What course should Mr.
Adams adopt?
On the one hand, personal friendship, the party which elected him to the Senate, the immediate interests of his constituents, called upon him to oppose the measures of the administration.

On the other hand, more enlarged considerations presented themselves.

The interest, the honor, the ultimate prosperity of the whole country--its reputation and influence in the eyes of the world--demanded that the Government should be supported in its efforts to check the aggressions of foreign nations, and establish the rights of American citizens.

In such an alternative John Quincy Adams could not hesitate.

Turning from all other considerations but a desire to promote the dignity and welfare of the Union, he threw himself, without reserve, into the ranks of the administration party, and labored zealously to second the measures of Mr.Jefferson.
This act subjected Mr.Adams to the severest censure.