[citation needed] Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton had ordered President, along with USS Argus, to patrol the coastal areas from the Carolinas to New York.

Commodore John Rodgers, commanding the frigate President, had left Annapolis several days earlier and was aware of the Guerriere incident.

Little Belt's captain, Arthur Bingham, had spotted President one hour earlier.

Bingham signaled President asking for identification but received none, but he noticed a blue pennant showing the ship's nationality was American.

As President closed with Little Belt, Bingham thought the frigate was manoeuvreing to rake his ship with gunfire.

After fifteen minutes, most of Bingham's guns had been put out of action, and Rodgers ordered a cease fire.

The next morning, Lieutenant John Creighton went from President to Little Belt to lament the affair and offer Bingham space at any American port, which he declined.

President sailed on to New York City, and Little Belt went to the North America Station in Halifax, Nova Scotia, escorted by HMS Goree.

On 19 August 1812, after war had finally broken out, HMS Guerriere sailed into her ill-fated action against USS Constitution.