James Madison Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/02-02-02-0653

From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, [6 February] 1802

To James Leander Cathcart

Department of State Washington
[6 February 1802]

Sir

The United States Schooner Enterprize Captain Sterret, being on the point of Departure for Gibraltar, I avail myself of the opportunity to acknowledge the receipt of a series of your dispatches of last year, including, No. 12, with the exception however of No. 8.1 I also enclose you a copy of the communications made to congress respecting our Barbary affaires,2 and of a law which has just been passed, placing at the disposal of the President an additional Naval force for the protection of our trade in the Mediterranean and adjoining seas, and authorizing a maratime Warfare with Tripoli.3

Another squ[a]dron of frigates is now preparing and they will proceed to the Mediterranean as soon as they can be got ready which will probably be in the course of a Month, Captain Truxton takes the command.4 The instructions with which he may be charged not being yet arranged, nor their principles settled I canot at present acquaint you with the part which you may be assigned by the President to act, in relation to this expedition. But it would be adviseable for you to be prepared to embark at a short notice, in case your services should be needed. I am &ca.

James Madison.

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