For Perry , the post-war years were marred by controversies . In 1815 , he commanded '' Java '' in the Mediterranean during the Second Barbary War . While moored in Naples , Perry slapped the commander of the ship 's Marines , Captain John Heath , whom Perry considered incompetent and insubordinate . The ensuing court-martial found both men guilty , but levied only mild reprimands . After the crew returned home , Heath challenged Perry to a pistol duel , which was fought on October 19 , 1817 , on the same field in Weehawken , New Jersey where Aaron Burr shot and killed Alexander Hamilton . Heath fired first and missed . Perry declined to return fire , satisfying the Marine 's honor
Aaron Burr shot and killed Alexander Hamilton
Burr–Hamilton duel
Oliver Hazard Perry