ts true character to the French government excited anew
the displeasure of the cabinet; and in August, 1796, he was recalled
under an informal censure.

On his return to America he published a 'View of the conduct of the
Executive in the Foreign Affairs of the United States,' which widened
the breach between him and the administration, but socially Monroe
remained upon good terms with both Washington and Jay.

He was Governor of Virginia from 1799 to 1802 and at the close of his
term was appointed Envoy Extraordinary to the French government to
negotiate, in conjunction with the resident minister, Mr. Livingston,
for the purchase of Louisiana, or a right of depot for the United
States on the Mississippi. Within a fortnight after his arrival in Paris
the ministers secured, for $15,000,000, the entire territory of Orleans
and district of Louisiana.

In the same year he was commissioned Minister Plenipotentiary to
England, and endeavored to conclude a convention for the protection of
neutral rights, and against the impressment of seamen. In the midst of
these negotiations he was directed to proceed to Madrid as Minister
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to adjust the difficulties between the
United States and Spain, in relation to the boundaries of the new
purchase of Louisiana. In this he failed, and in 1806 he was recalled to
England to act with Mr. Pickney in further negotiation for the
protection of neutral rights. On the last day of that year a treaty was
concluded, but because of the omission of any provision against the
impressment of seamen, and its doubtfulness in relation to other leading
points the president sent it back for revisal. All efforts to attain
this failed and Monroe returned to America.

The time was approaching for the election of a president, and a
considerable body of the Republican party had brought Monroe forward as
their candidate, but the preference of Jefferson for Madison was well
known and of course had its influence. Monroe believed that the
rejection of the treaty and the predilection expressed for his rival
indicated hostility on the part of the retiring President, and a
correspondence on the subject ensued.

Jefferson candidly explained his course and assured him that his
preference was based solely upon solicitude for the success of the
party, the great majority of which had declared in the favor of Madison.
The misunderstanding ceased and Monroe withdrew from the canvass. In
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