Taken altogether they made the Americans so angry that Washington
feared another war, for which he knew the nation was not ready.
He decided therefore to make a bid for peace, and sent John Jay to
London to arrange matters between the two countries.
Jay did not find British statesmen in any yielding mood, and so
the treaty which he arranged, and which goes by his name, was not
altogether favourable to the Americans. There was, for instance,
nothing in the treaty about paying for the slaves, nor about the
right of search. But seeing that he could get no better terms Jay
accepted those offered him. Undoubtedly America asked more than
Britain could well give. Equally undoubtedly Britain gave less than
America had a right to expect.
Washington was not satisfied with the treaty, but he felt that Jay
had done his best. He felt, too, that it was either the treaty or
war. So rather than have war he signed it.
When, however, the terms of it became known a cry of rage rang
through the country. Those who had supported it were hooted at and
stoned in the streets, John Jay was burned in effigy, the treaty
itself was publicly burned. Even Washington, beloved as he was, did
not escape. Taunts and insults were flung at him. He was called a
tyrant and a traitor, but in spite of all the opposition Washington
stood firm. He held to the treaty, and peace with the old country
was kept.
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