It is impossible to treat of this period without giving to John Adams a place apart. He was in some respects a tragic figure, and, though ludicrously vain and often all but clownish in small things, we shall have occasion to admire and respect his independence and courageous subordination of his personal fortunes to the service of humanity and country in making the peace with France. If at times the mere recitation of his personal weaknesses seems like ill-natured ridicule, it should be borne in mind that this is necessary to the explanation of why a statesman and patriot, so able and deserving, was so unfortunate in his public career.
The purpose of the author is not to make out a case for or against democracy, but to show how it came to the Republic, sometimes blundering and making a fool of itself on the way; to re-create, if possible, an heroic, picturesque, and lusty age; to make the men of the steel engravings flesh and blood; to stage the drama of a day when real giants trod the boards.
CONTENTS
| [I. Days of Comedy] | [1] |
| A depressing dawn—Pessimism of Ames and Madison—Petty jealousies andambitions—Federal Hall—Caliber of Congress—Adams’s triumphant entry—Hiselation—Form and titles—‘Majesty’ or ‘Excellency’?—Adams scorns‘President’—‘What shall I be?’—Maclay’s amusement—Ellsworth puzzled—‘Howshall I behave?’—Carroll’s disgust—Debate on titles—Maclay’s irreverence—Fenno’splea for titles—Washington’s arrival and reception—Sceneat the inauguration—The inaugural ball—New York in 1789—Streets,lights, sanitation—Homes of celebrities—Auction block and gallows—Funeralbells—Tea-gardens—Taverns—Theater—Washington at the play—Maclayshocked—The wax-works—Social climbers—Cost of living—Luxury of society—ItsTory tone—Ball at the French Minister’s—The Court on CherryStreet—Snobbery and pretense—The Hamiltons entertain—The dinners of thePennsylvanians—Robert Morris’s stories—The Wall Street promenade—TheHouse of Gossip—Richmond Hill—Washington’s dinners—Madison seeksrevenue—Trickery of the merchants—Enter the ‘moneyed class’—Power ofremoval—Washington and the Senate—Hamilton’s appointment. | |
| [II. Hamilton: A Portrait] | [22] |
| Appearance—Elegance—Mystery of origin—Precocity—In Santa Cruz—Earlyambition—At King’s College—Literary brilliancy—His eloquence—Washe a military genius?—His aristocracy—Love of luxury—Government by‘gentlemen’—Respect for wealth—Contempt for democracy—Preference formonarchy—His plan for a Constitution—Distrust of the one adopted—Neverreconciled—Work for its adoption—His genius analyzed—Methods of work—Fightingqualities—Moral courage—Personal integrity—Analysis of hisstrength and weakness—As a party leader—Lovable traits—His conviviality—Fondnessfor women—His home life—Attitude toward religion—TowardWashington. | |
| [III. Hamilton in the Saddle] | [43] |
| Confidence in Hamilton in commercial circles—Report on Public Credit—Reasonnot personally presented—Scene when read—Reactions of a radical—Enthusiasmin commercial quarters—The discords—Hate of speculators—‘In the interestof the rich’—Plan to bind moneyed class—Activity of speculators—Publicmen involved—Rumors of Robert Morris—Fast-sailing vessels—Thegambling mania—Fenno defends speculators—The debate on Funding—Galleryscenes—Jackson’s attack—Hamilton turns lobbyist—Organizes his forces—Newspaperattacks—Portrait of Madison—He proposes discrimination—Consternation—Gloomat the Knox dinner—Hamiltonians attack—The debate—Sedgwick—Smith—Ames—Thegallery—Madison replies—Maclay’splan—An old roué—Madison’s snub—Discrimination voted down—Abuseof Madison—Reaction in the streets—Assumption—A caucus of Hamiltonians—RobertMorris’s interest—Opposition appears—Revolt of Southerners—Thecause—Annihilation of States—Wolcott reveals Hamilton’s motives—Thedebate—Hamiltonians ‘piped to quarters’—Fear of vote—Rumors ofVining—Activity of the lobby—Lame and sick carried to House—Morris approachesMaclay—Alarm of Hamiltonians—Scenes in the Senate—Assumptionvoted down—Distress of Sedgwick, Wadsworth, Clymer, Fitzsimons—Scenesin coffee-houses—Hamiltonian Senate on a strike—Threats of disunion—Presscomments—‘Bastard of Eastern speculators’—Jefferson reaches NewYork—Hamilton tries bargaining—Early morning walk on the Battery—Hamiltonand Jefferson barter—Dinner at Jefferson’s—Madison agrees—Assumptionwins. | |
