But no haste was made in building the frigates. Temporary diplomatic arrangements with France quieted or averted action. Our country paid tribute to the Barbary State and sent barrels of silver to purchase tolerance on the sea from these pirates as a cheaper method of peace than the cost and maintenance of armed vessels of war would be.
By the Act of March 27, 1794, work on the frigates was to cease in the event of peace being signed with Algiers. So when on December 21, 1795, Washington informed the Senate that the Emperor of Morocco had signed a treaty of peace and friendship with the United States, work on the frigates was suspended. Washington called the attention of Congress to the loss that would come if the work ceased, whereupon on April 20, 1796, Congress ordered the unexpended balance to be used, but ordered the work to be discontinued. Yet President Washington in his message had declared: "To secure respect for a neutral flag requires a naval force organized and ready to vindicate it from insult or aggression.... Our trade to the Mediterranean, without a protecting force, will always be insecure. Will it not then be advisable to begin without delay to provide and lay up materials for the building and equipping of ships of war and to proceed with the work by degrees, in proportion as our resources shall render it practicable, without inconvenience so that a future war of Europe may not find our commerce in the unprotected state in which it was found by the present."
The cannon for the frigates had been cast at Cecil Furnace, Maryland. Captain Barry, on May 16, 1796, was sent there "to see the guns and examine whether they were suitable or fit for service."
The frigate "United States" was progressing rapidly towards completion. Captain Barry, on September 19, 1796, estimated the cost of fitting out for officers and men at $7285. The vessel when completed cost $299,336. She was 175 feet in length, 44 feet beam and of 1576 tonnage. She was launched May 10, 1797.
"In the long list of splendid vessels which in a hundred combats have maintained the honor of our national flag, the 'United States' stands at the head." She served our country well in the war with France under Barry; also in the war with England in 1812-15 and in subsequent duties, peaceful or warlike.
LINES ON THE DEATH OF COMMODORE BARRY.
By Michael Fortune.
Columbia's friend, freed from this worldly coil,
Now rests (so Heav'n ordains) from human toil;
A Patriot firm, thro' chequer'd life unblam'd,
A gallant vet'ran, for his powers fam'd.
Beneath his guidance, lo! a Navy springs,
An infant Navy spreads its canvas wings,
A rising Nation's weal, to shield, to save,
And guard her Commerce on the dang'rous wave.
Whoe'er the Sage, his character shall scan,
Must trace those Virtues that exalt the man,
The bold achievement and heroic deed
To honor's fame, the laurel'd Brave that lead,
Long for his merits and unsully'd name
(Dear to his friends and sanctify'd name);
His clay cold relics shall his country mourn,
And with her tears bedew his hallow'd urn.
Come, cheering Hope—celestial cherub come—
Say that his virtues soar beyond the tomb,
Say that with Mercy in ethereal guise,
His white-robed spirit climbs yon op'ning skies.
(Philadelphia, Sept., 1803.)