowitnessed her starting out declared she was bewitched. Even after manychanges had been made in the length of her masts, in the weight ofspars, and the cut of sails, still she was considered by many afailure. And, although her sailing qualities improved as time went on,yet her bad name stuck to her, as bad names will.

  Given this drawback, the unlucky captain of such a craft finds itdifficult to recruit a proper crew, and must often be content withgreen hands, or the riffraff disdained by other ships' masters.

  Commodore James Barron, who had been ordered to the _Chesapeake_, was abrave officer. He had succeeded the peppery Commodore Preble in commandof the fleet that had so successfully negotiated the operations beforeTripoli, and there he had won for himself a name and reputation.Nevertheless, he was not entirely popular with his officers. Theyfailed to find in him the graciousness of manner and deportment, thestrict adherence to the lines of duty, and yet the kindliness ofthought and conduct that distinguished young Captain Bainbridge; andthey missed, strange to say, the iron hand and stern rule of Preble,the martinet.

  Just before sailing from the Capes to relieve the _Constitution_ on theMediterranean station, the _Chesapeake_ had recruited, from Delawareand Maryland, a green crew. Not above fifty of her complement weremen-of-warsmen. Perhaps one hundred more had seen service in deep-seacraft, and had made long cruises; but the rest, numbering probably onehundred and fifty, were longshoremen or landsmen. Lying inside themouth of Chesapeake Bay were several British men-of-war. As was usualwhen in American ports, they were compelled to watch their crews mostclosely, for the higher pay and the better treatment, which cannot bedenied, had tempted many an impressed seaman to leave his ship, andtake refuge under the American flag.

  It was claimed by Vice-Admiral Berkeley in command of the Englishfleet, that four British sailors had deserted from the _Melampus_,and joined Barron's frigate. The following correspondence passedbetween Robert Smith, the Secretary of the Navy at Washington, andCommodore Barron, in relation to the matter. It explains in the bestway possible, how affairs stood at the outset.

  WASHINGTON, April 6, 1807.

  _To Commodore James Barron_:--

  SIR: It has been represented to me that William Ware, Daniel Martin, John Strachan, John Little, and others, deserters from a British ship of war at Norfolk, have been entered by the recruiting officer at that place for our service. You will be pleased to make full inquiry relative to these men (especially, if they are American citizens), and inform me of the result. You will immediately direct the recruiting officer in no case to enter deserters from British ships of war.

  ROBT. SMITH.

  To this letter Commodore Barron made haste to reply, and the followingis taken _verbatim_ from his note to the Secretary:--

  "William Ware was pressed from on board the brig _Neptune_, Captain Crafts, by the British frigate, _Melampus_, in the Bay of Biscay (in 1805).... He is a native American, born at Bruce's Mills, on Pipe Creek, in the county of Frederick, Maryland, and served his time at said mills. He also lived at Ellicot's Mills, near Baltimore, and drove a waggon several years between Hagerstown and Baltimore. He also served eighteen months on board the U.S. frigate, _Chesapeake_, under the command of Captain Morris and Captain J. Barron. He is an Indian-looking man.

  "Daniel Martin was impressed at the same time and place; a native of Westport, in Massachusetts, about thirty miles to the eastward of Newport, Rhode Island; served his time out of New York with Captain Marrowby of the _Caledonia_; refers to Mr. Benjamin Davis, merchant, and Mr. Benjamin Corse, of Westport. He is a colored man.

  "John Strachan, born in Queen Ann's County, Maryland, between Centreville and Queenstown; sailed in the brigantine _Martha Bland_, Captain Wyvill, from Norfolk to Dublin, and from thence to Liverpool. He then left the vessel and shipped on board an English Guineaman; he was impressed on board the _Melampus_, off Cape Finisterre; to better his condition he consented to enter, being determined to make his escape when opportunity offered; he served on board said frigate two years; refers to Mr. John Price and ---- Pratt, Esq., on Kent Island, who know his relatives. He is a white man, about five feet seven inches high.

  "William Ware and John Strachan have protections.[1] Daniel Martin says he lost his after leaving the frigate.

  [1] Papers proving their American citizenship.

