Breathe Of Heaven

“The fate of the Union hangs in the balance: Federalists warn of Jefferson’s radical policies!”
“Domestic stalemate: Republic in crisis”
—rear Headlines during the US election of 1800.

The third US presidential election, similar to today's polarized politics, was characterized by intense ideological clashes and heightened fears of violence. The rural-urban divide fueled tensions over state and federal power, anticipating today's debates about federal power and state and local sovereignty.

Thomas Jefferson's Democratic-Republican party portrayed incumbent John Adams and the Federalists as elitist and out of touch with ordinary Americans, while Adams' supporters portrayed him as an agricultural agitator. Ta. A constitutional flaw (which persists) resulted in both candidates receiving the same number of electoral votes, creating the first major constitutional crisis. The House ultimately elected Mr. Jefferson with 65% of the parliamentary vote.

Despite the bitter struggle, Jefferson's election marked the first peaceful transfer of contested democratic power. After this bitter conflict, also known as the “Revolution of 1800,” Jefferson delivered his inaugural address, which became a model for reconciliation in American politics at a critical time for democracy. His conciliatory tone surprised many Federalists, who had expected resentment to continue after such a contentious election.

Despite the complexities and contradictions of his personality, Jefferson's words from his first inaugural address in 1801 still resonate. An excerpt is provided here without further comment. Some sentences have been modified to fit current English usage. This speech is often considered a seminal moment in American political rhetoric.

“Through our political debates and disagreements, that passionate debate and engagement can become hostile or extreme, especially for people who are not used to a society with freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and the freedom to express opinions. But this is now decided by the voice of the people and announced according to the rules of the Constitution, which naturally places everyone under the will of the law and of the common good. will be united in a joint effort.

“And everyone will bear in mind the sacred principle that in all cases the will of the majority shall prevail, but that what is just must be reasonable; There are rights that must be protected by the Equality Act, and any violation of these rights constitutes oppression.

“Then, my fellow countrymen, let us unite with one heart and mind. Let us restore the harmony and love of social intercourse, without which freedom and even life are but boring things. And humanity Although we have banished from this country the religious intolerance that has long bled and suffered, even in the face of political intolerance that is tyrannical and evil and capable of virulent and bloody persecution. , let us reflect that we still have little to gain. All differences of opinion are not differences of principle. We have all called brothers of the same principle different names. We are all Federalists.

“If there are any among us who wish to dissolve this union or change the form of our republic, we have a safe monument where errors of opinion are tolerated, provided that reason remains free to fight against it. Leave them standing flat as.

“Sure, I know some honest people are worried that the Republican government can't be strong, that this government isn't strong enough, but I'm sure honest patriots are worried about the success of the experiment. Will we ride this wave and abandon the government we've had so far?''We wonder if this government, the world's greatest hope, just needs the energy to sustain itself. , freely and resolutely harboring visionary fears?

“I believe otherwise. I believe, on the contrary, that this is the most important government on earth. I think that's the only place that deals with breaches of public order as a matter of concern.

“Let us live, then, for generations to come, our federal and republican principles—our commitment to unions and representative government. Let religion guide us in its many forms and teach us integrity and a desire for humanity's present and future well-being. Let's acknowledge the providence. What more do we need in order to prosper while receiving such blessings?

“Furthermore, my fellow citizens, a wise and frugal government will restrain men from injuring one another, and will otherwise be free to regulate industry and the pursuit of improvement, and will allow the mouths of workers to I will not take away bread from 'it's earned. This is the sum of good government needed to close the circle of our happiness. . .

“If we stray from these principles in a moment of error or alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps and restore the path that leads to peace, freedom, and security.”

After Mr. Jefferson spoke on the Senate floor, the Rev. Thomas John Claggett, Episcopal bishop of Maryland, offered the closing prayer. The prayer invoked blessings on the new president and the people, asked for divine guidance for the country and its leaders, and asked for wisdom, unity and protection for the republic.
“The storm has passed, so we are at the port.”

—Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Adams, March 29, 1801.

personal This discussion relies on historical facts and widely available information. The main sources of information I consulted are: Jefferson's Founding Call: First Inaugural Address Written by Stephen Howard Brown (2003). thomas jefferson: books Edited by Merrill D. Peterson (1984).“The Creation of the United States: The Election of 1800.”

—Library of Congress.
Enthusiastic partisans, both political and religious, act as if the only people at the proverbial Thanksgiving dinner are loud-mouthed Uncle Harry, liberal feminist Melinda, and sweet Mama Jane. Like our own families, our national heritage also includes people like them and those who are fed up but cannot leave the table entirely. American history is not just about liberalism and John Locke, republicanism and James Madison, progressivism and Elizabeth Warren, and populism and Donald Trump.

All of these things and more are part of our DNA and make us who we are. Of course, it became like a table where no one could leave. I am certainly more than family, but no less, whether I like it or not. That includes you.

After crossing swords throughout their lives, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died as former enemies who had come to respect each other's differences, reconciled.

other

inaugural speech – Summaries, more complete excerpts, and entire documents. “When you climb a mountain…”From “one of the remarkable love letters written in the English language,” among the long correspondence that the widowed Jefferson had with a close married friend, Maria Coswayan accomplished British-Italian artist and musician known for her beauty and social influence, and their relationship is said to be “platonic.” This communication contains 12 pages of noteworthy content example a specific character for ;

quotation (December 24, 1786). Apparently Mame-san. Cosway, who had warm feelings for Jefferson, didn't know what to make of all the talk about Jefferson's “head” and “heart.”

Reverend Thomas John Claggett – First bishop of the newly established Episcopal Church in America. Third chaplain of the United States Senate, appointed during its first session in Washington, DC, in 1870.