| [IV. Premonitions of Battle] | [69] |
| Hamilton at high tide—Idol of business—Masterful manner in Cabinet—Newfortunes and class feeling—Hamilton’s excise—Welcomes test of strength—Distillersaroused—Pennsylvania protests—Neutrality of Jefferson and Madison—Streetdebates—House debate—Denunciations of Jackson—Madison’sembarrassment—Liquor and morals—Giles approves—Revenue agents in elections—Hamiltontakes personal charge in Senate—Meets with committee—Maclay’srebuff—‘Hamilton fails in nothing’—Bloodshed predicted—The NationalBank—Hamilton’s powerful following—Maclay notes drift of moneyedmen—Debate in House—Madison attacks monopoly and implied powers—Amesdefends—Sectional significance of vote—Fight in the Cabinet—Madisonconsulted by Washington—Asked to reduce views to writing—Fear of veto—Amesexplains Washington’s hesitation—Ugly talk in New York—Hamiltonand Jefferson break—The battle of the press—Hamilton man of the hour—Givenreception in New York—Jefferson and Madison on a journey—Their intimacy—Theirassociation in the public mind—Significance of their journey—Pamphletduel of Burke and Paine—‘Rights of Man’ and Adams’s ‘Discourses ofDavilla’—Jefferson’s ‘preface’ to Paine’s pamphlet—Reference to Adams—BritishAgent shocked—Also ‘Society’—Press joins the fray—Burke versusPaine in country towns—Adams disgusted with Paine—Enraged by Jefferson—J.Q. Adams attacks Jefferson and Paine—Defends English institutions—Thewar in the press—Turmoil pleases Jefferson—Embarrassed by the ‘preface’—Explainsto Adams—Friends of democracy aroused—Scandal of ‘scrippomony’—Swindlers’harvest—Frenzy of speculation—Press warns—Political phase—Scandalin choice of Bank directors—Hamilton’s brilliant support. | |
| [V. Thomas Jefferson: A Portrait] | [92] |
| Appearance—A woman’s impressions—His cold first look—Charm of manner—Maclay’simpressions—His conversation—His frontier training—Westernerwith Eastern polish—Bred in democratic community—College influences—Fightsfor democracy in Virginia—Associations in Paris—Life there—Interestin peasants’ plight—Sympathy with dawning of French Revolution—Chats withGouverneur Morris—Consulted by leaders of Revolution—His plan to save themonarchy—His humanity—Toward Hessian prisoners—Against death penaltyfor minor offences—Against degrading prisoners—Relations with servants—Withslaves—Hostility to slavery—Attitude toward religion—Toward theConstitution—Methods as party leader—His tact—Persuasions of dinner table—Dislikeof quarrels and separations—Self-control—Justly estimates opponent’sstrength—Relations with Adams—His cunning—The art of mining—Practicalpolitical methods—Serenity in storms—The artistic phase—Music—Architecture—Thescientific phase—Interest in natural history—Astronomy—Inventions—Passionfor agriculture—Life at Monticello. | |
| [VI. The Social Background] | [116] |
