The Chesapeake–Leopard Affair was a naval engagement that occurred off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia, on 22 June 1807, between the British warship HMS Leopard and American frigate USS Chesapeake, when the crew of Leopard pursued, attacked and boarded the American frigate looking for deserters from the Royal Navy. Chesapeake was caught unprepared and after a short battle involving broadsides from Leopard, her commander, James Barron, surrendered his vessel to the British after firing only one shot. Four crew members were removed from the American vessel and were tried for desertion, one of whom was subsequently hanged. Chesapeake was allowed to return home where James Barron was court martialed and suspended from command.