The New Hampshire Gazette

The following is a copy of the letter addressed by the officers of the wardroom of the Chesapeake, to the Secretary of the Navy.

Late U. S. Ship Chesapeake, Hampton Roads, June 23, 1807.

Sir,

The undersigned, officers of the late U. S. Ship Chesapeake, Feeling deeply sensible of the disgrace which must be attached to the late (in their opinion) premature surrender of the U. S. Ship Chesapeake of 40 guns, to the English ship of war Leopard of 50 guns, without their previous knowledge, or consent, and desirous of proving to their country and the world; that it was the wish of all the undersigned, to have rendered themselves worthy of the flag under which they had the honor to serve, by a determined resistance, to an unjust demand, do request the Hon. the Secretary of the Navy to order a court of enquiry into their conduct.

At the same time they are compelled by imperious duty, by the honor of their flag, by the honor of their countrymen and by all that is dear to themselves, to request that an order may be issued for the arrest of Commodore James Barron on the charges herewith exhibited, which the undersigned pledge themselves to prove true, viz.

1st. On the probability of an engagement, for neglecting to clear his ship for action.

2d. For not doing his utmost to take or destroy a vessel which we conceive it his duty to have done.

With the highest respect,

We subscribe ourselves,

Your most obedient servants.

(Signed)
Ben. Smith, 1st Lt.
Wm Crane, 2d Lt.
W. H. Allen, 3d Lt.
S. Orde Creighton, 4th Lt.
Sidney Smith, 5th Lt.
Samt. Brooks, s. M.

The Hon. Robt. Smith, Secretary of the U. S. Navy, Washington.