Directory

The French Directory of five members was established as the Executive Government of France in 1795, and was suppre ed by Bonaparte in 1799 (November 9). It came into collision with the government of the United States because of the action of France in seizing American provision-ships and permitting illegal captures of American ve els by her privateers. Our government recalling Monroe in 1796, the Directory refused to recognize his succe or, C. C. Pinckney, and complained of the failure of the United States to stand by the treaty of alliance of 1778. New envoys were sent out by President Adams,— Pinckney, Marshall and Gerry,—but were dismi ed without satisfaction, after attempts made to bribe the U. S. Government (see X. Y. Z. Mi ion). A virtual state of war ensued (1798), but in 1799 Adams, on a more favorable turn of affairs, sent a new emba y, Murray, Ells worth and Davie. When they arrived Bonaparte had already overthrown the Directory. With his government the treaty of Morfontaine (September 30, 1800) was concluded.