While the Presidential election was taking place in the House of
Representatives, amid scenes of great excitement, strife and intrigue,
which was to decide whether Jefferson or Burr should be the chief
magistrate of the nation, Jefferson was stopped one day, as he was
coming out of the Senate chamber, by Gouverneur Morris, a prominent
leader of the Federalists.
Mr. Morris said, "I wish to have an earnest talk with you, Mr.
Jefferson, on the alarming situation of things."
"I am very glad," said Jefferson, "to talk matters over with you."
"As you well know," said Mr. Morris, "I have been strenuously opposing
you, as have also the large minority of the States."
"To be frank with you," he continued, "we are very much afraid of you."
"We fear,
"First--That you will turn all the Federalists out of office.
"Second--That you will put down the navy.
"Third--That you will wipe off the public debt
"Now, if you will declare, or authorize your friends to declare that you
will not take these steps, your election will be made sure."
Mr. Jefferson replied, "Gouverneur Morris, I naturally want to be
President, and yet I cannot make any terms to obtain the position.
"I shall never go into the office by capitulation. I cannot have my
hands tied by any conditions which would hinder me from pursuing the
measures which I deem best for the public good.
"I must be perfectly free. The world can judge my future course by that
which I have hitherto followed.
"I am thankful to you for your interest, but I cannot make the slightest
promise."