Philosophical Society-Charge of Judge Iredell at United States Court at Richmond-

Grand Jury present Letters of Members of Congress-Jefferson's deep Feeling on the

Subject-His Home Life during the Summer of 1797,

CHAPTER VIII.

1797-1798.

332

we

Congress meet-Strength of Parties-Lull in Affairs-Adams's amusing Commentary on

his Inaugural Speech-First Dispatches from France-President rampant-Fast-day-

Congress on Fire-Spriggs's Resolutions-Two Letters from Jefferson to Eppes-The

XYZ Dispatches-The Result of our Extraordinary Embassy to France-Popular

Excitement-Republicans suddenly reduced to a feeble Minority-War Measures

rapidly pass Congress-Character of Gallatin, the Republican Leader of the House-

Addresses and Answers-Jefferson against War, but declares if it takes place,

must defend ourselves"-Hamilton complains of Unfortunateness of English Depra-

dations at such a time-He urges on War Measures against France-Proposes a

Political Tour to Washington under "pretence of Health"-Marshall's Return from

France-President's Message-War Spirit bursts out anew-Legislation against

"Interior Foes"-Time for Naturalization extended-The first Alien Law-Army

raised-French Treaties annulled-Other War Measures-Second Alien Law-The

Sedition Law-Lloyd's Bill-Hamilton's Views on these Bills-The Black Cockade-

Who were the Foreigners against whom the Alien Laws were directed?-The number

of French, English and Irish Alien Residents-The Circumstances which drove the

latter to our Country-Attempt of the American Minister in England to prevent their

Emigration-Society of "United Irishmen" in Philadelphia-Rights of Naturalized

Citizens and Alien Residents-Political and Moral Character of the Irish Refugees-Mr.

Jefferson's Letters to his Daughters-His Domestic Affairs, etc.-His Anticipation of an

Attempt against him personally-His imputed Connection with Logan's Mission the

pretext-His Letter to Archibald Hamilton Rowan-Invites him to Virginia, and

promises him Protection against the Alien Laws-President Adams's Inconsistent

Course in regard to those Laws-Doubts their Constitutionality, yet authorizes their

enforcement-Pickering looking up Subjects-The Number of dangerous French and

Irish Aliens discovered-The Sedition Law more effective-Lyon, a Member of Con-

gress, fined and imprisoned-Petitioners for his Release found Guilty of Sedition,

fined and imprisoned-Holt, Publisher of New London Bee, Thomas Cooper, and

James T. Callendar, fined and imprisoned-Baldwin fined for "wishing"-Judge

Peck arrested-Number of the Victims-The Aim of the Law as disclosed by the

Decisions under it-The President appoints Officers of the New Army-Intrigue of

Cabinet to place Hamilton over Knox and Pinckney-Pickering reveals one of the

President's proposed Nominations to secure its Rejection-Turpitude of the Transac-

tion-Proceedings of French Government after sending away Marshall and Pinckney-

Talleyrand's Pacific Overtures-As he advances Gerry recedes-Their Correspondence-

Gerry's Departure-Directory pass Decrees more favorable to the United States-

Logan's Reception-Assurances sent to Mr. Adams by him-Lafayette's Assurances of

Pacific Intentions of France-American Consuls and Private Residents in France send

home similar Assurances-Talleyrand communicates such Assurances to American

Minister at the Hague,

378

Impolicy of the French Measures-Views of the American Parties-The President

receives the French Overtures to Pacification-His Opinions of them-Questions to his

Cabinet Their Action thereon-The President's Conviction that France did not

meditate War-Hamilton apprised of all the Facts-He urges on War Preparations

however-Why this Change in his Views since 1797?-Don Francisco de Miranda-

His Proposals to England and the United States to revolutionize Mexico and South

America-British Cabinet accede to his Plans-Hamilton consulted through King-

Miranda's Letter to Hamilton of April 6th, 1798-Hamilton engages in the Scheme,

and asks the Command of the Land Forces-His Letters to King and Miranda-He

engaged in this before hearing Result of the new French Mission he had urged-He

knew the Miranda Scheme involved a War with France-British Cabinet accede to

Hamilton's Proposals-King's Letters to Pickering-The British part of the Expedition

ready-Miranda's Letter to the President-Offensive War against France meditated--

Necessary as an Excuse to attack Spain-Views of the Republicans in the Summer of

1798-Their Apprehensions in regard to the Army-Their Suspicions of Hamilton--Jef-

ferson to Taylor, of Caroline, on dissolving the Union-His Letter to Mason-The Nicho-

lases at Monticello-The Kentucky Resolutions as drafted by Jefferson-Mr. Madison's

