In advocating this measure he spoke of the sorry experience of the country in depending upon militia.

Their "want of discipline occasions them to commit a great waste on the property of their fellow citizens, besides a waste of public property." As long as we depend upon militia, "European nations will not consider us as able to retaliate and assert our rights." Nothing came of this sensible proposal, but Sedgwick made an auxiliary suggestion which Congress did adopt.

He urged that the sailing of vessels from the ports of the United States be prohibited.

An embargo would hold over foreign nations the threat that, unless they behaved themselves, their supplies from the United States might be cut off.

Such embargo was voted for a month from March 26, 1794, which was subsequently extended for another month, and the President was authorized to lay, regulate, and revoke embargoes during the recess of Congress.