Sketches of the life, writings, and opinions of Thomas Jefferson. With selections of the most valuable portions of his voluminous and unrivaled private correspondence

Front matter

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1^

I.IFE,

Preface

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The iiiaterials for this volume are principally derived from the posthumous works of Mr. Jefferson himself, lately published by his grandson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph. These vv^orks were received with extraordinary approbation by one great portion of the iiublic, as was the case, indeed, with every thing that ever came from that remarkable man ; and by another considerable portion, M'ith a corresponding degree of dissatisfaction, always to be expected from the well known opinions of the Author on certain fundamental points of principle, and the strongly marked division of public sentiment on those points.

These works extend through four large octavo volumes, of about 500 pages each ; nearly the whole of which is occupied with the Correspondence of the Author, public and private. In the first volume is an auto-memoir of about ninety pages, exhibiting a brief outhne of the first forty-seven years only of the Author's life, and terminating, unfortunately, at the precise epoch when his history began to assume the highest importance. It appears in the rough form of ' memoranda and recollections of dates and facts,' taken simply as lie states, 'for his own more ready reference, and for the information of his family.' Besides containing many interesting notices of his personal and family history, the Memoir is enriched by many important particulars relating to the origin and early stages of the Revolution, and the establishment of the Republic ; by the Debates in Congress on the great question of Independence, with the historical circumstances attending the preparation and adoption oi that memorable instrument ; "and by a narrative, interspersed with sage political reflections, of the causes and early course of ile FreiicJi Revolution, as exhibited to the observation of the Author, during" his diplomatic residence at Paris. This portion of the wort derives ])eculiar value from the circumstance of its containing theVirstdis-. closure to the world, in an authentic form, of the Debates on the memorable occasion of Independence, and from the probablity, or rather certainty, that a like knowledge of them is not to be expected from any other source. Appended to the Memoir, or withh the body of it. are a variety of ancient productions of Mr. Jeffeison. which will be new to most readers. Among them are, a pij.per drawn up in 1774, as instructions to the Delegates in Congress mm Virginia, being the first formal enunciation of the political doctriVs

» PREFACE.

of the Revolution — A Penal Code, being part of a Revised Code of Laws executed by himself and others, in 1776, with reference to the humane principles of a Republican form of government — An historical account of the overthrow of the Church establishment in Virginia, always considered by the Author as one of his best efforts in the cause of Liberty — And an elaborate paper, drafted in 1 784, on the establishment of a uniform system of Coinage and Currency, which laid the foundation of the present system in the United States. At the end of the fourth Volume are about eighty pages of what are quaintly denominated Anas ; being Notes of Conversations held with President Washington, Mr. Adams, General Hamilton, and others, while he was Secretary of State, or Vice President ; and Memoranda of Cabinet Councils, committed to paper on the spot, and filed : the whole "combining to show the views and tendencies of parties, from the year 1790 to 1800, and preserved for the purpose of furnishing " their testimony against the only history of that period which pretends to have been compiled from authentic and unpubhshed documents."

The remainder of the four volumes consists entirely of tiie (.'orrespondence of the Author, chiefly private and coafidential, from the year 1775 to his death. During the greater portion of his life, Mr. Jeuerson wrote with a polygraph or copying press, which enabled him to preserve with ease a regular file of his letters from year to year. These letters are addressed to a great variety of individuals in this, and in foreign countries. They comprise an immense range of information, and in many instances, regular Essays on subjects of History, Politics, Science, Morals, and Religion.

