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1806-7] Deserters. The Leopard and Chesapeake affair. 329 were registered by the collectors, and the release of 1940 was asked for by the agent in London. Meantime, together with impressment there had grown up another difficulty, which deeply concerned Great Britain. The sudden expansion of the commerce and the ocean carrying trade of the United States increased the demand for sailors. As the supply was inadequate, wages rose from eight to twenty-four dollars a month; and British sailors, tempted by such pay, deserted from every war-vessel that entered an American port. So serious a matter did this become that in 1798 an offer was made, and revived in 1800, for the addition to the treaty of 1794 of an article concerning the return of deserters. But the article, not sufficiently providing against impressment, was declined; and desertion went on more defiantly than ever. After the rupture of the Peace of Amiens, these two issues of impressment and desertion reached a crisis. The coast of the United States from Maine to Charleston was fairly blockaded by British vessels of war. Some cruised along the coast from Eastport to Cape Ann. Others lay off the Long Island shores and impressed sailors within a league of Sandy Hook. One squadron passed within the capes of Chesapeake Bay and inflicted on Norfolk, Hampton, and Baltimore all the rigours of a blockade. Their launches scoured the waters of the Bay, fired on vessels that would not stop when summoned, searched those that did, and on one occasion gave chase to a revenue cutter with the Vice-President on board. One of these blockaders, the Melampus* happening to be at anchor in Hampton Roads in the month of February, 1807, the officers gave an entertainment on board. When the festivities were at their height, five of the crew slipped over the side of the Melampus, seized the captain's gig, rowed ashore, and fled to Norfolk. There three of the men engaged for service on the United States frigate Chesapeake, which was soon to set sail for the Mediterranean. A demand was made for their return. But while letters were passing to and fro, five sailors deserted from the Halifax, and next day took service on the Chesapeake. As soon as these desertions, and the refusal of the American authorities to return the men, were reported to Vice- Admiral Berkeley at Halifax, he despatched an order to the commanders of his Majesty's vessels on the North American station to watch for the Chesapeake at sea, and to search her for the deserters from the Halifax. Three weeks later the Leopard, bearing this order, reached Hampton Roads, just as the Chesapeake came down the Elizabeth river from Norfolk, and anchored in the Roads. The next day, when she stood out to sea, the Leopard followed till well beyond the jurisdiction of the United States, and then spoke her. Supposing the communication to be of a peaceful character, Commodore Barren hove to; and an officer from CH. IX.