| Complaints of Philadelphia prices and manners—The physical city—Streets andgardens—Halls of Congress—Offices of Jefferson, Hamilton, and Washington—Lifein the taverns—In boarding-houses—Drinking-places—Arrogance of themasses—Their social life—Public gardens—Streets by night—Shops andshopping—Economic status of workers—The aristocracy—Vanity of wealth—‘Eleganceof dress’—Entertaining—Heavy drinking—Risqués conversations—Burr’swine—A dinner at Clymer’s—Hamilton and Mrs. Church—Portraitof Mrs. Bingham—The Bingham mansion—Mrs. Bingham’s hectic life—Monroe’ssocial blunder—Judge Chase’s boorishness—A reception at Mrs. Bingham’s—TheMorrises—Mrs. Walter Stewart—Mrs. Samuel Powell—Mrs. Knox—Mrs.Hamilton—Mrs. Wolcott—Mary Ann Wolcott—Pierce Butler—Mrs.William Jackson—Foreign visitors—A scene at the British Legation—Countryplaces—The hunt—Dancing Assembly—The theater—Washington at theplay—The players—The circus—Home of Jefferson. | |
| [VII. Jefferson Mobilizes] | [140] |
| Hamilton’s advantage in organization—Jefferson’s raw material—His problem—Thescattered masses—The disfranchised—Jefferson plans amalgamation oflocal democratic groups—Busy with his pen—Hancock and Sam Adams—CharlesJarvis—Ben Austin—Abraham Bishop—Politics in Connecticut—GideonGranger—Ephraim Kirby—John Langdon—Matthew Lyon—GeorgeClinton—The Livingstons—Aaron Burr—Jefferson approaches Burr—Tammany—Jeffersonianleaders in Pennsylvania—John Francis Mercer—The Virginiamachine—Willie Jones of Halifax—Nathaniel Macon—Timothy Bloodworth—JamesJackson of Georgia—Charles Pinckney—Jefferson’s iron discipline—Heworks on the masses—Aristocrats shocked at his associations—Usesthe press—John Fenno—His relations with Federalist leaders—Launching ofFreneau’s paper—Its national appeal—Portrait of Freneau. | |
| [VIII. The Gage of Battle] | [161] |
| Hamilton’s Report on Manufactures—Its reception—Hamilton’s plan for factoriesat Passaic Falls—Appears before New Jersey Legislature for charter—Visitssite to select locations—Pamphlet attacks on his Passaic project—Admirers subscribefor Trumbull portrait of him—He watches Freneau’s paper—Its earlytone—‘Brutus’ attacks funding system—Attacks on Freneau’s paper—‘Workof foreigners’—Of a ‘junto’—‘Sidney’ assails Hamilton and his policies—Otherassaults in Freneau’s paper—Fenno to the defense—Demolished by Freneau—Sceneat the Morris house—The rivals visit a factory—Washington’shope for reconciliation—Fenno regrets lack of King—Fenno versus Freneau—Fennoagain crushed—Hamilton’s rage—His ‘T.L.’ letter—Freneau’s reply—Hamilton’sanonymous attacks on Jefferson—Seeks affadavit from Boudinot—Washingtonappeals for peace—Hamilton’s reply—Jefferson’s—Hamilton continues—Madisonattacks Hamilton’s letter—Fenno fears duels—Jeffersonholds aloof—Attack postpones his plans to retire—‘It is a Fact’—Collapse ofSt. Clair’s expedition—Jeffersonians attack Knox—Bubble of speculation bursts—Pressdenounces the gamblers—The Duer failure—Business paralyzed—Chargedto funding system—The Clinton-Jay contest—Bitter campaign of 1792—Federalistpessimism—Maryland fight—Hamilton involved—In NorthCarolina—In Kentucky—In Virginia—Hamilton’s cultivation of VirginiaFederalists—Adams opposed—Hamilton to the rescue—Carroll for Vice-President—McHenry’sletter—Hamilton orders Adams to his post—Press battleover Adams—Results. | |
| [IX. Hamilton’s Black Winter] | [185] |
| A remarkable winter—Jeffersonians aggressive—Hamilton’s methods challenged—Madisondemands report on finances—Hints of corruption—Threatsof Duer—Blackmail of Reynolds—Explanation asked of Hamilton—Scene inHamilton’s office—In his home—His confession concerning Mrs. Reynolds—Jeffersoniansattack finances—Fight planned at Jefferson’s—Portrait of Giles—Freneaucreates atmosphere for assault—First Giles Resolutions—Giles’sspeech—Hamilton’s indignation—His candle-lit office—His prodigious achievement—Hisfriends’ enthusiasm—Criticism of his enemies—Technical violationof law—Giles resolution of condemnation—The political strategy—The caucusat Hamilton’s—The debate—The night session—Madison sums up—Ames replies—Thevindication—Reactions of the press—Toast at Providence Societydinner—Jeffersonians analyze the vote—‘Parties to the cause’—Jeffersonfinds bank directors and speculators did it—A conference at Port Royal—JohnTaylor’s pamphlet—End of the fiscal phase. | |