Taken all in all, this posthumous work is the richest auto-biographical deposite, and one of the most important publications ever presented to the world. Viewed in the light of Political History, Philosophy and Literature, it abounds with relations of momentous import, with reflections of consunmiate wisdom and profound observation, conveyed in a style of unrivalled felicity and pov/er : and it supplies the record of many important transactions connected witli our government, of which no authentic memorials had been preserved. But it is in the light of a private revelation, pushing its fearless disclosures into the inmost recesses of the mind and character of theman, that its most distinguishing excellence consists. We have hee the ungarbled contents of the Cabinet of the Author, graduaiy accumulating through an era among the most momentous in the amals of the world, and of which himself was a principal actor, hcessantly placed in the most trying situations which it affordet'. This vast collection of letters, compiled from the unrevised maniscripts of the Writer, thrown ofl'" on the spur of the occasion. in tie freedom of unrestrained confidence, and spreading over a peri«d of fift}'^ years, have opened the folding-doors to tiie cliaracter of Hr. Jefferson, and introduced us into the sanctuary of his most secret meditations. They derive essential importance from the fact

PREFACE. \i

tiuii at the time they were written, the Author had no conception of their ever being made pubUc. On this point we have the authority of tlie Editor, who states in his Preface, that " the historical parts of the Letters, and the entire publication, have the rare value of coming from one of the chief actors himself, and of being written not for the public eye, but in the freedom and confidence of private friendship.'"'

It would undoubtedly be a hnppy circumstance for this country, and for the mass of mankind, besides serving, if possible, to enhance the reputation of the revered Author, if these works could obtain a circulation which should place them in the hands of every individual ; for if any thing could give stability to those principles; which form alike the basis of his renown, and the elements of the splendid structure of free government which he was chiefly instrumental in establishing, it would be such an extensive dissemination of his Writings. Unfortunately, however, the form in which they have appeared, is not the most advantageous to the accomplishment of this desirable purpose. The publication is too voluminous, and consequently too expensive, to admit of a general introduction among all classes ; nor is the mode of arrangement the best adapted 10 its reception into ordinary use as a work of reference.

These considerations have suggested the plan of the present undertaking, which aspires to no liiglier claims than that of an analytic, and, it is hoped, a well assorted generalization of the original publication. It has been the leading object of the compilation, to condense the most valuable substance of the four, within the compass of one volume, and to supply what are presumed to be essentiid wants of the former, by interweaving a connected narrative of ;.he Author's Life, by systematizing the contents as much as possii>le, and furnishing the whole with a definite and copious Index. All the great political papers of Mr. Jetierson, contained in the original works, have been copied into this, or their substance faithfully stated ; and many others, not therein contained, have been procured from other sources, and likewise introduced. Among the latter, are the Answer of Congress to the 'Conciliatory Pioposition' of Lord North ; the celebrated bill for the establishment of Religious Freedom ; and the first Inaugural Address of the Author, on his elevation to the Presidency — inserted at length ; an analysis of his Reports, while Secretary of State, on Coins, Weights and Measures, on the Fisheries, and on Commerce and Navigation ; the Preambles to the bills for Abolishing the law of Entails, for the General Diffusion of Knowledge, and other organic acts of the Virginia Legislature, at the establishment of the lepublican form of government ; and extracts of the most interesting portions of his ' Notes on Virginia.'

The Selections from the Pi'ivate Correspondence of Mr. Jefferson, are extensive, and dispersed through the volume, with reference to the topic under consideration, more than to the order of time. Thev

10 PREFACE.

will probably be found the most interesting portions of the volume. In making the quotations from this department, it has been the object to bring the greatest quantity of useful matter within the smallest space. Parts of letters, therefore, are usually introduced, — rarely the whole of any one, — sufficient to give the full sense of the Writer on any required point, and avoiding all extraneous observations. The historical and biographical portions of the work have also been derived, in great part, from this pregnant source. In some cases the very language of the Author has been adopted, without invariably noting it with the usual mark of credit. In all such cases, however, the style or the sentiment will be sufiiciently distinguishable to place it where it belongs. Some parts of the narrative riiay appear overwrought with eulogy, to some minds — not so much because the subject does not deserve it, as because it was inlinitely above the attempt. It is a difficult matter to commemorate the deeds of so distinguished a benefactor of the human race, without yielding in some degree to the influence of a passion which they arc so justly calculated to inspire : and the writer does not scruple to admit, that he has less endeavored to restrain his own grateful feelings. than to infuse the same into the minds of his readers.

