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Chapter V - Adams and the XYZ Affair
Adams and the XYZ Affair
One of John Adams' biographers described him as brilliant, stern, austerer, obstinate and aristocratic. He was a man constantly striving "for public attention" who attempted in vain to keep himself above political infighting in order to resolve problems with France. His actions were to cost him a reelection. At the time of Adam's election, the French were incensed by the Jay Treaty and reacted by brazenly seizing American ships which carried British goods. Though Adams quickly sent a special commission to France to resolve the ongoing dispute, the American delegates were snubbed by the French. Finally they received word that the French would negotiate after the United States paid an outrageous bribe of $250,000. The American commissioners resoundingly answered, "No, no, not a sixpence would be paid." This type of bribe was certainly not unfamiliar to Americans. Washington had bribed Creek chieftains and had ransomed American sailors from Algeria at the cost of $100,000 each. However, the demand for $250,000 was outlandishly high. Many enraged Americans considered it a slap in the face of honor and reacted to this humiliation by preparing for war. The press rallied to the increasing call for war by inciting the agitated public with slogans such as, "Millions for defense but not one cent for tribute!"
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