[DreamsofPolycarp]

The difference is he wanted the letter of marquis instead of a declaration of war

No he did not.

[AnAmericanMother]

Guys, it's "letters of marque and reprisal." See Article I, Section 8, paragraph 11 of the U.S. Constitution.

A "marquis" (English spelling marquess) is a member of the nobility who ranks below a duke and above an earl.