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a manner, that the harmony subsisting between the two countries may remain undisturbed.’

“The boat, after an absence of three quarters of an hour, returned with the following answer:–

“‘I know of no such men as you describe; the officers that were on the recruiting service for this ship, were particularly instructed by the government, through me, not to enter any deserters from his Britannic Majesty’s ships: nor do I know of any being here.

“‘I am also instructed, never to permit the crew of any ship that I command to be mustered by any other but her own officers: it is my disposition to preserve harmony; and I hope this answer to your despatch will prove satisfactory,

“‘James Barron,
“‘Commander of the U.S. ship Chesapeake^[1].’

“On the receipt of this letter, motives of humanity, and an ardent desire to prevent bloodshed, induced me, if possible, to endeavour to make the search, without recurring to more serious measures, by repeatedly hailing and remonstrating, but without effect. I then directed a shot to be fired across the bow; after which he was again hailed: the answers again were equally evasive. Conceiving, therefore, that my orders would not admit of deviation, I lament to state, that I felt myself under the necessity of enforcing them, by firing into the United States’ ship: a few shot were returned, but none struck this ship. At the expiration of ten minutes from the first shot being fired, the pendant and ensign of the Chesapeake were lowered. I then gave the necessary directions for her being searched, according to my instructions; and herewith send you a statement of the number and names of the deserters found on board. Several other English subjects composed part of the crew of the frigate; but as they did not claim the protection of the British flag, and were not within the limits of my orders from the Commander-in-chief, I therefore allowed them to remain^[2].

“After the search had been made, and previous to separation, the American Captain sent me a note, which, with my answer, I have the honor to subjoin, &c. &c.

(Signed)“S. P. Humphreys.”

“To John Erskine Douglas, Esq.
Captain of H.M.S. Bellona.”

1. He at the time was a Commodore, and had a Captain (Charles Gordon) serving under him.
2. Four men belonging to the Melampus frigate and Halifax sloop were seized as deserters; about twelve men and boys, British subjects, were allowed to remain on board the Chesapeake for the reasons stated above.