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Book Fifth.

FROM THE

INAUGURATION OF THOMAS JEFFERSON

TO THE

CLOSE OF THE SECOND WAR WITH ENGLAND.

1801-1815.

HISTORY

OF THE

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

CHAPTER I.

1801-1802.

OPENING YEAR OF THE NEW ADMINISTRATION.

Letter to John Dickinson

luaugural Address of Thomas Jefferson His cabinet appointments The question of I'mrvals from office a perplexing one-Jefferson's views on the subject, in letters to Monroe, Gerry, aı.d Lincoln - Case of the New Haven collector-The judges appointed by John Adams-Answers to Macon's queries-R. R. Livingston minister to France-The navy-The demands of the pasha of Tripoli - Commodore Dale and the American squadron in the Mediterranean - The opening of the seventh Congress - Jefferson sends a message instead of delivering a speech-The message - Mr. Tucker's remarks on it-Measures for economy and reform - Revision of the judiciary act-Jefferson's views on the subject-Bill for repeal of the act brought into Congress-Long and earnest debate - Memorial against the repeal-Views of the federalists — The bill passed - Not wholly approved by the party-Subsequent arrangements as to the courts Repeal of laws establishing internal taxes. Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Tucker quoted on this point Other acts of the session — Congress adjourns in May, 1802.

ON Wednesday, the 4th day of March, 1801, the Senate of the United States assembled in their chamber, and Aaron Burr took the oath of office as vice-president. Soon after, Thomas Jefferson, attended by the heads of

the departments, the marshal 1801. of the district, his officers, and other gentlemen, came into the Senate chamber, and took his seat in that chair of which he had himself been

the occupant for the preceding four years. On his right, Burr was seated; and on his left, John Marshall, the chief justice of the United States. After a short pause, Jefferson arose and addressed the audience in the following terms:

"Friends and Fellow-Citizens;

"Called upon to undertake the duties of the first executive office of our

country, I avail myself of the presence of that portion of my fellow-citizens which is here assembled, to express my grateful thanks for the favor with which they have been pleased to look towards me, to declare a sincere consciousness, that the task is above my talents, and that I approach it with those anxious and awful presentiments, which the greatness of the charge, and the weakness of my powers, so justly inspire. A rising nation, spread over a wide and fruitful land, traversing all the seas with the rich productions of their industry, engaged in commerce with nations who feel power and forget right, advancing rapidly to destinies beyond the reach of mortal eye; when I contemplate these transcendent objects, and see the honor, the happiness, and the hopes of this beloved country committed to the issue and the auspices of this day, I shrink from the contemplation, and humble myself before the magnitude of the undertaking. Utterly, indeed, should I despair, did not the presence of many, whom I here see, remind me, that, in the other high authorities provided by our Constitution, I shall find resources of wisdom, of virtue, and of zeal, on which to rely under all difficulties. To you, then, gentlemen, who are charged with the Sovereign functions of legislation, and to those associated with you, I look with encouragement for that guidance and support which may enable us to steer with safety the vessel in which we are all embarked, amidst the conflicting elements of a troubled world.

"During the contest of opinion through which we have passed, the

1801.

animation of discussions and of exertions has sometimes worn an aspect which might impose on strangers unused to think freely, and to speak and to write what they think; but this being now decided by the voice of the nation, announced according to the rules of the Constitution, all will of course arrange themselves under the will of the law, and unite in common efforts for the common good. All too will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will, to be rightful, must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal laws must protect, and to violate which would be oppression. Let us then, fellow-citizens, unite with one heart and one mind, let us restore to social intercourse, that harmony and affection without which, liberty, and even life itself, are but dreary things. And let us reflect, that having banished from our land that religious intolerance under which mankind so long bled and suffered, we have yet gained little, if we countenance a political intolerance, as despotic as wicked, and capable of as bitter and bloody persecutions. During the throes and convulsions of the ancient world, during the agonizing spasms of infuriated man, seeking through blood and slaughter his long-lost liberty, it was not wonderful that the agitation of the billows should reach even this distant and peaceful shore; that this should be more felt and feared by some, and less by others; and should divide opinions as to measures of safety; but every difference of opinion is not a difference

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