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The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
President Jefferson's letter to Congress reports an unprovoked attack on a US merchant vessel by a Moroccan armed ship, captured by Capt. Bainbridge of the Philadelphia frigate near Gibraltar. US naval forces, including the Constitution under Capt. Preble, are approaching to address potential hostilities.
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COPY of a letter from the President of the United States:
To the Senate & House of Representatives.
"By the copy now communicated, of a letter from Capt. Bainbridge, of the Philadelphia frigate, to our Consul at Gibraltar, you will learn that an act of hostility has been committed on a merchant vessel of the U. S. by an armed ship of the emperor of Morocco. This conduct on the part of that power is without cause and without explanation. It is fortunate that Capt. Bainbridge fell in with and took the capturing vessel and her prize; and I have the satisfaction to inform you, that about the date of this transaction, such a force would be arriving in the neighborhood of Gibraltar, both from the east and from the west, as leaves less to be feared for our commerce from the suddenness of the aggression.
"On the 4th of September, the Constitution frigate Capt. Preble with Mr. Lear on board, was within two days sail of Gibraltar, where the Philadelphia would then be arrived with the prize; and such explanation would probably be instituted as the state of things required, and as might perhaps arrest the progress of hostilities.
"In the mean while, it is for Congress to consider the provisional authorities which may be necessary to restrain the depredation of this power, should they be continued."
Th: JEFFERSON.
Nov. 4, 1803.
What sub-type of article is it?
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What entities or persons were involved?
Where did it happen?
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Gibraltar
Event Date
Nov. 4, 1803
Key Persons
Outcome
capt. bainbridge took the capturing vessel and her prize; us naval forces approaching to protect commerce and potentially address hostilities.
Event Details
President Jefferson communicates to Congress a letter from Capt. Bainbridge reporting an unprovoked act of hostility by an armed ship of the emperor of Morocco on a US merchant vessel. Bainbridge captured the aggressor and prize near Gibraltar. The Constitution frigate under Capt. Preble with Mr. Lear was nearing Gibraltar around September 4 to handle explanations and possible hostilities. Congress to consider authorities to restrain further depredations.