  "John Little, _alias_ Francis and Ambrose Watts, escaped from the _Melampus_ at the same time, are known to the above persons to be Americans, but have not been entered by my recruiting officer."

  The foregoing proves beyond all manner of doubt what ground CommodoreBarron had in taking the stand he did further on in the proceedings.But Admiral Berkeley was a very proud, obstinate man. His feelings hadbeen hurt by the refusal of the Yankee commodore to give up his men,and he bided his time.

  On Monday, June 22, 1807, the _Chesapeake_ put to sea with herill-assorted and undisciplined crew. In the harbor of Lynnhaven lay theBritish squadron under the command of Commodore Douglass, acting underthe orders of Vice-Admiral Berkeley. It consisted of the _Bellona_,seventy-four, the _Triumph_, seventy-four, the _Leopard_, fifty, andthe _Melampus_, thirty-eight. Why it was that the _Leopard_ wasselected for the work which was to follow, is easy to surmise.Vice-Admiral Berkeley had determined, at all hazards, to search theAmerican vessel to ascertain if she had in her complement those"British seamen" who had deserted from the fleet. Barron's refusal toallow a search made of his vessel while she was in port had been backedup by the United States Government. This had exceedingly exasperatedthe English commander, and he determined to wait until the _Chesapeake_was at sea before putting his cherished project into practice. As soonas the _Chesapeake_ set sail, the _Leopard_ was despatched to bringher to. The _Melampus_ was not sent because she was too near the_Chesapeake's_ armament, and resistance might be successfully made toany attempt at high-handed interference. Nor did he take the trouble todespatch one of his seventy-fours, which might have brought the_Chesapeake_ under her guns, and compelled her to submit by the lawthat "might makes right"; but the _Leopard_ was sent because she wasjust large enough to insure success, and yet to humble the Americanfrom the mere fact that he must inevitably yield to a vessel to whichhe should by rights make some resistance.

  It was a calm day with just enough wind to move the ships through thewater. The _Leopard_, that had really got under way first, overhauledthe smaller vessel, after a few hours' sailing. At three o'clock, whenforty-five miles off shore, she hove to across her bows, and the slightwind that had wafted them from the Capes died away almost at themoment. Hailing the American ship's captain, Humphreys stated that hewould like to send despatches by her--a privilege always accorded onefriendly nation by another.

  On the _Chesapeake's_ deck, chatting with the officers, were two ladypassengers, who were bound with four or five gentlemen passengers forthe Straits. Part of the cabin had been allotted to the use of theladies and their maids. As they had come on board at a late hour, theirtrunks and luggage were yet on the deck. Amicable relations existedbetween America and England, and there was nothing especiallyunfriendly in the attitude of the English frigate, although her actionexcited much comment on board the ship, and gave rise to many surmises.Captain Barron was on the quarter-deck, when news was brought to himthat the _Leopard_ had lowered a boat with an officer in it, and thatit was making for the _Chesapeake's_ side. The ladder was dropped,the
side boys were piped to the gangway, and Barron himself steppedforward to greet the Lieutenant, extending his hand and welcoming himgraciously. Standing close by was Dr. John Bullus, a passenger, thenewly-appointed consul to the Island of Minorca, and the naval agent tothe United States naval squadron in the Mediterranean.

  "Captain Humphreys' compliments," began the Lieutenant. "And herequires the privilege of searching this vessel for deserters."

  "What are their names, may I ask?" inquired Barron.

  The officer replied, reading from a list he carried in his hand, butdescribing the men as subjects of "His Majesty, King George."

  When he had finished, Barron frowned.

  "There has been a careful and full inquiry into the cases of theseseamen," he said at last, "and after a minute investigation into thecircumstances, the British Minister, Mr. Erskine, is perfectlysatisfied on the subject, inasmuch as these men were American citizens,impressed by officers of the _Melampus_. This gentleman," turningto Dr. Bullus, "our naval agent, is particularly acquainted with allthe facts and circumstances relative to the transaction. He receivedhis information from the highest possible source."

