It taxed the wisdom and skill of Mr. Jefferson, then Secretary of State, to counteract the influence of the French Minister, and prevent citizens of the United States from committing overt acts against the Allied Sovereigns, and embroiling the Union in a foreign war.  In this endeavor he was greatly assisted by the pen of Mr. J. Q. Adams.  This gentleman wrote a series of essays for the public prints, under the signature of “Columbus,” reviewing the course of Mr. Genet.  In these articles, he pointed out, with great clearness, the principles of the law of nations applicable to the situation of the country in the neutral line of policy which had been wisely adopted.

In reference to this topic, John Adams writes his wife, as follows, under date of Dec. 19, 1793:—­

“The President has considered the conduct of Genet very nearly in the same light with ‘Columbus,’ and has given him a bolt of thunder.  We shall see how this is supported by the two Houses.  There are who gnash their teeth with rage which they dare not own as yet.  We shall soon see whether we have any government or not in this country.”

The political writings of the younger Adams had now brought him prominently before the public.  They attracted the especial attention of Mr. Jefferson, who saw in them a vastness of comprehension, a maturity of judgment and critical discrimination, which gave large promise of future usefulness and eminence.  Before his retirement from the State Department, he commended the youthful statesman to the favorable regard of President Washington, as one pre-eminently fitted for public service.

General Washington, although a soldier by profession, was a lover of peace.  His policy during his administration of the government, was pre-eminently pacific.  Convinced that, in the infant state of the Union, war with a foreign nation could result only in evil and ruin, he was anxious to cultivate the most friendly relations with foreign governments, and to carry out, both in letter and spirit, the strict neutrality he had proclaimed.  To declare and maintain these principles abroad, and to form political and commercial relations with European powers, Washington looked anxiously around for one fitted for a mission so important.  His attention soon became fixed on John Quincy Adams.  He saw in him qualities not only of deep political sagacity, and views of policy at unity with his own, but a familiarity with the languages and customs of foreign courts, which marked him as one every way calculated to represent our government with credit in the old world.  He accordingly, in May, 1794, appointed Mr. Adams Minister of the United States at the Hague.