| [X. Ça Ira] | [207] |
| The French Revolution—Its appeal to American democrats—A wave of enthusiasm—AtBaltimore—At Boston—At Charleston—Political significance of theRevolution to America—Americans divide on issue of democracy—Federalistsopposed—Their action in the Senate—Denunciations of France—Federalistscorn for Louis’s weakness—Jefferson’s attitude—His instructions to Ministers—Hamiltonianscapitalize execution of King—‘Cato’ revived in Philadelphia—‘Capethas lost his Caput’—Sorrow at Providence—‘Cordelia’ urges black rosefor mourning—Tide turns against the French—Jefferson’s disgust—Societymourns—Jefferson and Madison on right to execute—George III joins coalition—‘Monarchyversus Democracy’—Masses swing back to France—Under theBingham windows—Bitterness against England—Hamilton’s alarm—SummonsWashington from Mount Vernon—Hamilton’s misrepresentation of England’saction—He usurps Jefferson’s functions—Prepares questions for Cabinetcouncil—Cabinet struggle—Neutrality Proclamation—Madison’s anger—Protestsof the streets—Genêt—His ovations—Jefferson and Madison pleased—Hamiltoniansplan cool reception in Philadelphia—Popular protests—Falsereport on Count de Noailles—Hysterical reception—Washington cold—Pressattacks Neutrality—A French craze—Mobs march—The provocations—Scenesin theaters—Federalists mock—Democratic clubs—Their political significance—HowNeutrality fared—Genêt’s madness—English outrages—‘RedCoats’ toasted—‘Pacifist’—Jefferson orders Madison to reply—Attackson Hamilton—The ‘Little Sarah’—Jefferson and Genêt—Reactions againstFrench—Madison meets it—Cabinet confers on Genêt—Jefferson demands hisrecall—Society pro-English—Party bitterness—Jefferson’s social ostracism—Heresigns—Washington’s efforts to dissuade him—A near duel—A scare inBoston—Yellow fever in Philadelphia—Hamilton stricken—Jefferson’s Reporton Commerce—A party document—He retires to Monticello. | |
| [XI. Hectic Days] | [240] |
| Madison’s Commercial Resolutions—Their political purpose—English partyaroused—Hamilton speaks by proxy—Madison avows retaliation—The debate—Ames’sunfortunate speech—Arraignment of English outrages and defense—‘AnEnglish agent here’—Press attacks on Madison—Jeffersonianscall town meetings—At Boston—At New York—At Philadelphia—At Portsmouth—Amesand Smith hung in effigy—Vogue of Smith’s speech in London—Hammondan English Genêt—British Orders in Council—Seizure of Americanvessels—Retaliatory measures—Hamiltonians plead for calmness—A mercenarypatriot—English Minister insulted—Jeffersonian press fans the flames—Frenchoutrage in Charleston—Clamor for war—Hamiltonians plead for negotiations—PreferHamilton to negotiate—His intimacy with British Minister andAgent—‘No. 7’—Protests against Hamilton—A Federalist caucus—Hamiltonselected—Veer to Jay—His personality and character—His fatal admission—Fightagainst his confirmation—Popular protests—Hamiltonian caucusprepares Jay’s instructions—He sails—The ‘Whiskey Boys’—Their grievances—Insurrection—Politicalphase—Hamilton welcomes military measures—Demandinga law’s repeal is urging its violation—Attacks on Democratic Societies—Theirposition—That of the Jeffersonian press—Hamilton goes to war—‘WhyHamilton?’—‘Where is Knox?’—Hamilton plans a political effect—Crueltyto prisoners—The chariot wheels of the conqueror—East versus the frontier—Electionsof 1794—Ames’s close call—Livingston’s triumph—Gives Amesthe ‘hypo’—In North Carolina—Fitzsimons defeated—Jefferson’s summer—Dr.Priestley arrives—Cobbett’s attack—Life in Philadelphia—Theatermobs—Washington attacks Democratic Societies—Madison meets and defeatsapproval in House—The bitter debate—The press battle—Foreshadowings ofAlien and Sedition Laws. | |
