On the 21st, at 8 A.M., the Leopard arrived off Cape Henry, and, running up Lynnhaven bay, anchored about noon in company with the Bellona and Melampus. On the 22d, at 4 A.M., the Leopard weighed and made sail, and at 6 A.M. reanchored about three miles to the northward of Cape Henry lighthouse, in company with the Triumph. At 7 h. 15 m. A.M. the United States' frigate Chesapeake weighed and put to sea from Hampton roads, with a moderate breeze at west-south-west, and at 9 A.M. passed the Bellona and Melampus in Lynnhaven bay whereupon the Bellona made a signal to the Leopard, to weigh and reconnoitre in the south-east by east. At 9 h. 15 m. A.M. the latter did weigh and make sail in the direction prescribed, and at the same time observed the Chesapeake about three miles astern. At 1 P.M., the wind shifted to south-east, and obliged both ships to beat out. At 3 P.M., having arrived off Cape Henry, at the distance of between four and five leagues from the land, the Leopard bore down to speak the Chesapeake, then about two miles distant.

The wind being light, it was not until. 3 h. 27 m. P.M. that the Leopard arrived within hail of the Chesapeake, Cape Henry, by the latter's account, then bearing north-west by north distant three leagues : * Captain Humphreys, hailing, said he had despatches from the British commander-in-chief. The answer to this was: " Send them on board; I shall heave to. " This the Chesapeake accordingly did. At 3 h. 32 m. P.M. the Leopard also hove to ; and in a few minutes Lieutenant John Meade went on board the Chesapeake, bearing, in addition to Vice admiral Berkeley's order already recited, a letter from Captain Humphreys to Commodore Barron, adverting to the order enclosed, and expressing a hope that every circumstance might be amicably adjusted. At 4 h. 15 m. P.M., the boat not making her appearance, the Leopard recalled her by signal, and in six minutes Lieutenant Meade returned with Commodore Barron's reply, the commencing words of which are: " I know of no such men as you describe. The officers, that were on the recruiting service for this ship, were particularly instructed from the government, through me, not to enter any deserters from his Britannic majesty's ships; nor do I know any being here. " The commodore then states, that his instructions are, not to permit the crew of his ship to be mustered by any but her own officers, that he wishes to preserve harmony, and that he hopes his answer will prove satisfactory.

The Leopard now edged down nearer to the Chesapeake ; and Captain Humphreys, again hailing, said: " Commodore Barron, you must be aware of the necessity I am under of complying with the orders of my commander-in-chief. " After the hail had been twice repeated, the only reply returned was: " I do not

*  Commodore Barron's s Letter.

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