John Adams' Administration By ProJefferson1 Period: Mar 4, 1797 to Mar 3, 1801 John Adams' Administration May 19, 1797 John Adams appoints Charles C. Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry and John Marshall to negotiate with France (XYZ Affair) Jan 8, 1798 Passage of 11th Amendment Jun 18, 1798 First of the Alien & Sedition Acts passed. Jul 7, 1798 Adams appoints Washington as Commander in Chief of the army. Apr 4, 1800 Adams signs Federal Bankruptcy Act, protecting merchants/traders from debtors. Jun 1, 1800 Adams moves to the newly built capital (Executive Mansion). Nov 11, 1800 Adams loses during reelection.