Whenever it was raised, out came the Corsairs again.

An occasional bombardment of their port did not cow them and had no permanent effect.

A French official described it as being "like breaking glass windows with guineas." The Algerines made treaties with some Powers in consideration of tribute but refused peace to others on any terms; as they did not desire to shut out all opportunity for their time-honored sport of piracy.
Congress was slow to take action of any kind.

In January, 1791, Maclay noted that a committee had decided that the Mediterranean trade could not be preserved without an armed force to protect it, and that a navy should be established as soon as the Treasury was in a position to bear the expense.

Meanwhile the President began fresh negotiations, which were attended by singular fatality.