Russia also was displeased with the recognition of the independence of the Spanish colonies.

At the Congress of Aix la Chapelle various plans of mediation were proposed, but England refusing to engage to break off all commercial relations with such of the insurgent colonies as should reject the proposals agreed to, the whole project was abandoned.

An agreement between the five great powers for the suppression of the slave trade was also proposed at this Congress, but France declined to recognize the right to visit French vessels in time of peace, and Russia making a similar declaration, this plan also fell to the ground, and even an association against the exactions of the Barbary powers was prevented by jealousy of the naval preponderance of Great Britain.
While Mr.Gallatin was still actively engaged in an endeavor to put our commercial relations with France on a satisfactory basis, and negotiating with M.Pasquier, the new French minister for foreign affairs, both with regard to indemnities for captures and the new Spanish relations involved in the cession of Florida to the United States, a serious trouble arose in which Mr.Gallatin and Mr.Adams were at direct difference.

In the spring of 1821 a French vessel, the Apollon, was seized on the St.Mary's River, on the Spanish side, and condemned for violation of the United States navigation laws.

Mr.Adams sustained the seizure and Mr.Gallatin did his best to defend it, on the ground that the place where the vessel was seized was embraced in the occupation of the United States.