His Double Reasons-Leaves Congress-Appointed a Commissioner to France-

Reasons for declining-Takes his Seat in the Virginia House of Delegates-Leader of

the Reform Party-Principal Coadjutors, Mason, Wythe, and Madison-Principal

Opponents, Pendleton and Nicholas Bills introduced by Jefferson, and their Fate-

Bill to abolish Entails-Effect of this on Virginia considered-Creates a Party hostile

to Jefferson-His Bill to naturalize Foreigners-Bill to remove the Seat of Govern-

ment That to abolish Entails passed-Bill for a General Revision of the Laws-This

passes, and the Revisors appointed-Bill to define Treason-Bill to regulate the Laws

of Succession-Bills on other Subjects-The Committee on Religion-Their Proceed-

ings-The existing Church Establishment-Its results-Jefferson reports his Bills to

establish Courts-Obtains Leave of Absence-Summary of further Proceedings-Pro-

ject for creating a Dictator-Patrick Henry proposed for Dictator-Wirt's Exculpation

of him-How the Project was crushed-Jefferson's View of it-Meeting of the Law

Revisers Their General Plan-Allotment of their Parts-Meeting of the General

Assembly in 1777-Parties-Jefferson's Legislative Dispatch-Brings in various Bills-

The Church Question-Called Home by Illness of his Wife-Contest of Parties-R. H.

Lee's Defeat-Subsequently vindicated-His Letter to Jefferson-Jefferson's Attitude

between the Parties-Adjournment-National Events-Fall Session of General Assem-

bly Jefferson's Bills to establish Courts-Elections Jefferson's Appointment on

Committees Contest between the two Houses-Final Struggle on Bills to establish

Courts Jefferson's Bill to sequester British Property-Report of the Law Revisers-

How and by whom the Work was executed-Anecdote of Mr. Wickham-Extent of

the Revision-How certain Principles in it were settled-A Sentimental Anecdote

exploded-Jefferson opposed to the Principle of Retaliation-His Bill for establishing

Religious Freedom-Original and amended Copy-His other Religious Bills-History

of Religious Bills continued-Washington's, Henry's, and R. H. Lee's opinions in favor

of Compulsory Church Levies-The Struggle completed-Jefferson's three Educational

Bills Copy of Preamble of his Free School Bill-Analysis of its Provisions-Further

History of the three Bills-Slavery Laws Jefferson's Penal Code-General Analysis

of it-His View of the effects of the Revision-Ultimate Fate of the Revision-Letter to

Franklin-Chasms in Mr. Jefferson's Correspondence explained-His warm Appeal for

British Prisoners-Correspondence with English and German Officers-Philips, de

Riedesel, de Geismer, etc.-Letter to Philips and to de Unger-Courtesies to the

Prisoners-The Baroness de Riedesel-How Jefferson was repaid by the English and

German Officers,
194

CHAPTER VII.

1779-1780.

Jefferson chosen Governor of Virginia-John Page his Competitor-Gloomy Condition of

Affairs-Particularly so in the South-Weakness of the three Southern States-Statis-

tical and Natural Causes therefor-The British Plan-War transferred to the South-

War changes in its Spirit-British Commissioners to Bribe Americans Their Strange

Manifesto-Condition of Virginia-Her Natural Exposure to the Enemy-No Fortifica-

tions Her Militia without Arms-A Nursery of Men and Provisions-How freely she

supplied these to the Cause-But wholly destitute of defensive Strength-Washington

Responsible for her Military Policy-Never was State so exposed to Invasion-General

Matthew's Invasion before Jefferson's Accession--Colonel Lawson's Account of it-

Dangers in the West-Hamilton, British Governor of Detroit-His Atrocities to Ame-

rican Prisoners-His projected Campaign of 1779-Colonel Clarke had taken Kaskas-

kias-His Winter March against Hamilton-Incredible Hardships-Takes St. Vincenne

and captures Hamilton-Randolph compares Clarke to Hannibal-Hamilton placed in

Irons General Phillips interferes Jefferson consults Washington-Washington's

Reply-Retaliations menaced on both Sides-Was Retaliation by Americans expe-

dient?-Machinations in and out of Congress-Virginia ratifies French Treaties Spain

