The French Directory became alarmed, and made overtures of peace.
Washington did not survive to witness the restoration of amicable relations with France.

On the 14th of December, 1799, after a brief illness, he departed this life, at Mount Vernon, aged sixty-eight years.
On receiving this mournful intelligence, Congress, then in session at Philadelphia, passed the following resolution:-- "Resolved, That the Speaker's chair should be shrouded in black; that the members should wear black during the session, and that a joint committee, from the Senate and the House, be appointed to devise the most suitable manner of paying honor to the memory of the Man, first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." Testimonials of sorrow were exhibited, and funeral orations and eulogies were delivered, throughout the United States.

The Father of his Country slept in death, and an entire people mourned his departure! On assuming the duties of the Presidency, the elder Adams found the finances of the country in a condition of the most deplorable prostration.
To sustain the government in this department, it was deemed indispensable to establish a system of direct taxation, by internal duties.

This produced great dissatisfaction throughout the Union.

An "alien law" was passed, which empowered the President to banish from the United States, any foreigner whom he should consider dangerous to the peace and safety of the country.