Thomas Jefferson actually said...

"We considered that concerted operations by those who have a common enemy were entirely justifiable."

"Our expectation was that an intercourse should be kept up between the ex-Bashaw and the commodore."

"We have no letter from Mr. Lear respecting Tripoline affairs of later date than that of July 5, which was transmitted to the Senate with the treaty."

"In all these cases the purity and patriotism of the motives should shield the agent from blame, and even secure a sanction where the error is not too injurious."