declares War-Jefferson takes Possession of Western Country-Anecdote of Colonel

Clarke-Territorial Claims of Virginia opposed in Congress-State Rights-Count

d'Estaing arrives on the Coast-French and Americans attack Savannah-Webster

and other British Officers-Clinton takes Charleston-Losses of Virginia-Losses at

Monk's Corners-British Advance-Tarleton cuts Buford to Pieces-Description of

Tarleton and his Legion-Lee's Statements respecting British Cruelties-A theory on

the Subject-Campaign suspended-De Kalb sent South-Energetic Provisions of Vir-

ginia-A Fatal Lack-Efforts of the Virginia Ladies-Governor Jefferson's Activity-

Letter to Washington-Impressment as a Substitute for Money-Jefferson's Unsec-

tional Spirit-His Letters to Washington, Gates and Stevens-He adheres to Washing-

ton-Battle of Camden-Shameful Conduct of Virginia Militia-Sumpter surprised by

Tarleton--Cornwallis kept inactive by Illness of his Troops-Gloomy Prospects of the

South-Jefferson's Letters to Washington, Stevens, and Gates-Virginia Militia desert

-Governor's Proceedings thereon-His further Letters-Gates requests no more Men

sent Jefferson's Reply-Operations in Western Virginia-Project against Detroit-

Governor consults Washington-Gives Clarke an Option-Clarke scourges the Hostile

Tribes-Border Heroism-Project against Detroit renewed-The Governor asks Aid of

General Washington-Survey of the Mouth of the James-Governor applies to have

the French Fleet Winter in the Chesapeake-An Error of Girardin-Proceedings of

Virginia Legislature-Cornwallis advances on North Carolina-Clinton's infamous

Proclamation-Fully carried out by Cornwallis-Cornwallis's intercepted Letter-His

Conduct considered-Consequences of it-Battle of King's Mountain-Tories hung

-Gates's Remarks thereon-Just Retaliation-Its Effect Good-Effect of the Battle of

King's Mountain-Gates superseded by Greene,

CHAPTER VIII.

1780-1781.

238

Sir H. Clinton's Plans in Fall of 1780-Sends Leslie to Portsmouth-Governor Jefferson's

Preparations Convention Prisoners removed-Leslie Abandons Portsmouth-Unpre-

paredness of Virginia to resist Invasion-The State now Forewarned-Was it put in

Preparation?-Physical and Pecuniary Impossibility of this-Troops and Money raised

by the State-Governor accused of doing too Much-But his Efforts expended out of

the State-Congress and General Washington urge this Policy-Was it sound?-Virginia

cedes Northwestern Territory-Expedition against Detroit resumed-Washington

notifies Jefferson of British Embarkation-He did not intend to specially alarm

Virginia Judge Marshall's Statements-Washington to Steuben-Why Virginia was

not alarmed-Washington foresaw this-Arnold enters Chesapeake December 30th-

Governor's Measures-Legislature adjourns-Arnold lands and advances on Rich-

mond-Governor's Measures and Personal Movements-Arnold enters Richmond-His

Proposals contemptuously rejected by the Governor-The most valuable Public

Stores saved-Amount of the Public Losses-Arnold retires-The Governor unaided

by other Public Functionaries-Militia assembled-Arnold's Fortuitous Escape-Harry

Lee's Misrepresentation of this Affair-Lee's Character as a Writer-Some of his

Statements examined-Arnold intrenches himself at Portsmouth-Arrangement of

Militia Jefferson's Views of Future Prospects-Sends Succors to save Greene-

Attempts to seize Arnold's Person-Strikes the Hostile Cherokees Battle of Cowpens

-Cornwallis pursues Greene-Greene reaches Virginia-Correspondence between him

and Jefferson-Lee cuts off the Tories on Haw River-Battle of Guilford Court House-

View of Greene's Biographer of Jefferson's Services-Greene's Written Views of same

-A Virginia Party censure Jefferson's Policy-It was, in reality, Washington's Policy—

Washington's Declarations on the Subject-His Letters to Jefferson and Steuben-Not

surprised at Arnold's Success-Madison not surprised at same-Washington urges Jef-

ferson to persevere in his Policy-Cornwallis's and Clinton's View of that Policy-De

Tilley's Expedition to Portsmouth-Destouches sails for the Chesapeake-His Action

with Arbuthnot and Return-Movement of Virginia Militia to aid the French-Wash-

ington now seriously alarmed for the South,

. 283

XX

CONTENTS.

