596 THOMAS JEFFERSON JEFFERSON CITY nrchy in America. Such was Jefferson as a statesman and leader of a party under the old regime, which was ruled by his enemies. Under the new order of things, with his own party in power, the case was altered. The force of his opinions of the rights of individuals suffered a marked diminution when Aaron Burr openly bearded his authority. He threw the weight of his great office against Burr, and advised that one of his counsel, Luther Martin, should be indicted as an accomplice, in order to " put down this impudent and unprincipled federal bulldog." In the same manner, his state rights doctrines became modified. The executive au- thority had to be stretched to cover the pur- chase of Louisiana ; and he became convinced on other occasions that the federal government, to use his own expression, must "show its teeth." In social life he faithfully carried out his democratic principles. He discarded every advantage which his birthright gave him, and mingled familiarly with the common people, as their equal. He was naturally a democrat, and held as a radical doctrine of his philosophy the principle that one man is no better than another. He was easily approached, and the natural amia- bility of his character rendered his society de- lightful to all classes. His dislike of all the trappings of authority was excessive. Not content with eradicating all traces of past au- thority and influence, he inaugurated a crusade against the old forms and ceremonies which had accompanied it. Washington had held levees, and awaited the two houses, standing in full dress to receive them. Jefferson abol- ished the practice, and sent his first message by an unofficial hand to avoid the address which was customary. A committee had been usually appointed to inform the president of his elec- tion ; but Jefferson declared it was more in con- sonance with the simplicity of republican insti- tutions to communicate the intelligence through the common post office. To all titles of honor he was strongly opposed. " Excellency," " Hon- orable," and even "Mr.," were distasteful to him. He could wish, he declared, that the last, too, might disappear. It was always " Thomas Jefferson," or " T. J.," not "Mr. Jefferson," who presented his respects to "the president," not " your excellency." These apparent trifles were in reality strong indications of the character of the man, and contributed powerfully to his popularity with the people. He was regarded as the epitome and incarnation of democracy, as opposed to the old world of aristocracy. These social traits were supported by consum- mate partisan ability. He never made a formal public speech, but his adroitness in politics was unsurpassed, and his management of persons and events for the accomplishment of the ends which he aimed at was masterly. The objects which he had in view were in a large measure attained by his elaborate correspondence. Mon- ticcllo became the centre of a vast system of political nerves, extending their ramifications throughout the nation. In his retirement Jef- ferson was thus as powerful as in office. His hand was often felt as decisively, and his opin- ions, instilled into active minds holding high positions, became not seldom the ruling in- fluence in public affairs. Slavery he regarded as a moral and political evil ; but in opposing it he did not advocate a change in the agricul- tural character of the south. He wrote that the people would " remain virtuous as long as agriculture is our principal object, which will be the case while there remain vacant lands in America. When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become corrupt as in Europe." At home he was a tender husband and father, a mild master, a warm friend, and a delightful host. His knowl- edge of life, extensive travels, and long famil- iarity with great events and distinguished men, rendered his conversation highly attractive to mere social visitors. His scientific acquisi- tions, and the deep interest which he took in all branches of natural history, made his society equally agreeable to men of learning. Many such visited him, and were impressed as deeply by his general knowledge as they were charmed by the courtesy of his demeanor. De Chas- tellux, De Liancourt, and other noblemen and foreigners of distinction, came away from Mon- ticello with an enthusiastic opinion of their host, and informed all Europe that the country gentleman of Virginia was the most accom- plished man of his epoch. In entertaining this diverse society, in reading, writing, riding, and attending to his farms, passed the intervals of his absence from public affairs, and the long period of retirement which extended from the termination of his presidency to his death. Of his "Notes on Virginia" many editions have been published ; that issued at Richmond in 1853 was revised from his own annotated copy. His "Manual of Parliamentary Prac- tice " is used by congress and other legislative bodies in America. A portion of his manu- scripts were purchased by congress in 1848, edited by H. A. Washington, and published under the title, " The Writings of Thomas Jef- ferson; being his Autobiography, Correspon- dence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and other Writings, Official and Private," &c. (9 vols. 8vo, Washington, 1853-'5). Among the bio- graphical works relating to Jefferson, the most important are : " Memoirs, Correspondence, and Private Papers," edited by his grandson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph (4- vols., New York, 1829) ; " Life, and part of his unpublished Cor- respondence," by George Tucker (2 vols., Phil- adelphia, 1837); "Life," by Henry S. Randall (3 vols., New York, 1858); "Domestic Life," compiled from family sources, by his grand- daughter Sarah N. Randolph (New York, 1871); and " Life," by James Parton (Boston, 1874). JEFFERSON CITY, the capital of Missouri and seat of justice of Cole co., situated on the S. or right bank of the Missouri river, 143 m. above its confluence with the Mississippi, oppo- site the mouth of Cedar creek, and 125 m. W.
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