ment had received
intelligence from their ministers in Europe that propositions had been
made by the cabinet of Madrid to that of London, the object of which
was the United States. The precise nature of these propositions was
not ascertained, but it was understood generally, that their tendency
was hostile.

[Footnote 12: The state of affairs was so inauspicious to
the continuance of peace that in a letter written in the
month of June, to the secretary of war, the President thus
expressed himself: "It is of great importance that this
government should be fully informed of the Spanish force in
the Floridas, the troops which have lately arrived, the
number of their posts, and the strength and situation of
each; together with such other circumstances as would enable
it to adopt correspondent measures, in case we should, in
spite of our endeavours to avoid it, get embroiled with that
nation. It would be too improvident, might be too late, and
certainly would be disgraceful, to have this information to
obtain when our plans ought to be formed." After suggesting
the propriety of making the proper inquiries in a particular
channel, he added, "I point you to the above as one source
only of information. My desire to obtain knowledge of these
facts leads me to request with equal earnestness, that you
would improve every other to ascertain them with certainty.
No reasonable expense should be spared to accomplish objects
of such magnitude in times so critical."]

Thus unfavourable to the pacific views of the executive were the
circumstances under which congress was to assemble.

CHAPTER II.

Meeting of congress.... President's speech.... His message
on the foreign relations of the United States.... Report of
the Secretary of State on the commerce of the United
States.... He resigns.... Is succeeded by Mr. Randolph....
Mr. Madison's resolutions founded on the above report....
Debate thereon.... Debates on the subject of a navy.... An
embargo law.... Mission of Mr. Jay to Great Britain....
Inquiry into the conduct of the Secretary of the Treasury,
terminates honourably to him.... Internal taxes.... Congress
adjourns.

{1793}

[Sidenote: Meeting of Congress.]

A malignant fever, believed to be infectious, had, through part of the
summer and autumn, severely afflicted