| [XII. The Marching Mobs] | [266] |
| Hamilton resigns—Fenno’s tribute—Bache’s comment—Madison’s—Hamiltongiven dinner in Philadelphia—In New York—Greenleaf on the banquet—Jay’snegotiations—Hamilton’s indiscretion—Jay’s treaty—Hamilton’s disgust—Jefferson’s—WhyHamilton would not reject—His reservations—Senatedebates in secret—Withholds treaty from publication—Hamilton doubtswisdom—Senator Mason—He gives treaty to press—Bache’s comments on thesecrecy—Mob at Goldbury’s wharf—Philadelphia mob on the 4th—Jay burnedin effigy—Dinner on Frankfort Creek—Protest meeting in State House yard—‘Kickit to hell’—Rival dinners in New York—Letter to ‘Sir John Jay’—Bostonmobs—Charleston mob—Rutledge denounces treaty—Mass meeting atRichmond—Portsmouth mass meeting—Dinner to Langdon—In Vermont—InConnecticut—In Rhode Island—In Delaware—Jay burned in effigy inGeorgia—Street brawls—Tavern quarrels—Washington’s hesitation—Cabotanxious—Ellsworth disgusted—Randolph scandal—Washington signs treaty—Appealsto Washington to make public plea—Bache attacks him—Hamiltonwrites ‘Camillus’—Trouble with editor—British outrages continue—Jeffersoniansuse them—Jefferson asks Madison to reply to Hamilton. | |
| [XIII. The Drama of ‘96] | [289] |
| Senate rejects Rutledge—Jefferson’s comment—Edward Livingston—Portraitof Albert Gallatin—The Livingston Resolution—A constitutional question—Thedebate—Cobbett’s offensive action—Gallatin’s speech—Sedgwick’s sneerat the people—Resolutions adopted—Hamilton’s concern—His advice toWashington—Fight on appropriations for treaty—Disunion threats—Jeffersonand Madison on Washington’s action—‘Still in leading-strings’—Organizingoutside sentiment during debate—Insurance companies enter politics—Banksalso—Boston mass meeting—Otis’s sneer at Gallatin—Abuse of Gallatin—Intimidation—Federalistalarm—Portrait of Fisher Ames—His physical collapse—Theinvalid’s slow journey to the capital—Warrior borne on a stretcher—Hissensational speech—Hamiltonians’ delight—‘In the hands of Pitt’—Thevote—The effect—Jefferson during treaty fight—His health—The Mazzeiletter—Presidential election—Patrick Henry sounded by Hamiltonians—Theychoose Pinckney—Thomas Pinckney—Adams versus Jefferson—Scurrility—Adet’sletter—Hamilton’s scheme against Adams—His dislike ofAdams—Adams or secession—The results—Hamiltonian distrust of Jeffersonas Vice-President—Jefferson cultivates Adams—The undelivered letter—Jeffersonianpress complimentary to Adams—Federalist displeasure. | |
| [XIV. An Incongruous Portrait Gallery] | [315] |
| A treacherous Cabinet—Portrait of John Adams—Of Timothy Pickering—OfOliver Wolcott—Of James McHenry. | |
| [XV. Comedy and Heroics] | [339] |
| The crisis with France—Portrait of Gouverneur Morris—Compared with Monroe—Monroe’sdifficulties in Paris—Federalist intrigue against him—Ignoredby Pickering—Deceived by Jay—French indignation over Jay’s treaty—Monroe’srecall—Pinckney refused—Hamilton proposes a mission—SuggestsMadison as one—War party’s opposition—Hamilton prevails—Adams’s objectionsto Jefferson for the mission—He confers with Jefferson—Latter discouragessending Madison—Ames proposes Cabot—Adams names Gerry—ThinksHamilton ‘in a delirium’—Adams’s Message—Harrison Gray Otis—RobertGoodloe Harper—Debate on Reply to the Message—Livingston attacksEnglish party—Harper’s war speech—It is popular in London—British Ministerconspicuous on floor—Taps Harper on shoulder—Dayton’s compromise—Warparty attacks him—Lyon shocks the formalists—Is attacked—His hotreply—‘Porcupine’ assails him—Mass attack on Jefferson—His silence—LutherMartin attacks him—Is insulted at Harvard—‘Porcupine’s’ abuse—Jeffersondrops society—English party jeers memory of Franklin—Hisses Paine—Firsttoast to Women’s Rights—Abuse of Swanwick—Of Mrs. M’Lean—OfGiles—Press comments on Hamilton’s Reynolds pamphlet—Brilliant social seasonfor Federalists—Scene at Adams’s dinner table—Porcupine’s Gazette—WilliamCobbett—Rival banquets—Discourtesy to Monroe—Dinner in hishonor—He confers with party leaders—Gallatin’s conclusions—Lyon-Griswoldfight—Press comments. | |
