Jefferson declared the neutrality of the United States in the war between Great Britain and France, but British naval commanders continued to seize ships, ships, American cargoes and sailors. Jefferson issued a proclamation ordering the British warships to leave the territorial waters of the United States, but the British reacted by taking even more sailors. The British fired on an American ship that did not want to submit. The population asked for a declaration of war but Jefferson maintained his diplomacy and responded with an embargo.