John Adams
November 1, 1800, just before the election John Adams arrived
in the new Capital City he wrote his wife, "Before I end my letter, I pray
Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and all that shall
hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this
roof." John Adams sent three commissioners to France in the spring of
1798. Then later on word from the French foreign ministers Talleyrand and the
directory had refused to negotiate unless they would first pay a bribe. Adams did not call for a declaration of war ,
but hostilities began at sea. By 1800 armed merchantmen and U.S. warships were
clearing.
