Question

Did congress give Thomas Jefferson authority to use the war vessels, or frigates, in the Barbary Wars yes or no

Answer 1

In 1802, in response to Jefferson's request for authority to deal with the pirates, Congress passed "An act for the protection of commerce and seamen of the United States against the Tripolitan cruisers," authorizing the President to "employ such of the armed vessels of the United States as may be judged requisite.