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.
That this prominent appointment was as flattering to Mr.Adams as it was unexpected, is naturally true.