whom and the people he was to "endeavor
to cultivate a good understanding." After remaining two or three days
there he was to return to New York, leaving Captain Talbot in the
"Constitution" at San Domingo to take command of that station. Barry was
given leave, however, if time did not permit his going to Madeira and
Teneriffe as well as the Western Isles, he might proceed no further than
the Western Isles.

"The protection of our commerce is the great object of the naval
armament," said the Secretary, but on July 27th he notified Barry, "the
projected enterprise to Europe must be given up," the frigate "United
States" had to "remain on our coast for our protection at home." The
"Constellation" was to be employed in the same way. Barry was to
"proceed from Hampton" southward as far as St. Mary's River and thence
back along the coast and take the best chance of falling in with the
enemy until about September 10th, when he was to return to New York if
the frigate could pass the bar--if not then to proceed to Newport, to
which latter he did, where he remained until sailing for France.

"On October 20, 1799, from Newport Harbor, R.I., Captain Barry notified
the Hon. Jonathan Dayton, of New Jersey, that Owen Smith whom he had
recommended as a midshipman for frigate 'United States' had, in many
instances, 'behaved himself in a manner very unbecoming a gentleman, and
as I conceive it my indispensable duty to prevent every person of bad
conduct from getting a footing in the infant navy, I have, at his own
request, discharged him. Your nephew, Mr. Williamson, has been too
tenderly brought up to follow sea life; I think his father had better
seek some other mode of life for him.'" (Crimmins' MS.)

The cruise ordered took six weeks, but no record of captures appears.
The coast had been protected. That was the end to be obtained--not
captures--as a formal declaration of war had not been made by either the
United States or France. Though commonly called "the War with France"
because of actual hostilities having taken place, officially, war did
not exist between the two countries. It is not necessary for our purpose
to detail the political course of the two nations with respect to the
difficulties between them, but when negotiations had so far progressed
that special Commissioners or Ministers were to proceed to France with a
view of arranging a treaty, Captain Barry was, on October 16, 1799,
notified that "the President has decid