The self-assurance of Adams was well founded, and no general on the field of battle ever exhibited higher courage.
Adams won over the Cabinet, and the President decided to incorporate in his annual message to Congress a declaration setting forth the attitude of the United States toward all the world, and in particular denying the right of any European power, England included, to intervene in American affairs.

In making such a statement, however, it was necessary to offer compensation in some form.

The United States was not prepared to offer Canning's self-denying ordinance barring the way to further American expansion, but something it must offer.

This compensating offset Adams found in the separation of the New World from the Old and in abstention from interference in Europe.

Such a renunciation involved, however, the sacrifice of generous American sympathies with the republicans across the seas.