14 March 1797 John Adams The President of the United States, requests to the Secretary at War, to take into his considera tion the following Questions and make report of his opinion in Writing.

1. Whether the Refusal to receive Mr. Pinckney and the rude orders to quit Paris, and the Territory of the Republick, with such circumstances of Indignity, Insult and Hostility as we have been inform’d of, are bars to all further measures of Negotiation? or in other Words a fresh mission to Paris be too great an humiliation of the American People, in their own Sense and that of the World.
2. If another mission be admissible, can any part, and what parts or Articles of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Great Britain, be offered to France or ultimately conceeded to that Power, in case of necessity, if demanded by her.
3. What Articles of the Treaty of Alliance, and of the Treaty of Commerce with France, should be proposed to be abolished ?
4. Whether it will be prudent to say any Thing, concerning the consular convention with that Power, and if it will what Alterations in it should be proposed? 5 Whether any new Articles Such as are not contained in either of our Treaties with France or England shall be proposed, or can be agreed to, if proposed by the French Government?
5. What Documents shall be prepared to send to France as evidence of Insults and Injuries, committed against the commerce of the United States by French Ships of War, or Privateers, or by French Commissioners Agents, Officers, or Citizens?
6. In what terms shall Remonstrances against Spo liations of Property, capture of Vessels, Imprison ment of Masters and Mariners, Cruelties, Insults and Abuses of every kind, to out Citizens be made?
7. In what terms shall restitution, Reparation, Com pensation and Satisfaction be demanded for Such Insults and Injuries?
8. Shall demand be made of Payment to our Citizens for Property purchased by the French Government in Europe, or in the East and West Indies. 10 Shall demand be made of the French Government of Payment for Vessels and Cargoes, captured and Seized, whether by Ships of War, or private ships? 11 Shall any Commission of Inquiry and Examination like that with England be agreed to ?
9. What Articles in the British Treaty can be offered to France, without compensation, and with com= pensation, and what compensation shall be demand- ed?
10. Shall a Project of a new Treaty abolishing the old Treaties and Consular Convention be proposed to France?
11. Shall such a Project, with a Project of Instructions to the Minister, be prepared and laid before the Senate for their Advice and consent, before they be sent to Europe? John Adams Philadelphia 14 March 1797