“The victories you speak of were won by fraud and every unworthy device.  I am not arguing that, such being the case, we are justified in turning their weapons upon them, but that for the good of the country the enemy should be suppressed before they are able to accomplish its demoralization, if not its ruin.  The triumph of Jefferson and Jacobinism, the flourishing of Democracy upon the ruins of Federalism, too long a taste of power by the States rights fanatics, means, with the weak spots in our Constitution, civil war.  Burr has sowed the seeds of municipal corruption, which, if the sower be rewarded by the second office in the gift of the people, will spread all over the Union.  That many in the ranks of Democracy are in the pay of France, and design the overthrow of the Government, there is not a shadow of doubt.  If Jefferson should die in office, or a tie, in spite of all I could do, should give the Presidency to Burr, there is nothing that man’s desperate temper would not drive him to accomplish during the time remaining to him—­for he will never be the first choice of the Democrats.  Therefore, I shall propose this measure to Jay in the course of the next two or three days, unless upon mature deliberation I alter my present opinion that the grave crisis in national affairs justifies it, or I conceive something better.”

“You will violate your higher principles,” said his wife, who had matured in a previous era.  “And it will be a terrible weapon for your enemies.”

“I have now reached that happy point where I am entirely indifferent to the broadsides of my enemies; and I believe that if I conclude to take this step, my conscience—­and history—­will justify me.”  “If you succeed,” said Betsey, shrewdly.  “But Mr. Jay is very rigid, and he lacks your imagination, your terrible gift of seeing the future in a flash.”

“It is quite true that I have little hope of persuading Jay; as little as I have of endowing him with the gift of foresight.  But, if I think best, I shall make the attempt, and whatever the consequences, I shall not regret it.”

Betsey said no more.  She knew the exact amount of remonstrance Hamilton would stand, and she never exceeded it.  When his fighting armour was on, no human being could influence him beyond a certain point, and she was too wise to risk her happiness.  Although he was too careful of her to let her suspect the hideous conflicts which raged in his soul, she was fully aware of his bitter obstinacy, and that he was the best hater in the country.  She had many gloomy forebodings, for she anticipated the terrible strain on what was left of his constitution.