Monday, February 22.
Capture and Destruction of the Java.
The following Message was received from the President of the United States:
To the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States:
I lay before Congress a letter, with accompanying documents, from Captain Bainbridge, now commanding the United States' frigate, the Constitution, reporting his capture and destruction of the British frigate, the Java. The circumstances and the issue of this combat, afford another example of the professional skill and heroic spirit which prevail in our naval service. The signal display of both, by Captain Bainbridge, his officers, and crew, command the highest praise.
This being a second instance in which the condition of the captured ship, by rendering it impossible to get her into port, has barred a contemplated reward of successful valor, I recommend to the consideration of Congress the equity and propriety of a general provision, allowing, in such cases, both past and future, a fair proportion of the value which would accrue to the captors, on the safe arrival and sale of the prize.
JAMES MADISON.
February 22, 1813.
The Message and accompanying documents were read, and referred to the committee appointed the 9th of November, who have under consideration the naval affairs of the United States, to consider and report thereon.