Über dieses Buch
Meine Mediathek
Bücher bei Google Play
CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
[A complete analytical Index will be found at the end of the third volume.]
CHAPTER I.
1743-1764.
Topography of Virginia-The Birth-place of Mr. Jefferson-Early Settlement of the State
-Large Estates acquired by the Lowland Proprietors-Their Style of Living, Manners,
Habits, and Character-Other Social Strata-Mr. Jefferson's Ancestors-His Grand-
father-Early History of his Father, Colonel Peter Jefferson-Colonel Jefferson's
Estate-He marries Jane Randolph-Genealogy of the Randolph Family-Its Settle-
ment and Great Success in Virginia-Isham Randolph, the Father-in-law of Colonel
Jefferson-Colonel Jefferson's first Civil Offices-Birth of Thomas Jefferson-Colonel
Jefferson's Removal to Tuckahoe-Assists in surveying Boundary Line and construct-
ing Map of Virginia-His Return to Albemarle-Appointed Colonel of his County
Elected a Member of the House of Burgesses-His Death and Character-His Training
of his Son, and Influence in forming his Character-Mr. Jefferson's Mother-Her Cha-
racter-Family Record-Childhood of Mr. Jefferson-His Religious Training-His
Early Education and Amusements First meets Patrick Henry-Enters College-His
Relatives at Williamsburg-His Habits of Study-His Morals and Standard of Action-
Influence of Dr. Small-Second Year in College-Attainments and Favorite Branches-
Branches which were not Favorites-Mental Characteristics-Favorite Authors-
Studies Law with Mr. Wythe-Intimacy with Governor Fauquier-Habits as a Law
Student-First Love-Personal Appearance, Accomplishments, Conversational Powers,
Temper, etc.- Becomes of Age,
CHAPTER II.
1764-1773.
1
Mr. Jefferson's Earliest Political Opinions-Opposition to the Views of his Relatives-
The Declaratory and Stamp Acts-Patrick Henry's Resolutions against the Stamp Act
-Jefferson present at the "Bloody Debate"-His Description of it-Mr. Trist's
Memoranda-Death of Jefferson's Sister-Family Details-His Garden, Farm, and
Pocket Account-Books, etc. - His Precision and Fondness for Details-Examples-
Mental Characteristics indicated-A Peculiar Habit in Conversation-Journey North-
Meets Gerry-Admitted to practise Law in the General Court-His Taste for his Pro-
fession-Extent, Character, and Profits of his Practice-Declines Colonel Nicholas's
XV
Business-His Erudition and Ability as a Lawyer-His Adaptation to the Profession-
His Qualifications for an Advocate-His Zeal in collecting Ancient Statutes-Letter
giving a Course of Reading and Study for a Lawyer-Appointed a Justice-Elected to
the House of Burgesses Session of 1769-Dissolved by Lord Botetourt-Association
of the Members Shadwell burnt Jefferson takes up his Residence at Monticello-
British Imposts of 1767 repealed-Tea Tax retained-Virginia Politics from 1770 to
1773-Jefferson's Plans for embellishing his Estate-Extracts from his Early Writings
-His Marriage-Family, Character, and Appearance of his Wife-Anecdote of Rivals
-Annoying Adventures-Death of Jefferson's Father-in-law-His and his Wife's
Patrimony-Losses on British Debts-His Providence in Money Matters-His Esta-
blishment Taste for Horses-His Horsemanship-Old Wormley's Recollections-
Specimens of the Garden-Book,
36
CHAPTER III.
1773-1775.
Meeting of the House of Burgesses, 1773-Causes of Irritation-Committee of Corres-
pondence appointed-House dissolved by Governor Dunmore-Claims of Virginia and
Massachusetts to the Honor of originating Committees of Correspondence-Claims of
Revolutionary Precedence between the Colonies-Unjust Imputations on some-Dabney
Carr's Character-His Intimacy with Mr. Jefferson, Marriage and Death-His Family-
Meeting of the Burgesses in 1774 Boston Port Bill-Fast Day Proclaimed-House
Dissolved-A Convention agreed on-Proceedings of Albemarle Freeholders-Their
Remarkable Resolutions drawn by Jefferson-Hanover Resolutions-Fairfax Resolu-
tions-Convention Meets-Delegates to Congress-Jefferson's proposed Instructions-
Their Fate-Their Novel Positions, and Extraordinary Character-Jefferson placed in
a Bill of Attainder-Instructions adopted by the Convention-Meeting of Congress-
The Virginia Committees of Safety-Jefferson Chairman of the Albemarle Committee
-The Second Convention of Virginia-Henry's Proposition to arm the Colony-His
Eloquence-Richard H. Lee-Jefferson chosen P. Randolph's Substitute to Congress-
Logan's Speech-Public Powder abstracted by the Governor's Orders-Albemarle
Volunteers ask Washington's Advice-Disturbances-Henry advances with a Military
Force on Williamsburg-The Governor succumbs-Lord North's Conciliatory Proposi-
tion-Jefferson succeeds Randolph in Congress-Remains to draw up the Answer of
Virginia-Its Contents-Final Rupture between Lord Dunmore and the House-Over-
throw of Royal Government in Virginia,
CHAPTER IV.
