The possibility was "not yet certain enough to authorize us in sound morality to declare, at this moment, the treaties null." Meanwhile Genet was left in a position in which he had a perfect right to claim all privileges conferred on France by the treaty.

The result was a curious chapter of diplomatic correspondence.

Genet took an attitude of indignant remonstrance at the duplicity of the American position.

Did not the United States have a treaty with France?
By what authority then did the Administration interfere with him in the enjoyment of his rights as the representative of France, and interfere with American citizens in their dealings with him?
He shrewdly refrained from any attempt to defend the capture of the _Grange_ by _L'Ambuscade_ in Delaware Bay.

"The learned conclusions of the Attorney-General of the United States, and the declarations of the American Government, have been on this subject the rule of my conduct.