ОН АРТER IX.

1781.

Proceedings of Virginia General Assembly-Amount to Nothing-Clinton detaches

Phillips to Virginia-Governor Jefferson's Letters to President of Congress-Phillips

invades Virginia-Devastates the Country-Arnold destroys the State Marine-Commo-

dore O'Brien's Statement of the Affair-British advance on Richmond-Exploits of the

"Tobacco War" unsung-Lafayette at Richmond-Phillips's Threats-Tart Corres-

pondence-Phillips retires-Met with Dispatches from Cornwallis-Returns to Peters-

burg-Cornwallis after Battle of Guilford Court House-Greene marches to South

Carolina-General Consequences of this Measure-Terrible Consequences to Virginia-

Greene's Justification-Cornwallis advances unresisted on Virginia-Phillips's Death

-Lafayette's refusal to correspond with Arnold-American Prisoners threatened—

Governor Jefferson's Proclamation concerning Paroles-Legislature meet and adjourn

-The Governor's Personal Movements-His noticeable Letter to Washington, May 28th

-Washington's Reply and Personal Acknowledgments-Cornwallis reaches Peters-

burg-His complete Superiority of Force-Flushed with his Prospects-Pursues

Lafayette-Mercer's timely Arrival-"The Boy" Escapes-Simcoe dispatched to the

Point of Fork-Steuben's Retreat-Tarleton's attempts to seize Governor and Legis-

lature-A Detachment proceeds to Monticello-Preparations of the Governor, and his

Retreat-Conduct of two Slaves-Handsome conduct of British at Monticello-Tarle-

ton's Orders on the Subject-Cornwallis's at another of Mr. Jefferson's Estates-Devas-

tation and Butchery-List of Jefferson's Losses from Farm Book-The dying Slaves-

Jefferson's Provocations to such Treatment-Cornwallis's customary Atrocities and

Robberies-Why these Things should be remembered-Jefferson resolves to decline a

Reelection-Continental Officers' Opinions of his Military Administration-Differences

between Civil and Military Officers in the Revolution-Legislature meets at Staunton-

"Another Panic "-Another Dictator Project-Necessity of putting Jefferson hors de

combat-Resistance justly anticipated from him-Charged with Official Misconduct

Proposed Inquiry supported by his Friends-Dictator Project again relinquished from

fear-Jefferson then openly declines a Reelection-Votes of his Friends still required

to prevent his Reëlection-His Movements after retreating before Tarleton--Inquiry

into his Conduct not an "Impeachment "-Inquiry deeply regretted by Friends of

the Mover-The "Objections" and "Answers"-Character of the Objections-The

66 Flights" "considered-Error in Congress Edition of Mr. Jefferson's Works-Jefferson

enters the Legislature to meet the Inquiry-Inquiry dropped-Unanimous Vindication

of Governor Jefferson-George Nicholas's Reparation,
321

CHAPTER X.

1781-1784.

