The constant maintenance of a small squadron in the Mediterranean is a necessary substitute for the humiliating alternative of paying tribute for the security of our commerce in that sea, and for a precarious peace, at the mercy of every caprice of four Barbary States, by whom it was liable to be violated.
Adams argues for maintaining a naval presence in the Mediterranean to avoid paying tribute and ensure security for American commerce.
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It leaves me doubtful whether it was intended by the Senate as their decision upon the nomination or not.
Some additional documents having relation to the objects of the mission to the congress at Panama, and received since the communication of those heretofore sent, are now transmitted to the Senate.
The acceptance of this invitation, therefore, far from conflicting with the counsel or the policy of Washington, is directly deducible from and conformable to it.
These papers were prepared at the close of the last session of Congress, at too late a period to be then acted upon.
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