Unanimity was almost unattainable; as when Governor Clinton of New York withheld his approval of a measure to improve a system of taxation to which the other twelve States had assented; so Rhode Island, the smallest of all, blocked another reform which twelve States had approved.

Our foreign relations must be described as ignominious.

Jefferson had taken Franklin's place as Minister to France, but we had no credit and he could not secure the loan he was seeking.

John Adams in London, and John Jay in Madrid, were likewise balked.

Jay had to submit to the closing of the lower Mississippi to American shipping.