View of their Import-Modified, and passed by Kentucky Legislature-Reasons for

supposing Jefferson assented to or made the Modifications-Letter to Taylor, of

Caroline-Passage of the Virginia Resolutions-Third Session of Fifth Congress-The

President's Speech-An Error of Jefferson-The Senate "hint Logan" to Mr. Adams-

His unfortunate Reply-Hamilton's Programme for Congress-It contemplated a sub-

version of the existing Government-Hamilton hints the Miranda Scheme to his Instru-

ments in Congress-Proposes Preparations to carry out that Scheme--Letters to Gunn

and Otis on the Subject-Origin of the "Logan Law"-Harper's Misstatements and

Logan's Corrections-Passage and Character of this Law-Jefferson to Gerry-Objects

of the Letter-Jefferson to Pendleton-Pendleton's Patriarchal Address-The Union

of the Patriotic Extremes of the Revolution-What it proved and what it foreshadowed

-Great War Preparations in Congress-Debts to be incurred in proportion-Jefferson

urges the Republicans to avoid every Act and Threat against the Peace of the Union-

Bills to continue Non-Intercourse with France, and to augment the Navy, passed-Jef-

ferson raises Money to print Political Documents-Letters to Monroe and Stewart-

Capture of the Retaliation-British impress Seamen from the United States Sloop of

War Baltimore-Jefferson complains of the President's withholding the French Over-

tares-President nominates Murray Minister Plenipotentiary to France-The Federal

leaders "Gravelled "-Sedgwick and Pickering to Hamilton on the Subject-Senate

drive President to substitute a Commission-Ellsworth, Henry and Murray nominated

and approved-Jefferson to Kosciusko-To Madison-A scandalous Scene in the House

of Representatives-Means sought to be employed by the Federal and Republican

Chiefs to prepare for the decisive Contest-Jefferson's Letters to his Daughters, . 423

CHAPTER X.

1799-1800.

The President's Inconsistency in respect to France-His Embarrassments-His misjudged

Course towards General Washington-He casts away Washington's Aid-Washington's

Letter and his Reply-Virginia Elections-Washington takes part-Urges Patrick Henry

to be a Candidate-He consents-The Sequel-Henry's Death-His Character and

Fame-Result of the Elections-Cabinet settle Heads of Instructions for our French

Envoys-The President returns to Quincy-Directs Preparation of the French Instruc-

tions-Delayed six months-Frivolous Excuses of the Cabinet-Talleyrand's Sarcasm-

Instructions prepared, and Cabinet then propose to suspend the Mission-The Presi-

dent repairs to the Seat of Government-Finds a Convocation of Hamiltonians-His

Struggle with his Cabinet-Hamilton's last Card-The Envoys dispatched-Complaints

of the Cabinet-Grounds of the Objections of the Hamiltonians-The President's

occasional Struggles in his Duress-Touches of the "Dwarf"-Pickering scents

Sedition in Cock's Feathers-Urges President to banish Priestley-Mr. Adams vacil

lating His miserable Excuse to save Priestley-Insurrection in Pennsylvania--State

Prisoners-Convictions for Treason-President pardons contrary to Advice of his

whole Cabinet-Enormities charged on the Troops-Editors whipped-Pennsylvania

State Elections-The Candidates and the Result-Jefferson's Letters to Mrs. Eppes-

His Domestic Affairs in Summer of 1799-Political Letters-Virginia and Kentucky

Resolutions of 1799-Congress meet-President's Third Annual Speech-Wolcott

describes to Ames the Situation of Parties in Congress-His "Engine of Government"

-Ames's Reply and his "Engine of Government"-Wolcott in Private Correspondence

with Mr. Pitt-Hamilton to Washington and to King-Spirit and Designs of the Fede-

ralists at this Period-Hamiltonians preparing to bring forward Washington for the

Presidency-His Death-Public Demonstrations thereon-Demonstrations in France

and England-Cabot's Hint to Ames to weave Politics into Eulogy of Washington-

That Hint generally followed up-His Views and Principles were unlike those of

Ames-His Principles and Designs equally at variance with Hamilton's-His Party

Connection incidental-He was systematically deceived-A fresh and striking Instance

of this-He belonged to no Party-His Fame is National-Jefferson's Political Corres-

pondence during the Session-Letters to Priestley-"Our Bonaparte "-Congress Pro-

ceedings sketched to Madison-Party Arithmetic-Political Letters-The Election Law

in Congress-The state of things in Pennsylvania it was intended for-John Randolph

denounces "Ragamuffins" and "Mercenaries"-Jostled in the Theatre-His Communi-

cation to the President-Action in the House-Bills passed-The Robbins affair-

"Truxton's Aggression "-"Overhauling Editor of Aurora"-Macon's Resolution to

Repeal the Law in regard to Seditious Libels-His Reliance on Federal Pledges-The

Pledges kept to the Letter but broken to the Spirit-The Presidential Caucuses-

Adjournment Jefferson's Letters to his Daughters-Character of the late Session-

Hamilton's Quietness-His Plans and his Despondency-Reasons of that Despon-

dency,

483

CHAPTER XI.