| [XVI. Hysterics] | [362] |
| Hamiltonians bent on war—Hamilton runs the government—Bitterness of debates—Harper’swild war speech—Petitions against arming ships—Adams’s‘insane message’—Hamilton in the wings—Sprigg Resolution—Harper’sblunder—X Y Z papers—Partisan abuse—Jefferson disheartened—Warclouds lower—Jefferson’s view of X Y Z—Madison’s—Monroe’s—War hysteria—Adamsgreets young warriors of capital—A drunken mob—Attack onBache’s house—Adams alarmed—The ‘terror’ of Fast Day—‘Hail Columbia’—Resentedby Jeffersonians—Author rewarded—War hawks beat tom-toms—Hamiltonurges Washington to stir the country—Ames demands war at once—Returnof Marshall—His ovation—Partisan purpose—Capitalization ofPinckney’s return—Hamilton writes philippics against France—Jefferson asksMadison to reply—‘Porcupine’s’ war propaganda—War party keeps presses busywith Harper’s speech—Other war pamphlets—Clergy joins war hawks—‘Whyso much anger in the heart of a divine?’—Terrorizing Jeffersonians—Jeffersonready—Bache assaulted—Hamilton goes gasconading—His amazing letter—Democratsfight for time—Jefferson insulted—Ostracized—Spied upon—Mailopened—Abusive toasts—Persecution of Lyon—Of Livingston—Of aBoston editor—The Alien Law—Hatred of the Irish—Political reason—Jeffersoniansand English Whigs versus Hamiltonians and Pitt—Hamiltonians andIrish Rebellion—King’s part—Otis’s ‘wild Irish’ speech—Sedition laws proposed—Hamiltonshocked at original bill—Mobbing Democrats in debate—Livingston’sspeech on Alien Bill—Wild talk in Sedition Bill debate—Yellowfever again—Dr. Rush—Death of Fenno—Of Bache—Elections of ‘98—Washingtonan active and extreme partisan—Marshall’s campaign—OpposesAlien and Sedition Laws—‘Porcupine’s’ comment—Reign of Terror begins—Collegedegrees for Federalists—‘Patriot’ mobs—Jeffersonians discharged fromjobs—A Bishop’s sermon. | |
| [XVII. The Reign of Terror] | [386] |
| Arrest of Matthew Lyon—A ludicrous trial—Cruel treatment—Loathsomecell—Protest of Green Mountain Boys—Lyon in jail elected to Congress—Plansto rearrest him—His fine subscribed—Dramatic scene on release—Ovationsen route to Congress—Persecution of the Reverend J. C. Ogden—Imprisoned—Assaultedby soldiers—Arrest of Anthony Haswell—His offense—Brutaltreatment—Trial—Ovation on release—Case of David Brown—Thecomedy case of Richard Fairbanks—Ames’s plea—Persecution of Adams of theChronicle—Resentment of public—Trial—Dana’s bitter charge—Adams injail—Visited by Sam Adams—William Duane—The Saint Mary’s Church‘riot’—Arrest—Trial—Dallas excoriation—Acquittal—Rearrest—Case ofThomas Cooper—Chase on the bench—His conduct—Cooper imprisoned—Refusespardon—Dinner on release—The Callender case—Chase’s boast—Hisconduct—Lawyers refuse to proceed—Case of Judge Peck—Public sentimentaroused—Political effect—Case of Charles Holt—The list of victims—Useof Alien Law—Case of John D. Burk—Of Moreau de Saint Merys—ToastingAlien and Sedition Laws—Harper’s jeer—Mass meetings demanding repeal—Congressionalspeakers for repeal mobbed—A conference at Monticello—Portraitof John Breckenridge—Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions—As viewed atthe time—Answers of Legislatures—Fight in Massachusetts—By Senator JohnBacon—And Aaron Hill—Abuse of Bacon—Stoning of Hill’s house—Porcupinepreaches right of secession. | |
| [XVIII. Adams Pulls down the Pillars] | [412] |
