society, but when publicists misused that freedom to print lies, to stir up sedition at home and encourage enemies abroad, they might destroy the republic, they said.
             The Federalists planned a two-pronged approach to their domestic and foreign problems. First, they made plans for military defense. Already merchantmen could arm themselves to stave off French attacks. In April, Adams created the Department of the Navy and appointed Benjamin Stoddert of Virginia the first Secretary of the Navy. Then Congress passed acts providing for costal fortifications, military supplies and expansion of the army and navy. Three new frigates and other ships were made seaworthy. For the first time since the Revolution, the United States had a working navy. 2
             George Washington, in retirement in Mount Vernon, agreed to serve as the nominal commander of a new force of ten thousand men and a provisional army of another fifty thousand men, if Alexander Hamilton was second in command and would be its actual leader.
             Adams then suspended all commerce with France and declared that the treaties of 1778 were void because of French violations. On July 21 he announced to Congress that "I will never send another minister to France without assurances that he will be received, respected and honored as the representative of a great, free, powerful and independent nation." He considered a declaration of war and many of his more extreme supporters encouraged him in this, but he did not issue one, even though Alexander Hamilton grew excited about leading the army into Florida, Louisiana and Mexico and taking these lands away from Spain, who was France's ally.
             The United States was not ready to fight a major European power and Adams waited for France to make the first declaration of hostilities. Meanwhile, the country waged a "quasi-war" against French privateers.
             In response to their own private war against the Republicans, Adams and t...