9. Washington's second administration was greatly troubled in its
relations with foreign governments. Citizen Genet, who was sent by
the French republic as minister to the United States, arrived at
Charleston, and was greeted with great enthusiasm. Taking advantage
of his popularity, he fitted out privateers to prey on the commerce
of Great Britain, and planned an expedition against Louisiana. When
Washington refused to enter into an alliance with France, the minister
threatened _to appeal to the people_. But Washington stood unmoved, and
demanded the minister's recall. The authorities of France heeded the
demand, and Genet was superseded by M. Fouchet.
[Sidenote: =The Whiskey Insurrection.=]
10. In 1794 the country was disturbed by a difficulty in western
Pennsylvania, known as the WHISKEY INSURRECTION. Congress had, three
years previously, imposed a tax on all ardent spirits distilled in the
United States. Genet and his partisans had incited the people of the
distilling regions to resist the tax collectors. The disaffected rose
in arms. Washington issued two proclamations, warning the insurgents
to disperse; but instead of obeying, they fired upon the officers of
the government. General Henry Lee, with a strong detachment of troops,
then marched to the scene of the disturbance and dispersed the rioters.
11. In the fall of 1793 General Wayne entered the Indian country with
a force of three thousand men. Near the scene of St. Clair's defeat
he built Fort Recovery, and then pressed on to the junction of the
Auglaize and the Maumee. Here he built Fort Defiance. On the 20th of
August Wayne overtook the savages at the town of Waynesfield, and
routed them with terrible losses. The chieftains were obliged to
purchase peace by ceding to the United States all the territory east
of a line drawn from Fort Recovery to the mouth of the Kentucky River.
This was the last service of General Wayne. In December of 1796 he
died, and was buried at Presque Isle.
[Sidenote: =British Privateers.=]
12. In 1793 George III. issued instructions to British privateers to
seize all neutral vessels found trading in the French West Indies.
The United States had no notification of this measure, and American
commerce to the value of many millions of dollars was swept from the
sea. Chief-justice Jay was sent to demand redress, and in November of
1794 an honorable treaty was concluded. It was specified in the treaty
that Great Britain should make reparation for the injuries done, and
surrender to the United States certain Western posts which until now
had been held by that country.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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