The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-02-27
WAsHSoroE, Feb, q, 1886.
THE CHESAPEAKE AND THE LEOPARD

THE CHESAPEAKE AND The LEoPAhD'
To the Editor Of the Union
A late number Of the United Service Journal con-
tains notice of the death of Rear Admiral Sir Saus-
bury Davenport, with the following remarks;
''Sir Salisbury Davenport was the the son OF the
Rev. Z. Humphreys, and changed his name lew
years ago on his accession TO considerable prop
erty. His last command was in the Leopard, in
1907, when she attacked the United States irigate
Chesapeake for deserters, and caused that ship 10
strike her eolors.
"The foIowing-his own account Of the eircum-
stances in which this battle onginated-wss adj
dressed to friend, to prove that he had no discre-
uonaTy power in the matter
al acted under a positive order, in writing from
the late Admiral Sir George Berkeley, to search for
deserters from ships under his command on the Hal
flax station. No person could regret more than
myself that the admiral should have issued such a
circular TO the different ships under HIS command;
but my duty was 10 obey, as a subordinate ofheer,
and as gentleman TO soften and ameliorate the APP
parent severity and harshness Of the order and
therefore, upon communicating It's contents, accord
ing 70 my instructions, TO Commodore Barron, al
! so sent the following note from myself:
"'The captain ofhis Majesty ship Leopard has
the honor to nclose TO the captain Of the United
States ship Chesapeake an order from the honora-
Die Vice Admiral Berkeley, commander-In.chief OF
his Maiesty's ships and vessels on the North Amer
lean station, respecting some deserters nom the
ships therein mentioned under his command, and
supposed now TO be serving as part OF the crew Of
the Chesapeake
"'The captain Of the Leopard will not presume to
say ANYTHING in addition to what the commander
in-chisf has stated, more than TO express hope
that every circumstance respecting them may be adj
iusted in such a manner that the harmony subsst-
ing beween the two countries may remain undls-
turbed
"'His Msiesty's ship Leopard, at sea,
"June %, 1907"
! ANSWER.
| "r know Of no such men as you describe. The
officers on the recruiting service for this ship were
particularly instructed BY the government, through
me MOTTO enter any deserters from his Britannia Ma
iesty's service; nor do know of any being here. !
am also instructed not to permit the crew OF any
ship tha command to be mustered by any other
than her own officers. Il is my disposition TO pre-
serve harmony, and | hope this answer TO your de.
'''''" WITH P'''' %JAMEs BARRON,
"Com Of the U. s. ship Chesapeake
"After receipt Of this answer to my application
| for the men, | had only plain straightforward
course to tursue-yiz to execute the order of my
superior, painful duty; but had no alternative,
| Six men we're killed, and twenty wounded on board
the Chesapeake. Admiral Berkeley after
supersededin his command by Sir John Warren.
| The amabe and good Sir Il. Hardy, who had mar
rieQ tne eiLfst uhuHnlff Ol Doiheiey HHcu
my station flag captain, with his father-in-law,
on the Lisbon station, at subsequent period; but,
notwithstanding repeated applications fora ship,
have never obtained an appointment since. have
now the rank Of retired rear admiral, having been
passed over n the promotion, in consequence ofnet
having served the requisite time. How could ! do
So it, to candidate the United States, the admiralty
would not employ mel -Four deserters were taken
out Of the Chesapeake. Radford, the man found
in the hold, vas condemned 10 die, and was execu-
ted on board her Msjesty's sloop Halifax. The
other three men sentenced to receive 300 LASH
es EACH which was eventually RENTED. When the
Chesapeake was captured by the Shannon ear
nestly solicited Lord Melville TO give the command
of her to me, TO whom she previously lowered her
colors, provided Captain Broke did not wish to be
removed to her from the Shannon; but neither this
nor any other application met with success.
HAdmiral Berkeley perfectly approved of my par,
Of the fuflment of his order.
81 am, dear cir, yours,
SALISBURY DAVENPORT,
"Retired rear-admiral, X. c. III.
Late s. p. HUMPHREYS.
"BRAMAL HALL,
Stockport, April 90, 1889"
will also mention that Rear Admiral Dacres,
who was captain Of the Guerrero, when captured
by the Constitution, has lately hosted his flag on
board of the frigate President, commander-in-
chief of the Cape of Good Hope station.