an inveterate enmity and jealousy of the Northern States, which pervades every part of the Southern and Middle States. This spirit is evidently increasing. Since they have obtained the power they have become arrogant, and appear determined to carry this spirit into all classes of society, with a view of rivetting the prejudices so strongly as to prevent a union of views between North and South, under all future circumstances. What, then, are we to expect, under the management of the most intelligent of those people? Must we not continue to pay the principal part of the expenses of Government without receiving in return, either patronage or protection?

"Without considering, therefore, that dreadful system of Jacobinism which at this time governs our public counsels, can we hope for prosperity from the present Union and Government? But if we add to those considerations the dangers which immediately threaten us, can there be room for doubt ?"

After dilating on this subject, this leading member of Congress adds: "For one, therefore, I do not look to a Southern combination for the purpose of correcting the views of the National Government. I believe the vices of this Government incurable. thing, itself, is radically wrong.

The

"With these views I should certainly deem it unfortunate to be compelled to place any man at the head of the Northern interest who would stop short of the object, or would only use his influence and power for the purpose of placing himself at the head of the whole Confederacy as it now stands. If gentlemen in New York should entertain similar opinions, it must be very important to ascertain what the ultimate objects of Col. Burr arc. It must occur to every Federal man, that objections of a very serious nature oppose the election of Col. Burr, whether that election is viewed in relation to a general union of VOL. VII.-50

the Northern States, or in relation to the power which the office will give a man of Col. Burr's talents and ability to oppose a more partial Union, if it should be attempted. But, my dear Sir, what else can we do? If we remain inactive, our ruin is certain. Our friends will make no attempts alone. By supporting Mr. Burr we gain some support, although it is of a doubtful nature, and of which, God knows, we have cause enough to be jealous. In short, I see nothing else left for us. The project which we had formed was, to induce, if possible, the Legislatures of the three New England States who remain Federal, to commence measures which should call for a reunion of the Northern States. The extent of those measures, and the rapidity with which they shall be followed up must be governed by circumstances. The magnitude and jealousy of Massachusetts would render it necessary that the operation should be commenced there. If any hope can be created that New York will ultimately support the plan, it may perhaps be supported."***"I have examined the interest which the people of the Northern States have in the funds, and I find it considerably less than the proportion of debt which these States ought to pay. This arises from the large purchases made by foreigners in the funded debt, so that it will be in our power to charge ourselves only with our just proportion of the debt, and still do justice to our own people. And with the superior means which we shall possess, it may be easily accomplished. We may also liberate ourselves entirely from the Louisiana Stock, and leave that to be paid by those for whose benefit it was created. Our proportion of the funded and Dutch debt, when compared with our means, will be nothing; and we may manage our affairs in our own way."

In pursuance of the appointment, an interview took

place between this member and Burr at the residence of the latter in New York, on the fourth of April. With the same cautious non-committal he had shown during the presidential election, and recently at Washington, Burr stated that "he must go on democratically to obtain the Government; that, if he succeeded, he should administer it in a manner that would be satisfactory to the Federalists. In respect to the affairs of the nation, Burr said, that the Northern States must be governed by Virginia, or govern Virginia, and that there was no middle course -that the Democratic members of Congress from the East were in this sentiment, some of those from New York, some of the leaders in Jersey and likewise in Pennsylvania." The effect of this conversation was to induce the member to wish Burr success, which would, it was supposed, be much affected by the result of the election in Connecticut, then near at hand. On the day of the interview between him and Burr, an address was issued to the people of that State. One of the chief topics of the Address was the amendment to the Constitution proposed by Hamilton, but of which the source was not known, designating the offices of President and Vice-President for which the electoral votes were to be cast. Jefferson was looking anxiously to its adoption. "If the amendment of the Constitution passes Rhode Island," he wrote, "and we expect to hear in a day or two, the election for the ensuing four years seems to present nothing formidable."* Nor can it be supposed, that this effect was out of the view of all of those who had opposed its recommendation, when their sentiments at a dangerous crisis are recollected.† The address to Connecticut declared, "the plan of this amendment is to bury

* Jefferson to Gerry. March 3, 1804. Jefferson's Works, iv. 536, ed. 1854. † Appendix H.

New England in oblivion, and put the reins of Government into the hands of Virginia for ever." "They, the Democrats," it was urged, "have seized on a moment of delirious enthusiasm to make a dangerous inroad on the Constitution; and to prostrate the only mound capable of resisting the headlong influence of the great States and preserving the independence and safety of the small ones." This appeal to her State pride was successful, and Connecticut elected a large majority of Federalists to her Legislature; nor was the language of disunion concealed.

It reached the ears of Jefferson. He writes on the sixteenth of April:* "You mentioned a Federal scheme afloat, of forming a coalition between the Federalists and Republicans of what they called the seven Eastern States. * * * The idea of forming seven Eastern States is moreover clearly to form the basis of a separation of the Union.” Ten days after, the election was held in the State of New York, and Burr, though he received many votes from the Federalists, was defeated by a large majority.t

* Jefferson to Granger. Jefferson's Works, iv. 542.

+ Lewis is stated to have received 35,000 votes, Burr 28,000.

CHAPTER CLXVIII.
CLXVIII.

THE reputation which followed Hamilton's extraordinary effort in the recent libel suit, he found on his return to the city of New York, had preceded him. Indeed, for some time, in the circle in which he moved, it was the absorbing topic of conversation. With the deep sympathy, which is the strongest proof and the highest tribute to genius, each of his friends seemed anxious to exalt and to appropriate almost to himself a part of the merit of this great achievement. He was now again engaged in the urgent labors of his profession, but amidst these labors he found time for society and for his family.

His chief relaxation was in the culture and adornment of the "Grange." There, reading with increased interest treatises on trees and horticulture, on the changes and influences of the seasons, the composition and adaptation of soils to the various growths, he enjoyed those pure delights which cultivated intelligence seeks and surely finds in the wonders, the harmonies, and the minute diversities of rural scenes. Mingling at times with his humble neighbors, he sought their practical information, and repaid it with kind offices. With a heart swelling with gratitude to the Author of his being, he observed to his wife, "I may yet live twenty years, please God, and I will one day build for them a chapel in this grove."