Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1827-05-29

those transmitted afterwards. till the md of tho
session, were denominaed messages An ,bes,
will come int this fourth PART tos., her with nm
CARNATIONS, and selection OF some Of the hes, ai
dresses, or rather replies to addresses that we,a
made to Washington at different periods Of his life
To this part free additions will be con,ribv, ed
! by way OF notes. In the character of w s.hinstoa
/ mere was not more predominant practical trait
IMAM MS extreme care 10 possess himself of The
views oil persons IN HON he bed confidence, re-
sPeeuhg any pubic measure, before he proceeded
10 act. This was his uniform practice in the aruv
and one 10 which he adhered more ri-sdly il r,~sa
siole, after he as placed at the head of the Go
Vefhment speech, or message, was rarely
composed before he had consulted he members OF
the Cabinet, and solicited their opinions separately
IN writing, both as 10 the points suitable to be-
introduced, and ihe manner OF Introducing them,
When these opinions had been compared, deli
oers'eIy examined, and weighed, be woulc oon-
suuct MS message according to the dictates
OF ms Judgment, thus enlightened, sometimes
making free use OF what had been furnished, az
others CHI osing in preference the suggestions OF
his own mind. Il was a rule with BIN however
to adopt what he deemed the best thoughts w or DIS.
aud expressions, from whatever quarter ,hey mie6s
come Several OF these elements Of messages are
preserved, and are curious, as showing the steps
oy which mind like Washington 's was gradually
leo TO results on subjects of delicacy and inaeni-
tude, and the invarisble caution with which be
@~~'~NNS
persons, whom he appears to have consulted with
special confidence, Hamilton Jefferson,
Randolph, and Pickering OF the cabinei, and also
Jay and Madison Even after Hamilton retired
from the cabinet, he was applied 10 with searca<
y less freedom and frequency, than while in
a public station.
The opinions of the members OF The Cabinet
commonly written out with care and labor, on va
rlsu' important subjects brought up from time 10
kline ior uiscusslor, possess much value as con-
nec'sd with the history of the events ct ,ha day,
II was period when some of the most interest,"
ing points relating to the intercourse between tho
United states and other countries had not beer
settled, and when our infant eEublic was not of
an age 10 have gained wisdom and character ty
experience. On The question whether Minister
from France, during the Distracted state of thai
country, should be received without qualification.
II Is well known The Cabinet we're divided: Ham
mon and knnx being one side, and Jefferson
and Randolph on the other. This nvolved auo-
her question, e neither the treaty with France vas
binding on the United States, or whether the dis
solution OF the old French Government had made
u null TINS question srgued with sIeai
ability by Hamilton and Jefferson on oppcsit.
sides. Other important opinions Of the respectivs
members OF the Cabinet, those relative TO tho
Iaitcation Of the treaty with Great Britain; also
respecting the call OF the American Minise r froin
= rance; and series OF opinions the resolution
OF the House OF Represenl stives, requesting pa
peFs from the President, which be refused TO grant
In these subjects, and others of similar kind the
PuoIc TOOK deep Concern, and the papers in
question SiloTd The fullest testimony, that hey
were not acted upon by the President vyIthou,
earnest inquiry and deliberaon, and the use OF all
the means that could be obtsned for informing and
guiding MS Judgment. These papers will be freely
consulted as occasion may require