United States. Musician Gaetano Carusi and his sons appeal to Congress for a $1,000 reimbursement so they can return to Italy. Carusi and his band had been hired in 1812 to play aboard the USS Chesapeake (which fought in the War of 1812 against the British), because President Jefferson was a music enthusiast. Carusi had been hired in Italy and brought to America. The Chesapeake was destroyed by the British attack of the HMS Leopard on June 22, 1807, and he lost everything in the disaster. His request to Congress was denied, and, unable to return to Italy, he resigned and opened Carusi’s Saloon in Washington, DC, which would become a destination for presidents, galas, balls, and concerts.