  "From none less than the Honorable Robert Smith, the Secretary of ourNavy," put in Dr. Bullus, "and I am most willing to go on board the_Leopard_ and inform your commander to that effect, Mr. Erskine----"

  "I do not recognize Mr. Erskine in this business," interrupted theyoung Lieutenant arrogantly. "Nor do I wish to talk with any one butCaptain Barron. There is much more to be said."

  Barron took the doctor to one side. "You will pardon me for placing youin a position to receive such an insult. I did not suppose itpossible."

  "Make no mention of it," was the return; "I understand." With that theagent walked away.

  The Englishman could not have helped noticing the confusion upon theAmerican's decks. The crew were engaged under the direction of thepetty officers in coiling away the stiff, new running-gear and cables,men with paint-pots and brushes were touching up the bulwarks and paintwork; others were polishing the brass; and it was altogether a peacefulscene that struck his eye, even if the presence of the ladies had notadded the finishing touch.

  On the quarter-deck, leaning carelessly against the railing, was ayoung officer, Lieutenant William Henry Allen, third in rank. He wasbut twenty-three years of age, a tall, boyish-looking fellow, withbeautiful features, clear eye and complexion, and ruddy cheeks. Henoticed the glance the English officer had given, and his face clouded.He was near enough to hear what passed between Barron and theLieutenant.

  "It is of such importance," went on the latter, continuing his previousremarks, "that I should desire to speak to you in private, sir. If wecould but retire to your cabin----"

  "With the greatest pleasure in the world," Barron returned, indicatingthat the Lieutenant should precede him; and with that they disappearedfrom view. Once seated at the cabin table, the Englishman broached thesubject without preamble.

  "Commodore Douglass," he began, "is fully determined to recover thedeserters that are now harbored on board this ship. It is my desire towarn you that it is best that you submit to a peaceable search, and inreturn my commanding officer will permit you to do the same, and if anyof your men are found in our complement, you are welcome to take themwith you. This should bear great weight in helping you to form yourdecision. Here is his letter."

  Captain Barron took the paper, broke the seal, and read as follows:--

  _The Commander of H.B. Majesty's ship, "Leopard," to the Captain of the U.S. ship, "Chesapeake":_--

  AT SEA, June 22d, 1807.

  The Captain of H.B. Majesty's ship, Leopard, has the honor to enclose the Captain of the U.S. ship, _Chesapeake_, an order from the Honorable Vice-Admiral Berkeley, Commander-in-chief of His Majesty's ships on the North American Station, respecting some deserters from the ships (therein mentioned) under his command, and supposed to be now serving as part crew of the _Chesapeake_.

  The Captain of the _Leopard_ will not presume to say anything in addition to what the commander-in-chief has stated, more than to express a hope that every circumstance respecting them may be adjusted in a manner that the harmony subsisting between the two countries may remain undisturbed.

  "As I before remarked," said the Lieutenant, noting that Barron hadfinished the letter, "Captain Humphreys offers you the privilege of amutual search."

  Captain Barron smiled. The idea that he should find any of his own menserving on board King George's vessel was rather amusing.

  "I have missed none of my crew," he said quietly, "and, while gratefulfor the privilege, I do not desire to make use of it."

  "And your answer?" broke in the Lieutenant.

  "You will take this letter, that I shall write, to Captain Humphreys,give him my best compliments, and of course inform him that I regretthat I can neither avail myself of his courtesy, nor with honor can Ipermit a search to be made of my vessel."

  "As you decide," returned the Lieutenant, sententiously.

  For some minutes nothing was heard from the cabin. Barron was busilyemployed in inditing the epistle, and when it was delivered, the twoofficers came out together.

  The following is a copy of the letter to Captain Humphreys:--

  _To the Commander of His Majesty's ship, "Leopard":_--

  AT SEA, June 22d.

  I know of no such men as you describe. The officers that were on the recruiting service for this ship were particularly instructed by my government through me not to enter any deserters from H.B. Majesty's ships. Nor do I know of any being here. I am also instructed never to permit the crew of any ship under my command to be mustered by any other than their own officers. It is my disposition to preserve harmony, and I hope this answer to your despatch will prove satisfactory.

