James Barron

Commodore James Barron (September 15, 1768 – April 21, 1851) was a United States Navy officer. He served in the Quasi-War and the Barbary Wars, during which he commanded a number of famous ships, including USS Essex and USS President. As commander of the frigate USS Chesapeake, in 1807 he was involved in the Chesapeake–Leopard affair, which led to the surrender of his ship to the British and resulted in his court-martial for his actions during the incident. After criticism from some fellow officers, the resulting controversy led Barron to a pistol duel with one of the officers who had presided over his court-martial, Stephen Decatur, resulting in Decatur's death. Suspended from command for failure to prepare the Chesapeake for battle, he pursued commercial interests in Europe during the War of 1812. Barron finished his naval career on shore duty, becoming the Navy's senior officer in 1839.