James Madison actually said...

"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..."

"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 transmit, for the information of Congress, copies of a correspondence between John Mitchell, agent for American prisoners of war at Halifax, and the British admiral commanding at that station."