Nothing, however, could be done in the way of peace negotiations.

One of Humphreys' agents reported that the Dey could not make peace even if he really wanted to do so.

"He declared to me that his interest does not permit him to accept your offers, Sir, even were you to lavish millions upon him, 'because,' said he, 'if I were to make peace with everybody, what should I do with my Corsairs?
What should I do with my soldiers?
They would take off my head, for want of other prizes.'" This was an honest disclosure of the situation.

Humphreys wrote Jefferson that "no choice is left for the United States but to prepare a naval force for the protection of their trade." Captain O'Brien wrote, "By all means urge Congress to fit out some remarkably fast sailing cruisers, well appointed and manned." In January, 1794, accordingly, a committee of the House brought in a resolution for building four ships of 44 guns and two of 20 guns each.

The debate began on February 6, and for some time was altogether one-sided, with one speaker after another opposing the creation of a navy.