His words were emphatic.

"One inch of ground yielded on the northwest coast,--one step backward from the claim to the navigation of the St.Lawrence,--one hair's breadth of compromise upon the article of impressment would be certain to meet the reprobation of the Senate." In this temper of parties, Adams added, "All we can hope to accomplish will be to adjourn controversies which we cannot adjust, and say to Britain as the Abbe Bernis said to Cardinal Fleuri: 'Monseigneur, j'attendrai.'" But changes now occurred in the British ministry: Lord Liverpool died in February, 1827--Mr.Canning in the following August.

Lord Goderich became prime minister.

The new administration returned from Canning's eccentric course to the old and quiet path.

The commercial convention of 1815 was renewed indefinitely, each party being at liberty to abrogate it at twelve months' notice.