Its general conduct furnished no foundation for a hope that its dispositions towards the United States were friendly, or that it could view their growing power without jealousy.
The non-execution of the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th articles of the treaty of peace, still furnished the United States and Great Britain with matter for reciprocal crimination, which there was the more difficulty in removing, because no diplomatic intercourse was maintained between them.

The cabinet of St.James having never appointed a minister to the United States, and Mr.Adams having returned from London without effecting the object of his mission, the American government felt some difficulty in repeating advances which had been treated with neglect.
Yet there was much reason to desire full explanations with the English government, and to understand perfectly its views and intentions.

The subjects for discussion were delicate in their nature, and could not be permitted to remain in their present state, without hazarding the most serious consequences.

The detention of a part of the territory of the United States, was a circumstance of much importance to the honour, as well as to the interests of the nation, and the commercial intercourse between the two countries was so extensive, as to require amicable and permanent regulations.

The early attention of the President had been directed to these subjects; and, in October, 1789, he had resolved on taking informal measures to sound the British cabinet, and to ascertain its views respecting them.