Mr. Jefferson again appointed a Plenipotentiary-Reasons for declining-His Wife's

shattered Health-His Retirement-An Accident-Writes Notes on Virginia--How he

collected Materials-Character of the Work-Buffon's and Raynal's Theories-An

Arithmetical Argument considered-Jefferson's Ethnological Remarks-Slavery-

Religion-Geology-Letter to Lafayette-To Edmund Randolph-To General Wash-

ington-De Chastellux's Visit to Monticello-Comments on his Narrative-Jefferson's

Mechanical Tastes-Declines to attend Legislature-Madison's Comments Monroe's

Letter to him-Jefferson's morbid Sensibility-Occasion of it-His Wife's Decline-

Closing Scenes Jefferson refuses to appeal to Sympathy-His Wife's Death-His

Daughter's Description of what followed-His Family Register-Mementos of the

Dead-Small pox-Mr. Jefferson appointed Plenipotentiary third time-Reasons for

Acceptance-Proposed as Secretary for Foreign Affairs-Repairs to Philadelphia-

Letter to Washington and Reply-Awaits an Opportunity to sail to Europe-Reasons

for not proceeding-Letters to Eppes-Elected to Congress-Home Occupations-

A Series of Family Letters commenced-Three Letters to Martha Jefferson-Congress

meet-Washington's Resignation-Jefferson's Report-Chairman of Committee on

Treaty of Peace-Reports a Committee of States-The Plan fails-Reports a Money

Unit and a Coinage-Reports in favor of Commissioners of Treasury-Reports on

Public Indebtedness, etc.-Cession of Northwest Territory-Reports Plan of Govern-

ment for Western Territory-Proceedings of Congress thereon-Reports Plan for

locating and disposing of Public Lands-Reports Instructions for Foreign Ministers-

Leaves Congress-His undisputed leadership in it-Was he a Practical Man-Did he

ride or guide the Current-Criticisms of Opponents-Proofs furnished by his History-

His Manners a source of Error-His peculiar Habits of Conversation-An Anecdote-

A Description by his Grandson-Clarendon's Description of Hampden-Jefferson's Cor-

respondence with Washington-On Virginia Internal Improvements-Washington asks

Jefferson's Advice concerning Cincinnati-Jefferson's Answer-Their Personal Inter-

views Two Letters to Martha Jefferson-Du Simitiere and Rittenhouse,

CHAPTER XI.

1784-1786.

361

Jefferson appointed Minister Plenipotentiary-Preparations for Departure-His Voyage

-Personal Arrangements in Paris-Action of American Ministers-Jefferson prints his

Notes on Virginia-Driven to permit Publication-Commercial Negotiations of 1784-

Dr. Franklin's return Home-Jefferson Minister to France-Sources of his Popularity

there-The existing Political Condition of France-The Patriotic Party-Jefferson's

Standing with it-His Standing with the People and Government-His position between

Adams and Franklin-Mr. and Mrs. Adams's Personal Feelings towards him-Progress

of Negotiations in 1785-Difficulties with the Barbary States-Adams for Tribute, Jef-

ferson for War-Jefferson's Views on a Navy-On proper Objects of National Indus-

try-On Questions before Congress-On Virginia Matters-Subjects of his Correspond

ence-His Impressions of France-On Advantage of European Education to Ameri-

cans-His Letter to Peter Carr-Changes his Residence in Paris-His Rooms at Car-

thusian Monastery-Official Correspondence of 1786-Negotiations with French Gov-

ernment The Farmers-General-Correspondence with Washington-Furnishes matter

for Encyclopédie Méthodique-His proposed Remedy for American Overtrading-Views

on" Annexation"-A Rumble of the Earthquake-John Ledyard-Jefferson sent for

by Mr. Adams-Letter to Martha-Journey to London-Negotiations with Portugal

and Barbary States-Offer of Commercial Treaty to England-Jefferson's Presentation

at Court His and Mr. Adams's Statements compared-Jefferson's Impressions of

England-Visits various Classic Scenes-His Journal-His lack of Sentiment-With

Mr. Adams at Stratford-upon-Avon-At Battle-field of Worcester-Jefferson as a Prac-

ticalist and Idealist-Occupation on return to France-Another Contest with the Far-

mers-General-Arranges a League against Barbary States-Why it fell through-View

of Europe after another Year's Stay-Corrections to Mr. Soulés Work on America-

Lafayette's Bust placed in Hôtel de Ville-Jefferson's and Lafayette's Relations-An

Unlucky Phrase-Lord Bolingbroke borrowed from-The Order of Bernis-Accident

to Jefferson-His Letter to Washington on Cincinnati-His first View of the Govern-

ment to be formed by Convention of 1787-Other Correspondence-Misunderstanding

with Robert Morris-A Day Dream-Made Doctor of Laws-Remarks on Shay's Insurrec-

411

tion-Was Jefferson's Democracy "French Democracy?"

CHAPTER XII.

1787.

