in which the Spaniard
had no equal. At last, when indubitable assurances came to Monroe
from Paris that Napoleon would not suffer Spain to make the slightest
concession either in the matter of spoliation claims or any other
claims, and that, in the event of a break between the United States and
Spain, he would surely take the part of Spain, Monroe abandoned the game
and asked for his passports. Late in May he returned to Paris, where he
joined with General Armstrong, who had succeeded Livingston, in urging
upon the Administration the advisability of seizing Texas, leaving West
Florida alone for the present.

Months of vacillation followed the failure of Monroe's mission. The
President could not shake off his obsession, and yet he lacked the
resolution to employ force to take either Texas, which he did not want
but was entitled to, or West Florida which he ardently desired but whose
title was in dispute. It was not until November of the following year
(1805) that the Administration determined on a definite policy. In a
meeting of the Cabinet "I proposed," Jefferson recorded in a memorandum,
"we should address ourselves to France, informing her it was a last
effort at amicable settlement with Spain and offer to her, or through
her," a sum not to exceed five million dollars for the Floridas. The
chief obstacle in the way of this programme was the uncertain mood of
Congress, for a vote of credit was necessary and Congress might not take
kindly to Napoleon as intermediary. Jefferson then set to work to draft
a message which would "alarm the fears of Spain by a vigorous language,
in order to induce her to join us in appealing to the interference of
the Emperor."

The message sent to Congress alluded briefly to the negotiations with
Spain and pointed out the unsatisfactory relations which still obtained.
Spain had shown herself unwilling to adjust claims or the boundaries
of Louisiana; her depredations on American commerce had been renewed;
arbitrary duties and vexatious searches continued to obstruct American
shipping on the Mobile; inroads had been made on American territory;
Spanish officers and soldiers had seized the property of American
citizens. It was hoped that Spain would view these injuries in
their proper light; if not, then the United States "must join in the
unprofitable contest of trying which party can do the other the most
harm. Some of these injuries may perhaps admit a peaceable remedy. Where
that is comp