The character of Tpioma.s Jefferson should be held up to all succeeding generations of American people, as the model on which they should habitually fix their eyes, and fashion their own characters and principles. His unparalleled achievenaents and sacrifices iov their benefit, with the pre-eminent success, and the blissful close of his life, should be continually spread before them, as incitements to run the same virtuous and glorious career of action. His Writings should enlighten the fireside of every citizen of this Republic, and form the text-book of the American statesman. His pure fame sliould be religiously cherished by his countrymen, as a most pre- (ious inheritance to them, and as meriting from man universally an everlasting remembrance. If the present volume shall have been instrumental in promoting these objects, it will have fulfilled its destiny.

Chapter I

Nativity of Mr. Jefferson. Peculiarity in tiie concealment of iiis birth-day — Curiosity felt to ascertain it— Motives of his conduct in this particular— Keply to the city authorities of Washington— To Levi Lincoln, pp. 17 : 18. Genealogy of Mr. Jefferson - Peculiarity by which it was marked — Prominency of the feature in Thomas. Anecdote related by Mr. Madison. Anliquily of his maternal nedigree. Character of his father — E.xtent of his jiatrimony. His early education — Critical position of his boy-hood — His juvenile mind and habits -^Fondness for the classics — For what qualities distinguished in College — Passion for certain Sciences and Fine \rts, pp. 18:20. Circumstances which decided the particular direction of his life. His character of Dr. Small — Of George VVyihe. Commences the study of Law — E.xlent of his researciies. His fervid desciiption of the speech of Patrick Henry against the Stamp-act — Influence of that scene upon his subsequent career. Mottoes of his Seals, pp. 22 : 27. Enquiry into the relative birth of individual opinions on the question of American Indeoendence — Remark of Mr. Jefferson upon this point. Notice of liis claims to the distinction of giving dircclion and permanency to tlie moral power of the Revolution — His sarcastic compliment to Vlassacliusetts upon this point — The idea pursued in a letter to General Deaiborn. Enters the Practice of the Law — Professional celebrity. Qualifications us an Advocate — As a Popular Orator. Letter to Major John Cartwright of England, disjjlaying l!ie depth and precision of his legal preparation — Interest excited on the publication of this letter — Answer to E. Everett upon the subject, pp. 27 : 33.

CHAPTER n.

Mr. Jefferson comes of age. Elected to the Legislature. His first effort in that body t"or the Emanci|)ation of Slaves — Overwhelminir defeat of the measure — Remarks on the singular merits of the proposition. Extract from his Notes on Virginia, on Slaver^'. Progress of the Revolution. System of Non-intercourse adopted by the Colonies — Agency of Mr. Jefferson in bringing Virginia into the meayure — Its utility as an engine of coercion. R,etaliatory resolutions of the British Parliament. Counter resolutions brought forward by Mr. Jefferson. Germ of the American Union. Sudden dissolution of the Legislature. Jefferson and others rally a private meeting of the members at the Raleigh tavern — Its spirited doings. Influence of the revolutionary proceedings in Virginia, pp. 34: 40. Apathy of the Colonists — How viewed by Mr. Jefferson — He devises measures for arousing them to a sense of their situation. Meeting of the bolder spirits, to set the machinery in motion — Influence of this conclave upon the course of the Revolution. Committees of Correspondence established — Agency of this measure in begetting a General Congress — Strong present! • ment Df Mr. Jefferson of the result of their deliberations. Interesting debut of Mr. Carr in the Legislature — Mr. Jefferson's character of him. Legislature again dissolved, pp. 41 : 45. Parallel Committees of Correspondence appointed by the other Colonies — Moral agency of this institution in the Pievolution. News of the Boston Port Bill. Popular effervescence. Measures set in motion by Mr. Jefferson. Holds another council with his former confederates, Appointment of a general Fast in Virginia — .Mr. Jefferson's account of his draft of the proclamation — Effect of this measure throughout the Colonies. Legislature again dissolved. Spirited Association entered into by the members. Recommendation of a General Congress, pp. 46 : 53.

CHAPTER HI.

