New Jersey, Impressment, and the Chesapeake Affair of 1807

Abstract

During the first decade of the nineteenth century, British warships cruised off New York Harbor, Sandy Hook, and Monmouth County seizing cargoes, ships, and impressing seamen. British naval officers did not discriminate between a seaman born in Ireland or an American born in Newark. Impressment angered Americans, including the people of New Jersey, as a violation of American sovereignty and national honor. In June 1807, the British attacked the American warship Chesapeake. Briefly, the British united Federalists and Republicans in a show of national unity and condemnation of the British. Residents met in unity meetings in places such as Orange, Trenton, Newark, Morristown, and Elizabeth. Fourth of July celebrations allowed citizens to express their anger at the British. Militia companies came forward, passed anti-British resolutions, and offered to serve if war declared.