Virginia Memory, Library of Virginia
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THIS DAY IN VIRGINIA HISTORY

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March 28, 1807

Barron Family, Papers, 1802–1841, Accession 22126, Personal Papers Collection, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Robert Smith Inquired About the Chesapeake's Powder

James Barron (1769–1851) served the naval forces of Virginia during the American Revolution. In 1798 he joined the United States Navy. Barron was commander of the frigate Chesapeake during its encounter with the British ship Leopard near Norfolk on June 22, 1807. After the British attack, during which the British kidnapped several American sailors into British service, Barron was court-martialed and found guilty of neglecting to clear the decks for battle. This inquiry about the powder on the Chesapeake came just a few months before the famous Chesapeake-Leopard Affair.