The British Parliament had laid restrictions so onerous on the trade of the United States with these Colonies, that it could be pursued to very little profit.

Bills were introduced into both houses of Congress, for the protection of the interests of American merchants, trading with the British Colonies; but the Senate and House failing to agree on the details of the proposed measures, nothing was done to effect the desired object.

Congress having adjourned without passing any law to meet the restrictive measures of Great Britain, President Adams, on the 17th of March, 1827, agreeably to a law passed three years before, issued a proclamation closing the ports of the United States against vessels from the British colonies, until the restrictive measures of the British Government should be repealed.
The policy pursued by Mr.Adams toward the Indian tribes within the United States, was pacific and humane.

The position they held toward the General Government was of an unsettled and embarrassing character.

Enjoying a species of independence, and subject to laws of their own enactment, they were, nevertheless, dependent on the Government of the United States for protection, and were, in fact, wholly at its disposal.