[for] Philadelphia Decm^r 30^th 1796 as the peace with the Regency of Algiers, or any of the Barbary powers will be liable to be broken, and our Trade to the Mediterranean interrupted whenever it may become an Object worth attacking by the Corsairs of the several Barbary States, or if the Dey of Algiers should encrease his demands on this Country for a continuance of peace, which will probably happen whenever he finds the Trade to the Spanish and Italian Ports become an Important acquisition to this Country. Therefore I am of Opinion, a Naval Force adequate to its Safety should be in readiness to protect it from any sudden attacks of the Barbary Rovers that some times spread themselves over the principal and most frequented parts of the Mediterranean Sea, from Cape de Gat on the Coast of Spain to Cape S^t Mary's at the entrance of the Adriatic Gulph, and latterly they have got out of the Mediterranean, and Cruized as far to the Northward as the Rock of Lisbon. The Portuguese being now at War with all the Barbary States, a squadron of large Frigates is kept by that Nation at Gibralter for the protection of their Funds, but as it may happen that a peace be concluded between the Portuguese and the Algerines, or that Spain shall again lay Siege to Gibralter, that bay would then be unsafe for the Ships of War; The Algerine Rovers, under those circumstances will again be at liberty to get out of the Mediterranean into the Western Ocean, and commit great devastation on the defenceless Merchant Ships of all Nations that have not a Naval Force at Hand. From a consideration of these circumstances the United States ought at all times to keep a Naval Force near the Entrance of the Mediterranean, proportionate to the Importance of its Trade to Portugal and Spain, and if possible, one Frigate of 44 or 46 Guns to lay in Gibralter Bay, but if it is found impracticable, or improper to lay there, may rendezvous either at Cadiz or in Malaga Bay, and to be assisted by a smaller Ship of 18 or 20 Guns, to Cruize occasionally in the Streights or what is commonly called the Gut of Gibralter whenever the Wind is Easterly or a few points from it. This Force would be sufficient to keep all the Corsairs within the Mediterranean as it is only with a Levant or Easterly Wind, they can possibly get out, and on the first appearance of the Wind coming from that quarter, Gibralter Rock is entirely capped with a Dark cloud, the weather becomes hazy and thick, so that it is difficult to see the African Coast from Gibralter Bay. One or two large Frigates assisted by a small light Ship of 18 or 20 Guns, should be stationed at Port Mahon in the Island of Minorca, to cruize occasionally and protect the Trade within the Streights from Straggling Rovers. Port Mahon is well situated for a place of Rendezvous, being nearly Opposite Algiers, and but a short distance from it, it is also a safe and commodious Harbour for Ships of War, and a port where necessary refreshments may be had. — Having been about 12 Months in the Mediterranean, during which I have sailed up and down both on the European and African Coasts, and from information received from various persons who have been many Years Trading to & from the Barbary ports, I am enabled to offer the above observations. I am Sir with respect your Ob^t Serv^t Josiah Fox The Hon^ble Secretary of War —