The other Colonies unite in the measure of a General Congress. First democratic Convention in Virginia. Mr. Jefferson elected a member. Instructions proposed by him for the <.;ongressional Delegates — Published by the Convention under the title of ' Summary View of the Rights of British America' — Effect of this work in England — Re published by the Whigs in Parliament— Bill of Attainder commenced against the author— Political doctrmes of this v/ork form the text of the Revolution ; inserted at length remarks on the Political merits of the work. The Convention virtually assumes the government of the colony.

pp. 54:72. Second Virginia Convention. Mr. Jefferson loses all iiopo of a icconciliation with the mother country. Inequality of sentiment in the Convention. Grounds taken by Mr. Jetf;rson. Rosoluiwn for puttin><- the Colony into a state of warlike defcnce--Its effect upon the older members —Reasons of their backwardness as stated by vir. Jeffjrson— Violent debates ensue —Conduct of the opposition on its passa'je. Mr. Jefferson elected a Delegate to Congress, He deterinmes on tiie pamful necessity of deciding the contest by the sword, pp. 72 : 78. Letter of Mr. J. to Dr. Small, in England. The regal Legislature of Virginia meets. Conciliatory Proposition of Lord North laid before them— Mr. Jefferson designated to prepare the answer-- Opposition lo his diaught--- Character of the document. Flight of the royal Governor. Effect of the proceedings in Virginia upon the general cause. Fall of the monarchical power in that province. Extract from VVilkes' speech in the British Parliament, pp. 78 : 84-

CHAPTER IV.

Mr. Jefferson takes his seat in the Continental Coiigres.«;— His emotions--- Curiostiy of members on his appearance. Political influence of the decisions of that body. Mr. Jcffetson appointed on the committee to prepare a Declaration of the Causes of taking up arms -Character of the document. Curious reminiscence related by Mr. Jefferson. Disparity of sentiment in Cunoress. Opinions of Mr. Jefferson. Extract from the VVar vlanifeslo, pp. 84:iiP,. Mr. Jefferson desio-nated to prepare an answer of Congress to Ijord North's Conciliatory Proposition---Tlie document. His letters to a gentleman in England. Re-elected to Cono-iess. His agency in the princi|)al movements in Virginia while in Concrress. His draught of a Preamble, Declaration of Rights, and Constitution for that State. Reasons why they were not adopted entire. His opinion on the Constitution as adopted, and on popular government in general, at this epoch, pp. 89 : 100. Virgmia instructs her Delegates in Congre.'ss to declare Independence- -Causes of the rapid proclivity of the public mind to the same sentiment. Preparatory steps of Congress lor declaring Independence. Mr. Jefferson appointed to prepare an animaled Address. Introductory motion of Independence — Poweiful resistance to the measure — Heads of debate on the motion. Committee appointed to prepare a Declaration of Independence — Mr. Jefferson designated lo make the draught— His report, pp. 100: 107. Debates renewed on the preliminary motion. Vehement opposition to the Declaration--- Parts striken out. The original instrument, with the alterations. Reception of the Declaration by the people— Its immediate -aXiA ulterior influences in the world— Review of its merits. E.vtracts from Ib.e writings of Mr. Jefferson. Comparative merits of the leaders of the physical and the moral power of the Revolution. Remarks on the attempt to detract from the merits of the Declaration-— Letter of the Author to Mr. Madison, pp. 107 : 128. Mr. Jefferson re-elected to Congress— -Reasons for declining-- Retirement. Appointed Commissioner lo France-- Letter to Congress declining. Extract from his private memoranda, pp. 128: 132.

CHAPTER V.

