In this year Francis L. Lee, of Va., Carter Braxton, of Va., and Oliver Wolcott, of Conn., signers of the Declaration of Independence, died.
1798.
The French government continues to labor to draw the United States into a war with them against England. Two of the three Commissioners are required to leave France.
April 3—The Mississippi Territory organized.
” 14—The navy is taken from the control of the Secretary of War, and a Navy Department with a Secretary, organized.
June 12—All commercial intercourse with France suspended. In anticipation of war the naturalization law is amended; an “Alien Act” passed; and the navy and army largely strengthened.
” 21—The President announces the failure of the Commissioners sent to France, to make peace.
July 8—A limited naval warfare with France is authorized, and several U. S. vessels of war go to sea.
” 16—An additional naval armament provided for.
” 17—Washington accepts the appointment of Commander-in-Chief of the Army, which is being raised in expectation of war.