Once the declaration of war had passed the Senate by a vote of 19 to 13 on June 18, 1812, events began to move rapidly. President James Madison and his cabinet had been discussing the role for the Navy. There were strong feelings that the U.S. ships should not be risked against the mighty British fleet and should be anchored in various ports along the coast to be used as floating fortifications. This position was vehemently opposed by the majority of young naval officers.