The response of Congress was to vote money to complete the frigates, the _United States_, the _Constitution_, and the _Constellation_, work on which had been suspended when the Algerine troubles subsided; and further, to authorize the construction or purchase of twelve additional vessels.

For the management of this force, the Navy Department was created by the Act of April 30, 1798.

By an Act of May 28, the President was authorized to raise a military force of ten thousand men, the commander of which should have the services of "a suitable number of major-generals." On July 7, the treaties with France that had so long vexed the United States were abrogated.
The operations of the Navy Department soon showed that American sailors were quite able and willing to defend the nation if they were allowed the opportunity.

In December, 1798, the Navy Department worked out a plan of operations in the enemy's waters.

To repress the depredations of the French privateers in the West Indies, a squadron commanded by Captain John Barry was sent to cruise to the windward of St.Kitts as far south as Barbados, and it made numerous captures.