Mr. Jefferson resumes his Seat in the Virginia Legislature— -Commences the work of repuhlicanizing the government. His bill for establishing a Judiciary System— For abolishino- the Law of Enta'ls. Aristocratic peculiarities in the social state of Virginia— Contrary bi-asg«s of Mr. Jefferson. His eulogium upon agriculturalists. View of his objects m repealing the law of Entails. Opposition of the landed aristocracy. Preamble to the act, pp. 133: 137. His attack upon the hierarchy. History of the Church establishment in Virginia. Resistance of the privileged order. Final success of his efforts — Glories of this achievement. He introduces a bill for abolishing the Slave trade — For establishing a new Seat of government, pp. 138 : 144. He introduces a resolution for Revising the Legal Code of Virginia— Appointed, with others, to execute the work. Project for a Dictator — P^esistance of Mr. Jefferson— His powerful development of this atrocious measure, pp. 145 : 148. Meeting of the Revisers of the Laws- Plan of the work--Differcnce of opinion— Distribution of the labor— -General propositions of Mr. Jeffurson— Opinion of Mr. Pendleton. Letter of Mr. J. to Dr. Franklin. Passage of his bill for abolishing the Slave trallick--Historical comparison of this achievement with that of the European nations — Merit of priority-"Order in which the example of Virginia was followed by the other

States. Committee of Re visors complete their task — General rule observed by Mr. Jefferson in relation to style, pp. 148 : 155.

CHAPTER VI.

Revisors report to the Legislature — Opinion of Mr. Madison on the Revised Code— -Principal innovations by Mr. .T.— llis bill for abrnirating the right of Primogeniiare— -Opposition of the aristocracy. His bill for establishing the doctrine of E-/Cnatriation. Extract from Gjrardin's History. Mr. Jefferson's bill for the cstabhsjimont of Religious Freedom -Men :.s of the peiTormance- — Inserted at length-— Powerful influence of tliis act. Extracts from iiis Correspondence, pp. 155 : 162. His bill for the Em;uicipatio • of Slaves-- Effect of its rejection upon him— Extracts from his writmgs. His Criminal Code— -Extent of its innovations on the prevailing system— Rejected by the Legislature— Amendments proposed by him— Passed— -Preamble to the act. His Bill for the General Diffusion of iCnowle-Jge— Outlines of the proposed system-- Fate of the Bill in the Lcg-islature. Extract from Notes on Virginia. Pieamble to tl'.e Education Bill— -Value set by the author upon his system. Extract from his Correspondence. Remarks on the general merits of the Revised Code. His character of George Mason— of James .Madison— of Edmund Pendleton, pp. 162: 17o. Removal of Burgoyne's troops to Charlottesville---Huicane attentions of Mr. Jefferson— -The Governor and Council meditate their reiiioval from the State-— ■ Remonstrance of Mr. Jefferson-— Gratitude of the soldiers for his generous interposition---His answers to some of the officers, pp. 178 : 18b.

CHAPTER VIT.

Mr. Jefferson elected Governor--- Vlagnanimity towards his competitor. He institutes retaliatory measures on Briiisli prisoners — Remonstrance of the British General---His reply— -Approbation of his conduct b)^ the Commander in Chief. Specimen of his early State-papers. Effect of his polit / upon tiie enemy --His appea,! to American captives, suffering under the first c:rocts of his policy. His measures for extending tiie western establishments of Vi ginia---Success. Virginia cedes her unappropriated territory to the U. States— Effect of this measure, pp. 185 : 19&. Re-elected Governor. Distressing situaliiii of V rginia. Extraordinary pov/ers conferred on the Gover.ior. Invasion of the Stale under Gen. Leslie. Measures of defence. Honoraljle conduct of the enemy. Invasion under Arnold. Capture of the Metiopolis. Intrepidity of tin- Governor — Attempt to seize Arnold. Deplorable pituation of Virginia. Bril:3h re inforrement under Philips. Exposure of the Governor. Invasion of Virginia by Cornwallis. Governor's appeal to the Commander in chief for aid. Mr. Jefferson deehnes a re-election. Closing events of liis administration. Attempted impeachment of his character. Approbatory resolution of iho Legislature. Tarlton's attack on Monticello. Stf-y of Carter's Mountain. Narrow escape of Mr. Jefferson. His description of Co nwallis's invasion, pp. 196:208. Writes his Notes on Virginia. Outlines and general incnts of the work.— His" comparison of American genius with that of Europe — Remarks on ihe Constitution of Virginia — on Slavery — on Free Inquiry in matters of religion. Ajipointed a Commissioner to negotiate peace — Reasons for drclining. His pursuits in retirement. Description of him by a traveller. Again afipointed Commissioner — Acceptance — Reasons for not joining in the act of pacification, pp. 209 :223.