| ‘Hamilton’s war’—Hamilton for commander—Adams’s veto—Cabinet conspiredfor Hamilton against Adams—McHenry’s trip to Mount Vernon—Thetrick turned—Adams’s revolt—Hamilton’s activities—Wolcott’s—The EssexJunto’s—Working on Washington—His letter to Adams—Latter’s retort—Exclusionof Jeffersonians from commissions—Washington in accord—Hamilton’scharge—Adams overruled on Burr—And Muhlenberg—Moderate Federalistsprotest extremes—Jeffersonian sarcasm—Hamilton organizes for war—Hisdifficulties—Scolds McHenry—Decline of war spirit—Jefferson fears insurrectionover taxes—eight per cent interest—‘Damned army will ruin thecountry’—Jeffersonians capitalize eight per cent—Fries Rebellion—Hamiltonin Philadelphia—Soldier outrages—On Jacob Schneider—On Duane—‘Porcupine’s’delight—Militarism rampant—Recruiting lags—Clergy to the rescue—Attemptto revive war fever—Army for domestic purposes—Desertions—Discussionson executions—Logan goes to Paris—Federalist alarm—War unnecessary—WhyOtis knew it—Cries of ‘treason’—Logan learns French wishpeace—Snubbed by Pickering—By Washington—The Logan Law—Jeffersoniansfight—Harper exposed—Case of Gerry—The Miranda conspiracy—Hamilton’spart—His plan to wipe out the States—Adams consults Cabinet onnegotiations—Is ignored—Conspirators frame Message—Adams’s amendment—Hamiltonianscaucus to force declaration of war—Defeated—Pickering sulks—Adamsnominates an envoy—Enemies caucus—Committee calls—Porcupineattacks—Retreats—Compromise on mission—Some Hamiltonian letters—AnAdams dinner—Procrastination—Working on Adams—Cabot calls—Adams’ssummer—Adams at Trenton—Talks with Hamilton—With Ellsworth—ACabinet meeting—Envoys sail—Rage of Hamiltonians—Drearywinter in Philadelphia—Marie Bingham’s escapade. | |
| [XIX.] ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ | [440] |
| Enter John Marshall—The Ross Bill—Withheld from public—Duane gets andprints it—Protests—Marshall’s disaffection—Working on Marshall—Hewrecks the bill in the House—What Jefferson had done—His platform—Jeffersonianleaders in South Carolina—‘Rye House Plot’—Jefferson at home—NewYork election—Aaron Burr—Compared with Hamilton—Hamilton takescharge—His plan—His caucus and ticket—Burr’s system of espionage—Hispersonal machine—Tammany—Caucuses at his home—Plans Assembly ticketof national figures—Labors with Gates, Clinton, and Livingston—Wins consent—Shockto Hamilton—Attacks on Clinton and Gates—Merchants mobilized—Burrorganizes—His brilliant work—Campaigning with the lowly—The election—Hamilton’sproposal to Jay—Burr for Vice-President—Federalist lossesin New England—Caucus agrees on Adams and C. C. Pinckney—Adams’s rageover New York—Scene with McHenry—Pickering dismissed—Hamilton’s letterto Pickering—His excitement—Reactions of Hamiltonians—They plan defeatof Adams—Adams toasts ‘proscribed patriots’—An anti-Adams session ofthe Cincinnati—Hamilton’s New England tour—His political purpose—SeesGovernor Gilman in New Hampshire—Meets rebuff in Rhode Island—A meetingof the Essex Junto—At Salem—At Ipswich—At Newburyport—Hamilton’sunfortunate statement—Jeffersonian ridicule—Hamilton grasps the situation. | |
| [XX. Hamilton’s Rampage] | [464] |
| Hamilton plans coercion of Federalist electors—Letter to Carroll—Enemies inAdams’s camp—Wolcott’s treachery—Cabot doubtful—Noah Webster desertsHamilton for Adams—Attitude of press—Jeffersonians attack Hamilton—Theircampaign—The Dayton scandal—‘Adams a monarchist’—Langdon’ssigned statement—Corroboration from New Haven—Webster’s slur at the poor—Fenno’sfatal pamphlet—Secession talk of Federalists—Wolcott’s father—Lettersof ‘Pelham’—Those of ‘Burleigh’—Reply of ‘Rodolphus’—Jeffersonianprogress in New England—In Connecticut—Abraham Bishop—His PhiBeta Kappa oration—Political preachers—The Reverend Cotton Smith’s