James Monroe actually said...

"The contest between Spain and the colonies, according to the most authentic information, is maintained by the latter with improved success."

"Considerable progress has been made during the present season in examining the coast and its various bays and other inlets."

"In execution of the law of the last session for the suppression of the slave trade some of our public ships have also been employed on the coast of Africa, where several captures have already been mad..."

"Considerable progress has also been made in the construction of ships of war, some of which have been launched in the course of the present year."