He received this invitation at Copenhagen, and as the season for
commencing the campaign, was too near to admit time for him to ask
and await the permission of Congress, he accepted the offer, only
stipulating, that he should be always free to return to the orders of
Congress whenever called for, and that he should not be expected to bear
arms against France. He conceived, that the experience he should gain
would enable him to be more useful to the United States, should they
ever have occasion for him. It has been understood, that Congress had
had it in contemplation to give him the grade of rear-admiral, from the
date of the action of the Serapis, and it is supposed, that such a mark
of their approbation would have a favorable influence on his fortune in
the north. Copies of the letters which passed between him and the Danish
minister are herewith transmitted. I shall immediately represent to
Count Bernstorff, that the demand for our prizes can have no connection
with a treaty of commerce; that there is no reason why the claims of
our seamen should await so distant and uncertain an event; and press the
settlement of this claim.
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