1775.
77
Jefferson enters Congress Journey-Causes of distinguished Reception-J. Adams's
Statements J. Adams's Description of his Character as a Member-Address on Causes
of taking up Arms-Jefferson's Action in it-His Modesty and Suavity-Public and Pri-
vate Effects of these-The Address adopted-His Portion of it given-Chairman of
Committee on Lord North's "Conciliatory Proposition"-Extracts from the Report-
Congress adjourns-Virginia Convention-Jefferson re-chosen to Congress-Attorney-
General John Randolph-Jefferson's First Letter to him-Second Letter to him-Jeffer-
son's and John Adams's wishes for Reconciliation-When Independence was first aimed
at-J. Adams's Statements Judge Jay's and Mr. Jefferson's Statements-When first
openly advocated in Congress-Patriotism vindicated at Expense of Veracity-Wirt's
Error in regard to Henry-Not wonderful that Independence was not aimed at sooner
-Curious Entry in Jefferson's Account Book-An old Contract-Violin playing-Do-
mestic Memoranda-Jefferson returns to Congress Proceedings of that Body-Jeffer
son goes Home-Death of his Mother-Action of Congress in his absence-King's
Speech-Parliament The Prohibitory Act-England employs Mercenaries-Publica-
tion of " Common Sense "-Thomas Paine and John Adams Proceedings in Congress
-The Colonial Legislatures-Their Movements towards Independence-Decisive Action
of Virginia-Jefferson's supposed connection with it-He raises Powder Money and Re-
lief Money for Boston-Cause of his long Absence from Congress-Takes his Seat May
15th-R. H. Lee moves the Resolution for Independence-Action of Congress-Reasons
urged for Delay-Committee appointed to prepare Declaration-Jefferson Chairman
instead of R. H. Lee-Marshall's, Lee's, and Tucker's Statement of Reasons-J. Adams
pronounces them Erroneous-His Three Statements Examined-Factions in Congress
-Virginia Members divided-The "Adamses and Lees" accused of Hostility to Wash-
ington-Knox, Hamilton, and Lafayette on the Subject Extracts from J. Adams's
Writings-Adams's Treatment of Harrison and others. Quarrel between the Lees and
John Jay-J. Adams's, Jay's, and Jefferson's Remarks thereon-Jay's Statement of the
Hostility to General Washington-Jefferson not considered an Enemy of Lee's-Proofs
of this Mutual Friendship between Jefferson and Washington Jefferson's Good Will
for Harrison-Treated Lee as a Friend-Charles F. Adams's Innuendoes-Jefferson's
Friends sustained Lee in Virginia Legislature-Voted for Lee to present the Indepen-
dence Resolution-Always considered Lee overrated-Afterwards alienated from him,
but never an Enemy-Jefferson befriended by all Factions-The Reasons-Explanations
of proceedings on Choice of Committee-Why this Subject is ripped up-A Division of
Talent and Labor in the Revolution-No Supernatural Men engaged in it-Benefits of
reducing Myths to Natural Proportions-A Biographer's Duty-How the Revolutionary
Leaders would have desired to be treated-Humanity more attractive than Myths-
Course that will be pursued toward Jefferson-Some Peculiarities-His Precision of
Deportment unfortunate for a Biographer,
CHAPTER V.
1776.
111
Jefferson desired by Colleagues to draft Declaration-J. Adams's Statement of a Sub-
Committee-Jefferson's Correction-His Contemporaneous Notes-Sustained by the
Original Draught-Adams's Inaccuracy as a Writer-Jefferson's Habitual Accuracy in
Facts Authorship of Declaration undisputed-C. F. Adams's extraordinary Comments
-Proceedings in Congress on Independence Resolution-Proceedings on the Declara-
tion-Jefferson's Remarks on the Amendments-Lord John Russell's The Declaration
adopted-Signing the Declaration-Fac-simile of the Draught-The Draught and
Amendments-Where the Declaration was written-The Writing Desk Jefferson
during the Debate-John Thompson, the Hatter-The Entries in the Account Book-
Meteorological Register-J. Adams, the Champion of Declaration-Jefferson's Com-
memoration of it-J. Adams's great Speech-This not preserved-Webster's "Restora-
ration" of it-Webster's and Wirt's "Restorations" unequal to Originals-The Meagre
History of the Debates-The probable Speakers-Jefferson's Description of S. Adams
-Nelson, Harrison, and McKean-Gerry, Sherman, and others-Franklin's Influence
on the Question-Jefferson's-Declaration as a Literary and Political Production-Its
Originality examined-J. Adams's and R. H. Lee's Views J. Adams's Assertion that
it repeats a Report of his Unfortunateness of the Claim-How far it was borrowed
from Otis or Locke-Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence-Contemporaneous
Reception of National Declaration-Effects on the Public Mind-Effects on the Loyalists
-On the Whigs-Reception in Southern and Middle States-In New England-Jeffer-
son's Appointments in Congress after the 4th of July-Letters,
CHAPTER VI.
1776-1779.
164
Jefferson drafts a Constitution for Virginia-What became of it-Virginia Delegates
in Congress chosen-Factions-Jefferson declines, but is chosen-Again declines-
VOL. I.-B
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'
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