Content area
Full Text
Injured Honor: The Chesapeake-Leopard Affair, June 22, 1807. By Spencer C. Tucker and Frank T. Reuter. (Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 1996. xiv, 268 pp. $35.00, ISBN 1-55750-824-0.)
This is a war story without heroes. On June 22, 1807, HMS Leopard fired on the American frigate Chesapeake. The attack was unprovoked and in clear violation of international law. As was their wont, the Royal Navy had once again displayed a disdain for both American rights and the wishes of their civilian superiors. As for the American commanders, their behavior before, during, and after the attack was shameful. Contrary to naval regulations, to say nothing of plain good sense, Chesapeake sailed from Norfolk with her decks a mess, her men untrained, and her officers uncertain. The result was a national disgrace.
Chesapeake's tale has been told before, but...