Causes which led to Convening the Assembly of Notables, in France-Death of the

Count de Vergennes Jefferson to Carrington on Shay's Insurrection-Sketches the

Character of Adams, Lafayette, etc., to Madison-Motives of his Journey to South of

France-Barbary Affairs-Advises Lafayette to make the English Constitution the

Model for France-Sets out on his Journey-Letter to De Tesse advising Moderation in

the Assembly of Notables-A Brazilian Envoy-A Letter to his Daughter filled with his

Philosophy of Life-The Waters of Aix of no Benefit-Reasons for proceeding to Italy-

Writes Martha from Tonlon-Letter to Lafayette containing some noble Sentences-

Crosses the Alps-Reaches Turin-Obtains the principal Object of his Journey-Pro-

ceeds to Milan, Pavia, Genoa, and back to Nice-Sums up what he saw, in a Letter to

Mr. Wythe-A Memorable Opinion on making the Grape an American Staple of Indus-

try-Commercial Arrangements with Italian Merchants-Writes Martha from Marseilles

and the Canal of Languedoc-To Mr. Eppes from Bordeaux-To Martha from Nantes-

His Yearnings for his Younger Daughter-A Letter to Martha worth the Perusal of all

Young Ladies Some Characteristics of Martha Jefferson-Changes in the French Min-

istry-Jefferson asks a Modification of Duties on American Imports-His Views on

current American Questions-Letter to Hartley, giving the length and breadth of his

Democracy-Letters of Advice to future Sons-in-law-Arrival of his Daughter "Polly"

(Mary) in England-Mrs. Adams's Description of her-Martha and Mary Jefferson-

The Relations which Mr. Jefferson bore to his Daughters-Their Feelings towards and

Declarations concerning him-Threatening Indications rife in Europe-Paris in Com-

motion-A Lull in Affairs-All of Jefferson's Objects attained-His Reflections on the

State of Europe-His King-phobia increased-His Views on American Policy-His first

View of the new United States Constitution-Parts liked and parts disliked by him—

Ultimately favors its Adoption-All his Objections but one met by the Amendment of

1789-90-Private Correspondence in 1787-Daniel Webster's Anecdote of him-A

Federal Ideal of Jefferson-The Blunder of a Conversationalist-How far did Jefferson

borrow his Politics, Morals, and Religion from France?-What understood by the

Imputation of "French Religion"-Character of French Infidelity-When have we

a Right to inquire into Private Religious Beliefs ?-We unquestionably have that Right in

Jefferson's case-At what Stage of the Narrative this will be done-A related but

essentially different Question-The Religious Issue between the living Jefferson and his

Opponents must be earlier discussed,

462

CHAPTER XIII.

1788-1789.

First Official Acts in 1788-Paul Jones-Pecuniary Difficulties of United States-Jefferson

repairs to Holland-With Adams effects Loans-Tour up the Rhine-Mathematical

Formula for shaping a Plow-State of Paris at his Return-Letter to General Washing-

ton-Proposes transferring French Debts to Holland-Gives Brissot Letters of Intro-

duction-Outfit-New Consular Convention-Annoyed by French Creditors of United

States-Repulses Impertinence of General Armand-Asks Leave of Absence-Nobody

to grant it-Miscellaneous Correspondence of the Year-Questions a Theory of New-

ton-Disregard of mere Authority in Science-Newton, Buffon, and Lavoisier-Blunders

of the Learned-Curtain drops on Poor Ledyard-His Warm Affection for Jefferson-

Jefferson declines joining Society for Abolition of Slave Trade-English Judicial Deci-

sions in America-Letter to General Washington-Inside Views Opinion on Female

Influence in French Politics-Further History of French Affairs-Famine in the Winter

of 1788-9-Relief from America-Recall of French Minister in America asked-Gover-

neur Morris's Secret-Extracts from Letters and Diary of Morris-Speculations-

France on Morris's Shoulders Jefferson's Views of Proper Objects of the Patriots-

Sack of Reveillon's House-Opening States-General-Disputes between Orders-

Lafayette's Instructions and Jefferso Advice-Progress of Events-Jefferson's Let-

ter to St. Etienne-Proposes a Charter of Rights-Patriots demand too much and

lose all Character of Necker-Jefferson and Mirabeau-Further Events "Let the

People eat Grass"-The Issue of Blood made up-Jefferson between the Military and