James Madison actually said...

"The signal display of both by Captain Bainbridge, his officers and crew, commands the highest praise."

"The circumstances and the issue of this combat afford another example of the professional skill and heroic spirit which prevail in our naval service."

"I recommend to the consideration of Congress the equity and propriety of a general provision allowing in such cases, both past and future, a fair proportion of the value which would accrue to the capt..."

"I transmit, for the like purpose, copies of a letter from Commodore Rodgers to the Secretary of the Navy"