The frigate recommissioned on 14 August 1802, Captain James Barron in command. The small Moorish kingdoms on the Barbary Coast of North Africa were attacking American ships, killing and imprisoning crewmen and stealing cargo, while demanding high monetary tribute as their price for ending these piratical acts. In response to this challenge, Thomas Jefferson sent a naval squadron to the Mediterranean in May 1801 to protect the nation’s interests, and on 14 November 1802, "New York" sailed from Washington Navy Yard to reinforce that squadron and join in the blockade.