Griswold, Otis, Bayard, and Goodrich were found among the nays.

Gallatin succeeded in carrying an amendment defining the bill, after which it was passed by a vote of 58 to 36.
Towards the close of January, 1799, a bill was brought in authorizing the President to discontinue the restraints of the act suspending intercourse with the French West India Islands, whenever any persons in authority or command should so request.

This was to invite a secession of the French colonies from the mother country.

Gallatin deprecated any action which might induce rebellion against authority, or lead to self-government among the people of the islands who were unfit for it.
Moreover, such action would remove still further every expectation of an accommodation with France.

The bill was passed by a vote of 55 to 37.