Autograph Draft Letter

Diplomacy with Algiers and the construction of frigates

McHenry informs Washington that under the peace between the United States and Algiers, he must suspend all orders respecting the building of frigates; however, McHenry urges Washington to consider the public impact and to consult Congress first.

Ltr, adv loss re aborting Frigates.

1796

03

10

Philadelphia

Letter addressed to the president and the attorney general

George Washington; Edmund Randolph.

James McHenry

George Washington

Congress

Senate

House of Representatives

navy

military

Philadelphia

Algiers

Mediterranean

Frigates

Barbary Wars

pirates

public interest

naval armament

1796031000201

1

By the 9th section of the act intitled “An act to provide a naval armament” it is enacted “that if a peace shall take place between the U.S. and the Regency of Algiers that no further proceedings be had under this act”

The peace which is here contemplated having taken place it becomes incumbent upon the executive to suspend all orders respecting the building of the frigates, procuring materials for them, or preparing materials already obtained which may be done without intrenching upon contracts or agreements made right before this event.

As the loss which the public would incur might be considerable from dissipation of workmen, from certain works or operations being suddenly dropped or left unfinished, and from the derangement of the whole system, consequent upon an immediate suspension of all proceedings under it, I have therefore thought it advisable before taking such a step to submit the subject to the Senate and House of Representatives, that such immediate measures may be adopted in the principles as may best comport with the public interest.