CHAPTER VIII.

Re-elected to Congress — Remarks on liis re-appearance. Washington's resignation of the command of the army — Description of tlie ceremony. Appointed chairman of tlie committee on the ratification of tiie treaty of Peace — Debates. Contentious character of Congress described by him — Reconciling measure, pp. 224: 229. Appointed to draught a system of Uniform Currency for the United States, and establish a Money Unit — Difference of views between him and the Financier— -Adoption of liis plan — Its merits. Magnitude of his Congressional duties. Appointed chairman of a committee to revise tht treasury Department, and report — of Finance, and report — lo draught a Plan of Government tot the Western Territories, and report. On a committee of retrench- ^<=^t — of locating and disposing tiie Western lands. Measur(;s taken by Congress loi investing the General Govcrnrntui ^yith exclusive power to regulate

Commerce— Report of the committee, pp. 229 : 232. He submits a proposition for appointing a ' Committee of the States,' to serve during the recesses of Congress — Subsequent failure of the sclieitie; humorous anecdote of Doctor Franklin. General Wasiiington consults him on the Cincinnati institution — Its origin — His opinions — Advice to Washington, who takes nieasuies to abolish the order. Appointed Minister Plenipotentiary, with Franklin and Adams, for negotiating treaties of commerce. To whom treaties were to be proposed, pp. 23;^: 239.

CHAPTER IX.

Accepts the appointment of Minister to flurope — Sails— Arrival in France, Curiosity excited in the Diplomatic corps at Paris, by the instructions given to our negotiators. Autliorship of these instructions- -His letter on the subject. Mr. Adams joins his colleagues at Paris. General form of treaty. Result of the conference with tlio French Minister. Final result of their propositions to the several Powers of Europe Dignified conduct of the American negotiators, pp. 240: 243. Appointed Resident Mir.ister at the Court of Vers.iilles — Reception at that court. Visit to London — Reception at the Court of St. James. General view of his official duties at Pans. His tribute to La Fayette, and tlie Count do Vergennes. His project to engage the principal European Powers in a perpetual alliance with the U. States against the Piratical States--Letter to Mr. Adams — His proposals-— Their receijtion, and failure, pp. 243:250. His measures for securing tlie foreign credit of the United States---Visit to Holland. E.xtracts, giving his op'nions on the state of society, <S:c. in Europe. Insurrections in America-- How viewed by him. Extracts from his letters to America. Movements in the U. S. for forming a Constitution— Agency of Mr. Jefferson. The National Convention meets — Diversity of opinion. His v ews consulted- Advice to the members— -Result of their labors -Reception by the States-— His opinions on the new Constitution---Letter to Mr. Madison---Advice on the manner of accep'ing it — Further extracts. His influence in producing the amendments, pp. 250 : 272. Proposed abandonmentof the navigation of tlie Mississippi —Effect upon Mi'. Jefferson, and letter to Mr. Madison. He introduces into the Southern states uplantl cotton and the olive tiee. Tour through France and Italy — Extracts. Communicates to America a variety of new inventions, and articles of culture. His scientific and literary efforts in France. Endeavors to improve the architecture of the U. States. Letter to Washington on the Cincinnati—Letters to the young men of America, pp. 272 : 287. Opening scenes of the French Revolution. Causes of this strugole, as stated by Mr. Jefferson— - His Letter, accompanied with a Cijarter of Piights-.-Consultation at his house, and its effocts---Apo]ogy— -Charac'icr of the Queen. Departure, and Farewell tribute to France. Ariival in Virginia. Receives ihe appointment of Secretary of State. His answers, and final acceptance. Arrival at the Seat of Government, pp 287 : 296.

CHAPTER X.

