Medal to Captain Truxton.
Mr. Parker observed that information had been received of a very gallant action having occurred between a frigate of the United States of 38 guns, commanded by Commodore Truxton, and a French vessel of 52 guns, which was extremely bloody, but valiant on the part of the United States commander. It was not usual to grant emoluments on account of any particular gallant action, to our officers, but to give approbation was common and consistent. In other countries, he said, monuments had been erected to commemorate such splendid victories.
As a testimonial of the regard of Congress for the officers who so bravely supported the flag of the United States, and to encourage similar acts of bravery, he would propose the following resolution:
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled, That a golden medal, emblematical of the late action between the United States frigate Constellation of 38 guns, and the French ship-of-war La Vengeance of 52 guns, be purchased under the Secretary of the Navy, and be presented to Captain Thomas Truxton, in testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of his gallantry and good conduct in the above engagement, wherein an example was exhibited by the captain, officers, sailors, and marines, honorable to the American name, and instructive to its rising Navy.
The resolution was ordered to lie on the table.
Tuesday, March 18.
Officers and Crew of the Constellation.
Mr. Parker moved that the unfinished business be postponed for the purpose of taking up the resolution which he yesterday laid on the table, relative to the captain, officers, and crew of the Constellation; when
Mr. Nicholson said he wished it might not be taken into consideration until some official information was received upon the subject from the Secretary of the Navy, upon which resolutions can be grounded. In his opinion, the resolution of the gentleman did not go far enough. It had been said, that a young officer had voluntarily lost his life, rather than shrink from his duty, which he thought ought to be noticed. He was in favor of giving his approbation of the conduct of the officers and crew in more general terms than the resolution on the table contemplated.