The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-11-04
JEFFERSON, GILES, AND TRUMBULL.

In our recent notice of Colonel Trumbus Autobi-
ography, we mentioned his dislike 10 Mr.. Jefferson
with whom he was formerly terms OF intimacy and
friendship. Col Trumbull gives the following ac-,
count Of their alienation:
II has been seen that in Europe had been
terms Of confidence with Mr. Jefferson; this contin-
ued for time that m America, when the first
mission TO the States of Barbary determined on,
IL was, through him. offered 10 me, and declined but,
as the French revolution advanced, my whole soul re-
VOTED from the atrocities Of France while he approved
or apologlzed foi ALL lie opposed Washington re-
vered hln--and GOODNESS gradually succeeded until
IN 1913 he invited me TO dine few days before,
had offended his friend, Mi Giles, Senator from Vii
ginia by rendering him ridiculous in the eyes Of la
dy, TO whose favorable opinion he aspired. On enter
ing The drawing at Mr.. Jeiiersons the day OF
the dinner, found part OF the company already
semhled and among them Mr. Giles. | was scarcely
seated, when Giles began 10 rally me upon the puri-
tannical ancestry and character of New England.
saw there was other person from New England
present, and therefore, although conscious that
In no degree qualified to manage a religious discus
sion YET felt myself bound to make the attempt and
defend my country on this delicate point as well as
could
Whether il had been pre-arranged that discussion
on the Christian religion in which il should be pow
erfuy rdiculed on the side, and weakly defended
on the other should be brought forward promising
amusement TO rather free-thinking dinner party,
will not determine but il had that appearance and
Mr.. Giles pushed his raillery, TO my small annov-
ance, II not difcomftuIe, until dinner was announced.
That, | hoped, would relieve me- by giving a new
turn to the conversation, but such not the case
the company was hardly seated at table, when he
newed his attack with increased asperity and proceed
ed so far at last as to rdicule the character conduct
and doctrines Of the divine founder Of religion
Jefferson in the mean time smiling and noddlng APP
probation on MY Giles while the of the company
silently left me and my defence to fate until
length, my friend, David Franks-frst Cashier of the
Bank Of the United States-took up the argument
tta h,nEt. a.. g..
ing farther conversation this subject, turned to
Mr. Jefferson and said, Sir this is strange siua-
ton in which find myself: in a country protesting
Christianity, and at table with Christians, as sup
posed find my religion and myself attacked with
we're and almost irresistible wit and raery, and not
person TO aid me in my defence, but my friend Mr.
Franks, loho is himself Jelr." For moment this
attempt TO parry the discussion appeared to have
effect but Giles returned TO the attack with re-
newed vruence, and burst out with " Ii is all mise
rable delusion and priescraft; do not believe
word OF all they say about future state of existence,
and retrlbution for actions done here | do not be-
lieve enc word of Supreme Being who takes cogni-
zance OF the paltry affairs of this world and to whom
we are responsible for what we do"
had never before heard or seen in writing such
broad and unqualified avowal of Atheism. | was at
first shocked, and remained moment silent but soon
rallied and replied, :" Mr.. Giles, admire your frank
ness and is but just that shout be equally frank
In avowing my sentiments. Sir, in my opinion, the
man who can with sincerity make the declaration
which you have just made is perfectly prepared for
the commission of every arocious action, by which
he can promise himself the advancement Of his
interest, or the qualification of his impure passions,
provided he can commit it secretly, and with reason
able probability of escaping detection by his fellow
men. Sir, would not trust such with the no.
nor of a wife, a sister, OF daughtcr-wth my own
purse or reputation with any thing which thought
valuable Our acquaintance, sir, is end" rose
and left the company, and never after spoke to Mr.
Giles.
have thought il proper to relate this conversation,
as helping to elucdate the character Of Mr. Jefferson
on the disputed point of aodnt Of creduiity he would
call it. In noddlng and smiling assent to all the vlru-
ence of his friend, Mr. Giles, he appeared to to
ayow most distinctly his entire appreciation From
this time my acquaintance with Mr. Jefferson became
cold and distant.