Letter From Washington


December 3, 1800

To: Samuel Nicholson, Commodore: Caribbean Squadron
From: Benjamin Stoddert, Secretary of the Navy: United States of America

Sir:
I have read your report for the action on September 28, 1800 and have found your actions regrettable on several accounts.
1. Order of Battle: By lining your ships with all of your strength in the front you exposed your lesser ships to unreasonable harm.
2. Order Not to Deviate Course During Battle: Your smaller ships greatest advantage during battle is their speed and maneuverability. Your order took that advantage away from them and left them vulnerable to larger, slower, less maneuverable ships.
3. Cowardice in the Face of the Enemy: By not turning to support your smaller ships, you doomed three frigates and their crews to destruction.

You are ordered to join your squadron with that of Commodore Isaac Hull Commodore: Lesser Antilles Squadron. You will then turn command of USS Constitution over to 1st Lieutenant Ezekiel Fulbryte and return to Washington to face charges in a court of inquiry.

Benjamin Stoddert
Secretary of the Navy
United States of America