could be done with the least bad consequences. To effect this,
three modes presented themselves. First, a denial of the papers _in
toto_, assigning concise but cogent reasons for that denial;
secondly, to grant them in whole; or, thirdly, in part; accompanied
in both the last-mentioned cases with a pointed protest against the
right of the house to control treaties, or to call for papers
without specifying their object, and against the compliance being
drawn into a precedent.

"I had as little hesitation in deciding that the first was the most
tenable ground; but, from the peculiar circumstances of the case,
it merited consideration, if the _principle_ could be saved,
whether facility in the provision might not result from a
compliance. An attentive examination of the subject and papers,
however, soon convinced me that to furnish _all_ the papers would
be highly improper, and that a partial delivery of them would leave
the door open for as much calumny as a refusal of them altogether;
perhaps more, as it might, and I have no doubt would, be said that
all such as were essential to the purposes of the house were
withheld.

"Under these impressions, I proceeded, with the heads of
departments and the attorney-general, to collect materials, and to
prepare an answer, subject, however, to revision and change
according to circumstances. This was ready on Monday, and proposed
to be sent in on Tuesday; but it was delayed until I should hear
from you, which happened on that day about noon. This induced a
further postponement until yesterday, notwithstanding the apparent
and anxious solicitude, which was visible in all quarters, to learn
the result of the application.

"Finding that the draft which I had prepared embraced the most if
not all the principles, which were detailed in yours of yesterday,
though not the reasonings; that it would take considerable time to
copy yours; and, above all, having understood that if the papers
were refused, a fresh demand with strictures on my conduct was to
be expected, I sent in the answer, which was ready, and have
reserved yours, as a copious resource, in case the matter should go
any further."[93]

Washington gave a decided negative to the request of the house. It
appears to have been unexpected. The opposition were