Thomas Jefferson - A Character Sketch Would Make No Promises for the Presidency byEllis, Edward S. (A.M.)
While the Presidential election was taking place in the House of
Representatives, amid scenes of great excitement, strife and intrigue, which
was to decide whether Jefferson or Burr should be the chief magistrate of
the nation, Jefferson was stopped one day, as he was coming out of the
Senate chamber, by Gouverneur Morris, a prominent leader of the Federalists.
Mr. Morris said, "I wish to have an earnest talk with you, Mr. Jefferson, on
the alarming situation of things."
"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.
"I must be perfectly free. The world can judge my future course by that
which I have hitherto followed.
"I am thankful to you for your interest, but I cannot make the slightest
promise."
