early foresees danger of excess in French Revolution, 139, 140;
states a policy of strict neutrality, 140, 142, 143;
difficulties of his situation, 142;
objects to action of National Assembly on tobacco and oil, 144;
denies reported request by United States that England mediate with Indians, 145;
announces neutrality in case of a European war, 146;
instructs cabinet to prepare a neutrality proclamation, 147;
importance of this step not understood at time, 148, 149;
foresees coming difficulties, 149, 150;
acts cautiously toward émigrés, 151;