But the rigging and spars of the _Constellation_ had been so badly cut up that the mainmast fell, and before the wreck could be cleared away the _Vengeance_ was able to make her escape.

During the two years and a half in which hostilities continued, the little navy of the United States captured eighty-five armed French vessels, nearly all privateers.

Only one American war vessel was taken by the enemy, and that one had been originally a captured French vessel.

The value of the protection thus extended to American trade is attested by the increase of exports from $57,000,000 in 1797 to $78,665,528 in 1799.

Revenue from imports increased from $6,000,000 in 1797 to $9,080,932 in 1800.
The creation of an army, however, was attended by personal disagreements that eventually wrecked the Administration.