In 1798, During the Quasi-War with France during two years into Adams' term, Adams appointed Washington to again head the army. The position was largely ceremonial, created in response to fears over a French invasion of the US (which turned out to have been overblown). Washington delegated most of the work to Hamilton, who was appointed as his second in command. This was Washington's last involvement in public life as he died in 1799 (still officially in command of the army).