In the interim between its expiration and the meeting of the fourth Congress in December, the country was wildly agitated by the Jay treaty.

This document not reaching America until after the adjournment of Congress in March, Washington convened the Senate in extra and secret session on June 1, and the treaty was ratified by barely two thirds majority.

Imprudently withheld for a time, it was at last made public by Senator Mason of Virginia, one of the ten who voted against its ratification.

It disappointed the people, and was denounced as a weak and ignominious surrender of American rights.

The merchants of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston protested against it in public meetings.