  J. BARRON.

  The Englishman was escorted to the side, and once in his boat, hiscrew, as if urged to special exertion, made all haste to gain theirship.

  Allen turned and spoke to Benjamin Smith, the First Lieutenant. "I donot like the look of things," he said.

  "Nor I," responded Smith, advancing toward the Captain, who had stoppedto speak to one of the lady passengers. He saluted his commander, andspeaking in a low voice, he suggested the propriety of asking theladies to retire below, and of clearing ship.

  "Tut, tut," replied Barron, carelessly; "you are over-nervous, Mr.Smith. My letter to Captain Humphreys will convince him that ouractions are perfectly proper and peaceable, while any movement to proveto the contrary might lead him to suppose that I wished to precipitatesome trouble. Nothing will occur, I warrant you."

  "Had we not better open the magazines, sir?" asked Captain Gordon,coming up at this moment.

  "It is not necessary," Barron returned, and once more joined theladies.

  The keys of the magazine are always kept in the possession of theship's captain, and by him they are handed to the gunner, and are neverdelivered to any one else. As was customary, the _Chesapeake's_broadside guns were loaded and shotted, for a ship generally sailedwith them in this state of preparation; but they were not primed, andbut thirteen powder horns had been made ready, and they were lockedsafe in the magazine. Around the foremast and in the cable tiers wereplenty of wads and sponges, and ready on deck, before each gun, was abox of canister. But there were no matches prepared for service.

  The peaceful work went on. The crew continued touching up the paintwork, and in the sunlight the brass shone brightly. From the galleycame the clatter of dishes, and from below came the sound of asea-song, chanted by one of the men off watch.

  Barron called Captain Gordon to him on the quarter-deck. "Captain,"said he, "I think that fellow yonder hailed us a moment since; I couldnot make out what he said however. Perhaps we had better send the mento their stations quietly."

  "Very good, sir," returned the Captain, and he strolled forwardleisurely, for he, like Barron, suspected no surprise.

  All
en had left the quarter-deck and had stepped forward to speak to Mr.Brooks, the sailing-master. They stopped at the entrance to the galley,which was in a caboose or deckhouse. Suddenly Lieutenant Smith lookedout across the water at the _Leopard_, that was swinging lazilyalong at about the distance of a pistol shot.

  Surely he could not be mistaken. The muzzle of one of the forward gunswas slewing around to bear upon the ship. Probably they were justexercising; but there! another followed suit, and then three more, asif moved by one command. His face blanched. What could it mean? But onething! He whirled and saw that Barron had gone below to his cabin.Rushing to the ladies, he grasped them by the arms and having hardlytime to make explanations, he hurried them to the companionway.

  "Below as far as you can go! Down to the hold!" he cried. "Don't stop;don't talk!"

  As he spoke he could scarce believe his eyes. A burst of white smoke,with a vivid red dash of flame from the centre, broke from the forwardgun on the _Leopard's_ main deck. There was a crash just abaft thebreak of the forecastle. A great splinter fully six feet long whirledacross the deck. The shock was felt throughout the ship. A man who hadbeen painting the bulwarks fell to his knees, arose, and fell again.His shoulder and one arm were almost torn away; his blood mingled withthe paint from the overturned pot. He shrieked out in fright and agony.

  "Beat to quarters!" roared Lieutenant Smith.

  Up from below the men came tumbling. Barron ran from his cabin, withhis face as white as death. "To quarters!" he roared, echoing theLieutenant's order.

  Everything was confusion. The men gathered at the useless guns. Thebelated drummer began to sound the roll. Hither and thither rushedofficers and midshipmen. The green hands stood gawking about; someovercome by fear and the suddenness of danger, plunged down thecompanionway. Where were the matches? Where were the priming horns?Barron turned to go to his cabin for the keys to the magazine. Theywere locked in the drawer of his heavy desk, and now there came anothershot. It struck fair in the bulwarks, and the hammocks and theircontents were thrown out of the nettings. Three men were wounded by theshower of splinters. And not a shot was fired yet in return.

  "Matches! give us the matches!" roared some of the men at the guns, asthey tried to bring their harmless weapons to bear upon the Englishman.

