Genet, on which,
nevertheless, no scruples had been expressed. The President took up
the subject with more vehemence than I have seen him show, and decided
without reserve, that not only what had passed on the inexecution of the
treaty should go in as public (in which Hamilton and Knox had divided
in opinion from Randolph and myself), but also that those respecting the
stopping our corn should go in as public (wherein Hamilton, Knox, and
Randolph had been against me.) This was the first instance I had seen of
his deciding on the opinion of one against that of three others, which
proved his own to have been very strong.
December the 1st, 1793. Beckley tells me he had the following fact from
Lear. Langdon, Cabot, and some others of the Senate, standing in a knot
before the fire after the Senate had adjourned, and growling together
about some measure which they had just lost; 'Ah!' said Cabot,
'things will never go right till you have a President for life, and an
hereditary Senate.' Langdon told this to Lear, who mentioned it to the
President. The President seemed struck with it, and declared he had not
supposed there was a man in the United States who could have entertained
such an idea.
*****
*****
March the 2nd, 1797. I arrived at Philadelphia to qualify as
Vice-President, and called instantly on Mr. Adams, who lodged at
Francis's, in Fourth street. The next morning he returned my visit
at Mr.
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