Washington's efforts were unavailing. The breach between Hamilton and Jefferson was too wide and deep to be healed, and the president determined to check, as much as possible, if he could not control their hostility. In one thing, however, these men, sincere patriots at heart, perfectly agreed, namely, a desire that Washington should consent to a re-election. As we have already observed, such being the universal wish of the people, Washington reluctantly consented, and he was again chosen president of the United States by a unanimous vote of the electoral college.
FOOTNOTES:
[39] For the correspondence in full, see Hamilton's Works, volume iv; Sparks's Life and Writings of Washington, volume x; Randall's Life of Jefferson, volume ii.
[40] The following is the resolution referred to: “That, whereas some men may be found amongst us, so far lost to every sense of virtue and feeling for the distresses of this country as to accept offices for the collection of the duty: Resolved, that in future we will consider such persons as unworthy of our friendship, have no intercourse or dealings with them, withdraw from them every assistance, withhold all the comforts of life which depend upon those duties that as men and fellow-citizens we owe to each other, and upon all occasions treat them with that contempt they deserve; and that it be, and is hereby, most earnestly recommended to the people at large to follow the same line of conduct toward them.”
CHAPTER XIX.
foreign relations of the united states—europe and the united states—the federalists a conservative party—aspect of the french revolution—washington doubts its success—increase of the republican party—washington's re-election—gouverneur morris in france—other ministers—gloomy forebodings—jefferson's impatience—troubles of the french king—lafayette in difficulty—tuilleries attacked and the king dethroned—reign of terror—lafayette's flight, arrest, and imprisonment—bloody work in paris—jefferson justifies the jacobins—washington's sympathy for lafayette's family—appeal of the marchioness—washington powerless to aid.