  A deadly broadside struck the helpless _Chesapeake_. Blocks and sparsfell from aloft. Suddenly from the entrance of the deckhouse ran ahatless figure. Men made way for him. It was Lieutenant Allen! His jawswere set and his eyes were glaring. Tossing between his hands, as ajuggler keeps a ball in the air, was a red hot, flaming coal.

  "Here, sir!" cried one of the gunner's mates. "This one's primed, sir.For God's sake, here, sir!"

  Just as Allen reached forward, a shot from the _Leopard_ struck theopening of the port. The man who had spoken was hit full in the breast.Five of the eight surrounding the piece fell to the deck, wounded bythe murderous splinters. But Allen dropped his flaming coal upon thebreech of the gun, and pushed into place with his scorched andblackened fingers.

  It was the lone reply to the Englishman's dastardly gun practice! Forfifteen minutes the _Leopard_ fired steadily by divisions.

  Covered with blood that had been dashed over him from the body of theman the round shot had killed, Allen ran aft. The ship was full ofgroans and shrieks and cursing. Forth from the cabin came Barron. Helooked an aged, heart-broken man. When he saw the young Lieutenant, hestepped back a pace in horror. The scene of carnage on the deckunnerved him.

  "The keys! the keys!" shrieked Allen, almost springing at hiscommander's throat. "Let us fight, if we must die!"

  The thought that flashed through Barron's mind must have been theuselessness of resistance, the terrible death and destruction, and theinevitable loss that would be sure to follow. Almost resting himselfupon the group of officers, he raised both hands above his head, thepalms open and outstretched.

  "Haul down the flag!" he ordered faintly.

  A sailor, standing near by, caught the words and springing to thehalliards, down it came, tangling almost into a knot, as if to hide itsfolds. The _Leopard_ ceased her murderous work; but the confusion wasgreat on board the _Chesapeake_. Men wept like babies. Wounded men werebeing carried below. Curses and imprecations on the English flag and onthe distant ship rent the air. Many openly cursed their own commander.

  "Tell him to come here, and look at this!" cried an old sailor,pointing to one dead body on the deck. "Then will he lower the flag?Give us a chance, for God's sake, to fight like men!"

  Barron had hurried into the cabin.

  "Send for the officers of the ship." They were all there to a man,except the surgeon, who was busy down below. "Your opinions,gentlemen," he faltered. There was not a sound. Captain Gordon wassilent. Tears were rolling down the First Lieutenant's cheeks. He triedto speak, and could not.

  "Sir, you have disgraced us!"

  It was Allen speaking. To save his life he could not have helpedblurting out what he felt to be the truth. Barron spread out his armsweakly, then dropped his head into his hands. It was then presumed thathe was wounded also, for blood was running down his wrists. They lefthim there.

  What use the rest of the story? The search was made, four men weretaken. All claimed to be Americans; they were prepared to prove it.Captain Humphreys refused to accept the surrender of the vessel.Barron, hitherto known as brave and capable, was dishonored andrelieved from all command, was sentenced to five years retirementwithout pay. Oh yes, the British Admiral was sentenced also. Of coursethe Board of Admiralty could not recognize such doings. They even madeapologies and all the rest of it, and returned two of the men, allthere were left, for one was hanged and another died. They sentencedtheir Vice-Admiral with a smile of covert approval, and they promotedhim shortly afterwards.

  The unfortunate officers who had been innocent parties to the surrenderfelt keenly their position. They could not go through explanations toevery one. They became morbidly sensitive upon the subject. No lessthen seven duels grew out of the affair, and Allen, who had fired thegun, wrote to his father thus: "If I am acquitted honorably, if CaptainBarron is condemned, you may see me again. If not, never."--Poor Allen!No disgrace shall ever be attached to his name. He died of woundsreceived while bravely fighting on the deck of his own little vessel,the _Argus_, some years later, and he was buried in foreign soil by aguard of honor of his enemies, who appreciated his bravery and worth.

  As for the _Chesapeake_, her bad name clung to her. And of her end,there is much more to tell that will be told. But "Remember the_Chesapeake_" became a watchword. This was the beginning, that was thebeginning of the end.