1800-1801.

Removal of Seat of Government to Washington-Wolcott's, Morris's and Mrs. Adams's

Descriptions of the New Capital-Presidential Canvass in 1800-Hamilton's Plan to

defeat Mr. Adams-Result of New York Election-Adams removes McHenry and

Pickering-Wolcott's Retention, and the Vacancies filled-Effect of the Change-The

Legislative Election in New York decides the choice of Electors in that State-Hamilton

solicits Governor Jay to practically set aside that Decision-Jay's marked Condemna-

tion of the Proposal-That Proposal a part of a larger Scheme to prevent a fair

Election-Some of Hamilton's Assertions to Jay considered-The adoption of his Plans

would have led to Civil War-Did he contemplate that Result?-His Tour through New

England-Calls on Wolcott for Materials for a Secret Attack on the President-Wolcott

promises his Aid-The ex-Secretaries join in this-Other Confederates-Posture of

these men as described by themselves-Hamilton's Attack printed for private circula-

tion-Obtained by Burr and published-Some of Hamilton's remarkable Statements

in it examined-The Effect of the Paper-Comments of Carroll and Cabot-Comments

of Republican Press-Hamilton meditates a Reply-Wisely desists-Jefferson in the

Summer of 1800-His Journeyings-Family Census-Farm Matters-Election Expenses

-His Correspondence-Attack on him by New England and New York Clergy-Rev.

Dr. John M. Mason's Pamphlet-Causes to which Jefferson imputed these Attacks-

Result of Legislative Election in Pennsylvania-Result in Maryland-Second Session of

Sixth Congress-President's Speech-Wolcott's Retirement-Jefferson to R. R. Living-

ston and to Burr-How far Burr contributed to the Republican Success in New York-

Burr suspected of Intriguing in New York for the Presidency-Accused of it on strong

Evidence in New Jersey-His Instruments approach a Member of Congress-Jeffer

son to Political and Scientific Correspondents-House of Representatives agree on

Rules of Election-The Electoral Votes counted in the Senate-M. L. Davis's Fabrica-

tions concerning the Georgia Returns-The Result a Tie between Jefferson and Burr-

The prior Arrangements of the Federalists for such a Contingency-Hamilton to Bay-

ard and Wolcott Proposes to start Burr "for the Plate," but objects to the Federal-

ists supporting him-Pronounces him the Catiline of America, etc.-Further Corres-

pondence on this Subject-Positions of Cabot, Otis and Sedgwick-Morris's important

Disclosures-Marshall's and Bayard's Positions-Sedgwick changes Ground-Hamil-

ton's final Appeal-Adams to Gerry-The Opinions of Jefferson disclosed by preceding

Correspondence-Hamilton's unfortunate Position to produce any Effect-Federal

Caucus decide to support Burr-The Conduct of the Party considered-Jefferson to his

Daughter-Incidents of House of Representatives meeting to Ballot for President-

Result of the Ballot-Political Complexion of the Vote-The continued Ballotings-

Randolph's and Dana's Bulletins-Jefferson to Dr. Barton, Monroe, Mrs. Eppes, etc.-

Entries in the Ana-The Struggle terminated-Jefferson's Obligations to Federalists

considered-The entire Advantage of the Republicans if Force was resorted to-The

Arbitration of Arms expected by both parties in case of Usurpation or Anarchy-

Burr's reprehensible Conduct during the Struggle in the House-His probable resort

to all safe Means to procure an Election,
541

CHAPTER XII.

1801.

