Mr. Jefferson, he insisted, "will do nothing rashly,"
His being president may induce me to visit the federal city, and perhaps his seat in Virginia.
The seat of government, as may be inferred, had been removed to Washington from Philadelphia. But to the latter center, which still offered many attractions, Priestley journeyed for the third time early in 1801. He was not especially desirous of making this third visit, but as his son and daughter came down a distance of 130 miles on business, he determined to accompany them. True, Congress was no longer there, but there were many interesting people about with whom he had great pleasure. With Bishop White, who was most orthodox and whom he saw frequently, he enjoyed much "Christian and edifying conversation." John Andrews was another favorite. He was a violent Federalist and informed Priestley that the latter
had done them (the Federalists) more mischief than any other man,
yet these two noble spirits lived in amity, and Priestley several times announced that Dr.
Andrews was a Unitarian, which is not the thought today in regard to the latter.
It was an eventful year—this year of 1801. Much that was unexpected happened. It brought joy and it brought sorrow.
Perhaps it would be just as well to note the scientific progress of the Doctor during this year, for he gave forth the statement that he had succeeded in producing air by freezing water. This production of air was one of his earlier ideas (p. 62), and now he wrote—
The harder the frost was the more air I procured.