"I am very glad," said Jefferson, "to talk matters over with you."
"As you well know," said Mr. Morris, "I have been strenuously opposing you, as have also the large minority of the States."
"To be frank with you," he continued, "we are very much afraid of you."
"We fear,
"First—That you will turn all the Federalists out of office.
"Second—That you will put down the navy.
"Third—That you will wipe off the public debt
"Now, if you will declare, or authorize your friends to declare that you will not take these steps, your election will be made sure."
Mr. Jefferson replied, "Gouverneur Morris, I naturally want to be President, and yet I cannot make any terms to obtain the position.
"I shall never go into the office by capitulation. I cannot have my hands tied by any conditions which would hinder me from pursuing the measures which I deem best for the public good.