Inside View of Federal Camp during closing Election Scenes-Bayard to Hamilton-

Proof that the Federalists contemplated desperate Measures-Jefferson's Statements in

Ana in regard to Bayard-Clayton's Interrogatories to Smith and Livingston in the

Senate on the Subject-Their Replies and Remarks of Hayne and others-The fair Con-

clusion derivable from the Facts-Burr's Libel Suit against Cheetham-Bayard's

Affidavit-The Wager Suit between Gillespie and Smith-Bayard's and Smith's Affi-

davits-Burr's Agency in obtaining these while visiting and holding out Menaces to Jef-

ferson-He attempts surreptitiously to alter Smith's Affidavit-Jefferson's Comments

on Bayard's Affidavit in Ana-General Smith's Letter explanatory of his Affidavit-Its

valuable Explanations in other particulars-Later Disquisitions and Madison's Reply-

The real Attitude of Jefferson and his Opponents towards each other at the close of the

Election in 1801-Bayard's later Letters and Speeches illustrative of this-Closing Acts

of Adams's Administration-French Treaty ratified with an Exception-The Judiciary

Bill-Wolcott appointed one of the Judges-His and the President's Correspondence-

Wolcott's Conduct characterized-Marshall's anomalous Official Position-Expiration

of Sedition Law-Its Decease contemporaneous with that of the National Federal

Party-How the News of Jefferson's Election was publicly Received-His Feelings

towards the Body of the Federalists-His Farewell to the Senate and its answering

Address-His Reputation as a Presiding Officer-Inaugural Ceremonies-His Inaugural

Address Its Character as a Literary and Political Production-President's Letter to

John Dickinson-Explanatory Letter to Governor Monroe-The Cabinet Appointments

-Mr. Madison-Sketch of Colonel Dearborn-Sketch of Mr. Lincoln-Character of

Gallatin Samuel and Robert Smith-Mr. Granger-Dawson dispatched to France

with Treaty-President's Letter to Thomas Paine-Permits him to Return to United

States in a Public Vessel-Comments of the Federal Press and Clergy thereon--Justice

of their Strictures considered-Paine's Visit to Monticello-Jefferson to Priestley-His

Letter to Robinson-He was not understood in New England, and did not understand

the New England Character-Least of all did he understand its Clergy-Character of

the Virginia Clergy-Different Circumstances of New England Clergy-Religious

Character of New England Emigrations-The Religious Principle paramount in the

Social Organization-The Government essentially Hierocratic-The Clergy extended

their Supervision to all Moral Subjects-The System towards the close of the Eighteenth

Century-Character of the Clergy at that period-Sources of their Hostility to Jeffer-

son-The Mistake of both sides,

606

CHAPTER XIII.

1801-1802.

Changes called for in the Scale of our Narrative-The first important Question to be

determined by the Administration-Appointments and Removals-Jefferson to Dr. Rush

on the Subject-His Moderation not relished by all of his own Party-His Policy con-

sidered-Its Success-Federal Murmurs-The Removal of Goodrich-Memorial of New

Haven Merchants thereon and President's Reply-Spirit of Connecticut Federalism

exemplified-Correspondence between General Knox and the President-President

lays down a Rule in regard to appointing his Relatives to Office-His Letter to Samuel

Adams-To Gerry-He visits Home-Domestic affairs-Letters to Mrs. Eppes-He

returns to Washington-Commodore Dale sent with a Fleet to the Mediterranean-

Insults of the Barbary Powers-President's Letter to Foreign-born Citizens-Forms

and Maxims of Administration established-Anecdote of Abolition of Levees-Letters to

Mrs. Eppes-President passes the Unhealthy Season at home-His inofficial Letter to

Livingston on the Subjects of his Mission-Letter to Short on the Impropriety of long

Diplomatic Tenures-Rules of Official Intercourse between President and Cabinet

established-Letter to Monroe in respect to colonizing Insurgent Blacks of Virginia-

Letters to Mrs. Eppes-Result of State Elections of 1801-Meeting of Congress-Dis-

tinguished Members-Organization-President discontinues Executive Speeches-The

Days of State Ceremonials passed-President's first Annual Message-Its Mode of

making Recommendations to Congress-Its Contents attacked by the Federalists-The

published Strictures of Hamilton-His Positions and Manner of treating the President-

His Eulogium on the Constitution which he accuses Jefferson of attacking-His private

Denunciation of the Constitution within two months of same date-First Struggle of

Parties in Congress on admitting Reporters-Breckenridge moves the Repeal of

Judiciary Act of preceding Session-The Constitutional Power to repeal-President's

Attitude on the Question-Opposition of the Federalists-Passage of the Bill-A second

Judiciary Bill-The Census, and the Apportionment Bill-Military Peace Establishment

-Diminution of Civil Officers and Reduction of Salaries-Internal Taxes abolished-

The Naturalization Laws restored to their former Footing-Redemption of the Public

Debt-Law to regulate Indian Trade and Intercourse-The general Change in the

Spirit of the Government-The Nolo Episcopari of the President carried out-Ran-

dolph's Tribute on this subject-Sightless Cyclops in the ascendant, and Wise Ulysses

grumbling among elderly Ladies and writing History,
653