I agree with Ron Paul on many fiscal issues however his foreign policy ideas are stuck in 1792 and NOW the ‘Barnaby pirates’ are desperately trying to obtain nukes.
I like your correct choice of the year 1792. It was only a year away from a serious wake-up call -- the 9/11 of it's day. But note that even in 1794, not every Congressman could understand the reason for a United States Navy.
"In 1793, the wars of the French Revolution between Great Britain and France began and a truce negotiated between Portugal and the Algerians ended Portugal's blockade of the Strait of Gibraltar which had kept the Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean.
"Soon after, the pirates sailed into the Atlantic, and captured 11 American merchant ships and more than a hundred seamen.
"In reaction to the seizure of the American vessels, Congress debated and approved the Naval Act of 1794, which authorized the building of six frigates—four of 44 guns and two of 36 guns.
"Supporters were mostly from the northern states and the coastal regions, who argued the Navy would result in savings in insurance and ransom payments, while opponents from southern states and inland regions thought a navy was not worth the expense and would drive the United States into more costly wars."
Neither presidents Washington nor Adams were willing to use their new Navy against the Barbary pirates. They continued to pay the tributes. But President Jefferson had different ideas... ;-)