slander—Jefferson’scomment—The Reverend Dr. Abercrombie—Duane attacks—Dr.Lynn electioneers for Pinckney—Rebuked by Jeffersonian woman—Persecutionof Jeffersonian clergymen—Pamphlets on Jefferson’s religion—Ridiculeof Federalists’ religious pose—‘Diary’ of Fayton—Federalists seek Catholicvotes—Hamilton plans personal attack on Adams—Seeks aid of Adams’s Cabinet—Writespamphlet—Burr gets and publishes—Editor of New York Gazetteexplains—Hamilton’s case against Adams—Cabot’s criticism—Major Russell’sfloundering—Jeffersonian press attacks Hamilton—Pamphlet replies—Hamiltoneager to answer—Friends dissuade—Election tricks—In Pennsylvania. | |
| [XXI. Democracy Triumphant] | [486] |
| Washington City—Morris’s cynical description—Mrs. Adams’s—The physicaltown—Lodgings—Social life—Jefferson calls on Adams—His lodgings atConrad’s—Others at Conrad’s—Federalist conspiracy to elect Burr—Hamilton’sindignation—His attempt to dissuade his party—A drama in letters—Morrisand Jay join Hamilton—Others desert—Harper calls on Morris—Planto prevent an election—Burr’s aloofness—He hears from Harper—Burr’s letterto General Smith—Hamilton wins McHenry—Pickering’s preference for Burr—Bayard’sembarrassment—Sedgwick for Burr—Federalist caucus agrees onBurr—Hamilton makes serious charge—His depression—The serenity at Conrad’s—Jefferson’snon-political letters—Visitors pack the town—Federalistpress in the contest—Gallatin surveys the field—Jefferson’s secret plan—Hewrites Burr—Writes scientific friends on bones—Hamilton’s final shot at Wolcottdinner—A Washington snowstorm—Nicholson carried in bed to Capitol—Scenesduring all-night voting—The drama of the struggle—Jefferson during thevoting—Approached by Morris—Conspirators surrender—Adams notified—Jeffersontakes leave of Senate—Morris’s resolutions of thanks—The die-hardsprotest—Inaugural crowds—Creating new judges—Adams rewards Wolcott—Adams’sflight—Sedgwick’s—Breakfast at Conrad’s—Jefferson sworn in byMarshall—‘All Federalists, all Republicans’—Mrs. Smith pours tea—Epilogue. | |
| [Books, Pamphlets, Newspapers, and Magazines Cited orConsulted] | [513] |
| [Index] | [519] |
ILLUSTRATIONS
| [Thomas Jefferson] | [Frontispiece] |
| From a copy of the Thomas Sully portrait, painted by Nancy Clifton M. Randolph, wife of Thomas Jefferson Randolph IV, a lineal descendant of Jefferson | |
| [Alexander Hamilton] | [22] |
| From an engraving by E. Prud’homme after a miniature by Archibald Robertson | |
| [Mrs. William Bingham] | [128] |
| From an engraving in Rufus Wilmot Griswold’s Republican Court after the painting by Gilbert Stuart | |
| [Four Hamiltonians] | [140] |
| Fisher Ames | |
| From a portrait by Gilbert Stuart | |
| Robert Goodloe Harper | |
| From a painting | |
| George Cabot | |
| From a woodcut after a pastel of Cabot at the age of sixteen, the only known portrait | |
| Gouverneur Morris | |
| From an engraving after a portrait by Thomas Sully | |
| [Four Jeffersonians] | [148] |
| Albert Gallatin | |
| From a portrait by Gilbert Stuart | |
| Edward Livingston | |
| From an engraving by E. Wellmore after a drawing by J. B. Longacre | |
| William Branch Giles | |
| From a miniature painted in Washington in 1812, reproduced in heliotype inThe Centennial of Washington’s Inauguration, by Clarence Winthrop Bowen | |
| James Madison | |
| From a portrait by Thomas Sully | |
| [Facsimile of Hamilton’s Letter to Oliver Wolcott Appointing Him Auditor in the Treasury Department] | [332] |
| From the original pasted in George Gibbs’s own copy of his Administrations of Washington and Adams | |
| [The Griswold-Lyon Fight in the House] | [360] |
| From a contemporary cartoon | |
| [‘Mad Tom in a Rage’] | [384] |
| From a contemporary cartoon typical of the Federalist attacks on Jefferson | |