88 University of California Publications in History

the mission was in New York ready to leave on the sloop-of-war
"Ontario," the commissioners had met John Quincy Adams, just
returned from England. And Adams, who considered their journey
premature, as a matter of policy, had persuaded Monroe to let the
"Ontario" sail without them."
 Onis believed that the commissioners were to carry secret in-
structions authorizing them to recognize any of the new republics
which they considered worthy. When the "Ontario" sailed in Oc-
tober, he supposed that its commander was empowered to carry
on clandestine negotiations with the insurgents." And when the
commissioners finally left, in December, he referred to them as
"ambassadors," although the government had not yet authorized
recognition."
 Clay at the opening of Congress announced his determination
to seek a decision in favor of recognition of the La Plata provinces."
Onis was aroused by this step, and more so by Clay's speech of
March 24, 1818, in which he advocated the sending of an official
minister to Buenos Aires. It will be seen that the prevention of
recognition by the United States was a salient point in Spanish
policy, and that efforts toward this end assumed increasing im-
portance in Onis' maneuvers.
 Troubled, then, by these three developments, as well as by his
 belief that the United States would never accept the proposals he
 was now authorized to make, the Spanish minister went to Wash-
 ington, and arranged an appointment with the new secretary of
 state for December 1.
 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS
 John Quincy Adams began at this time to play a conspicuous part
 in the negotiation of the treaty which he later declared to be his
 greatest diplomatic accomplishment." It is hardly necessary here
 to note the wealth of experience which he brought to the task. In
 addition to his background, his education, his proved abilities, and
 his many years in diplomatic posts, he had an intimate knowledge
 of the territorial and maritime problems of the United States,
 derived from his services at Ghent and as minister to England.
 His interest in the West had been shown at the time of the Louisi-
 ana Purchase, when, as Senator, he had favored the acquisition,
 though he sought a Constitutional amendment to make it legal."