But although Washington was calm and polite, he was also watchful and prepared, as he had good reason to be, for Genet immediately began, in addition to his wild public utterances, to pour in notes upon the State Department.  He demanded money; he announced in florid style the opening of the French ports; he wrote that he was ready to make a new treaty; and finally he filed an answer to the complaints of the British minister.  His arguments were wretched, but they seemed to weigh with Jefferson, although not with the President; and meantime the dragon’s teeth which he had plentifully sown began to come up and bear an abundant harvest.  More prizes were made by his cruisers, and after many remonstrances one was ordered away, and two Americans whom Genet had enlisted were indicted.  Genet declared that this was an act which his pen almost refused to state; but still it was done, and the administration pushed on and ordered the seizure of privateers fitting in American ports.  Governor Clinton made a good beginning with one at New York, and in hot haste Genet wrote another note more furious and impertinent than any he had yet sent.  He was answered civilly, and the work of stopping the sale of prizes went on.

Meantime the opposition were not idle.  The French sympathizers bestirred themselves, and attacks began to be made even on the President himself.  The popular noise and clamor were all against the administration, but the support of it was really growing stronger, although the President and his secretaries could not see it.  Jefferson, on whom the conduct of foreign affairs rested, was uneasy and wavering.  He wrote able letters, as he was directed, but held, it is to be feared, quite different language in his conversations with Genet.  Randolph argued and hesitated, while Hamilton, backed by Knox, was filled with wrath and wished more decisive measures.  Still, as we look at it now across a century, we can observe that the policy went calmly forward, consistent and unchecked.  The French minister was held back, privateers were stopped, the English minister’s complaints were answered, every effort was made for exact justice, and neutrality was preserved.  It was hard and trying work, especially to a man of strong temper and fighting propensities.  Still it was done, and toward the end of June Washington went for a little rest to Mount Vernon.

Then came a sudden explosion.  One July morning the rumor ran through Philadelphia that the Little Sarah, a prize of the French man-of-war, was fitting out as a privateer.  The reaction in favor of the administration was beginning, and men, indignant at the proceeding, carried the news to Governor Mifflin, and also to the Secretary of State.  Great disturbance of mind thereupon ensued to these two gentlemen, who were both much interested in France and the rights of man.  The brig would not sail before the arrival of the President, said the Secretary of State.  Still the arming went on apace, and then came movements