In this message Adams said, "I will never send another minister to France without assurances that he will be received, respected, and honored as the representative of a great, free, powerful, and independent nation." On the 25th an act was passed authorizing the commanders of merchant vessels to defend themselves against search and seizure under regulations by the President.

On June 30 a further act authorized the purchase and equipment of twelve vessels as an addition to the naval armament.

To all intents and purposes a state of war between the two countries already existed.
The 4th of July (1798) was celebrated with unusual enthusiasm all over the United States, and the black cockade was generally worn.

This was the distinctive badge of the Federalists, and a response to the tricolor which Adet had recommended all French citizens to wear in 1794.
On July 5 a resolution was moved to appoint a committee to consider the expediency of declaring, by legislative act, the state of relations between the United States and the French Republic.

Mr.Gallatin asked if a declaration of war could not be moved as an amendment, but the speaker, Mr.Dayton, made no reply.