Political elements of Washington's cabinet. Character of Hamilton, Adams, and remarks on Knox, by Jefferson. His criticaL position, and observations. Hamilton's Funding System and Assumption scheme-— Contentions excited by these measures. Panic of Hamilton. Conciliatory intervention of Mr. Jefferson and final passage of the Assumption---Influpnce of these measuies. National Bank, and grounds of opposition. The President requires the written opinions of his Cabinet. Opinion of Jeflerson. Subsequent influence of the Bank, and extensive monied control of Hamilton. Ojjposition to the adniinistralioM and its causes, as stated by Jefferson, pp. 296:310, Extensive duties of the State Department. His Report on Coins, ic— Its outlines. Report on the Cod and Whale Fislieries ; its general features Report on Commerce and Navigation ; its political effects, pp. 310:322. His duties as to foreign affairs. Extracts from his instructions to our Minister in Spain, on the Navigation of the Mississippi, &c. His controversy with Mr. Hammond. In<^iructions to our Minister at London on Impressment. Critical situation of the U. States, as to their foreign relations. Popular feeling in favor of France. Intemperate character of the French Minister. Mr. Jefferson's controversy with him, and the merits of the performance--Character of Genet's communications ; his violent measures--Request for hisiecall decided upon ; how performed by the Secretary. Exfc"'*' pp. 322 : 333. Mr. Jefferson's retiremeii* liom the Cabinet, and its cau""-" ■'■*""°'^^^ of Washington to prevent it; interesting Conversations between them. Extracts from his Correspondence, pp. 333 : 342.

CHAPTER XL

Character of the struggle between the federalists and republicans. Third Congress meets ; Mr. JefFei son's report on Commerce taken up. Further view of his Opinions on Commerce, and Extracts from his writings. Charge against him of partiality to France and hostility to England examined. Discriminating commercial resolutions of Mr. Madison ; party cffo.Ms to defeat them. Exasperation of parties. Nomination of a Minister Exiraordinary to the British Court ; its effect on the republican party. Character of the Jay treaty, pp. 342 : 348. View of Mr. Jefferson in retirement, &c.— Extracts from liis works. Appointed Presiident of the Amer. Philo. Society ; his answer. His sensations on learning late proceedings in Congress---Extracts from his writings on the political affairs of the U. States, pp. 340 : 358. Explanation of his celebrated letter to Mazzei. His rule regarding newspapers ; letter to General Washington. Question of a successor to Washington agitated—Letter of Mr. Jefferson declining being considered a candidate---<.Jharacter of the contest. Election of Adamd---Magnanimity of Jefferson towards him, and iiis endeavors to restore harmony— Letter to Madison. Selections from his Correspondence, displaying certain points of character, pp. 358 :367.

CHAPTER Xn.

Political cliaracter of Adams' cabinet. Jefferson's arrival as Vice President, and precaution to elude ceremony. Determination regarding executive consultations. Separation between him and the President. His portraiture of the administration. Catalogue of its most obnoxious measures. Opposition of the Republican party ; its dependence on Jefferson. Extracts from his works, pp. 368 : 384. Desperate situation of affairs in '98. ..99. His advice on the best course of measures. Republican members of Congress letire into the State legislatures. Jefferson draughts the Kentucky Resolutions. Their general character. Extract. Madison's Virginia Resolutions. View of Jefferson's official conduct.. .Prepares his Manual of Parliamentary Practice. Parties bring out their candidates for the Presidency. Character of the contest. Licentiousness of the Pulpit and the Press against Jefferson. Notice of some of the principal libels on his character ; his singular passiveness. Extracts from his works, pp. 384: 391. Result of the election by the people. Constitutional difficulty ; the federalists taking advantage of it resolve to elect Burr. Election scenes in the House, and conduct of the minority. Fidelity of the republicans to, and final election of Jefferson. Attempts of the federalists to extort capitulary terms from him ; his answers. Causes of tiieir final abandonment of the contest, as, stated by hirij. Feelings of jthe nation, pending the election in the House, and subsequently. Last scenes and appointments of the defeated dynasty. Extracts from his correspondence at this memorable epoch, pp. 391 :403.