His endeavours were not absolutely unsuccessful.

Some impression was made on the mass of the people; but it was too slight to be productive of the advantages expected from it.

The conduct of France was still openly defended; and the opinion, that the measures which had been adopted by the executive of the United States furnished that republic with just cause of war, was still publicly maintained, and indefatigably circulated.

According to these opinions, America could entitle herself to peace, only by retracing the steps she had taken, and yielding to the demands of her justly offended but generous and magnanimous ally.
Still jealous for the honour, as well as confident of the importance, of his country, and retaining that full conviction respecting the propriety of its measures which had induced their adoption, General Washington could not repress the solicitude with which he contemplated passing events.

His confidential letters disclose the strong feelings of his own bosom, but betray no apprehensions that the French government would press its present system to extremities.