Answer:
He built up the U.S. Navy and defended American merchant ships.
Step-by-step explanation:
When John Adams was President:
He sent delegates to France to prevent war
The French agents asked for bribes to deal with the French foreign minister
The U.S. refused to pay the bribes and as a result there was a naval conflict between the U.S. and France and Adams used this as an excuse to build up the U.S. Navy.
In conclusion, the bribery letters allowed Adams to build the military.