President Thomas Jefferson (left), and Secretary of State James Madison (right)
“Mr. President,” Hamilton said. “I believe this plot by General Wilkinson and Aaron Burr poses a mortal danger to this Union. I ask that you empower me, as a General in the Army of the United States, to chase them down and end this plot.”
Thomas Jefferson, a long-faced man with his reddish-grey hair tied into a ponytail, just blinked, his expression otherwise not changing.
Secretary of State James Madison, a short, birdlike man, was perched on the edge of his chair near by. He listened with intensity, and watched skeptically with beady eyes.
Jefferson finally spoke. “I do not doubt that the character of either of these men would lead them into such a scheme.” He looked at the floor. “But our response must be more complicated than what you propose.”
“I have proven my devotion to this country in previous service,” Hamilton protested. “I do not understand why you would deny me this opportunity to serve.” Clearly irked, Hamilton charged, “Is your reluctance due to our personal differences?”
“No, no…” Jefferson denied. “Of course not.” He nodded, then looked carefully to Madison. “You must allow us some time to discuss this. Would you step into the drawing room, and we shall call for you.”
“Of course.” Hamilton stood, and a servant opened the door to lead him from the President’s office
“What is he up to?” asked Madison, once Hamilton had gone.
Hamilton and Madison had once believed they shared a common ideal for the future of their country. They had even cooperated closely in writing the Federalist Papers – the logical-rhetorical advocacy pieces which had convinced the leaders and populations of several distrustful or intransigent states to accept the current United States Constitution, rather than rejecting it as too constrictive of states’ rights. But, over time, they realized that they had somewhat different purposes toward the same ideal. Hamilton, Madison felt, was far too enamored with the idea of a strong national government. He and others of like mind had built up a political coalition known as the Federalist Party. Madison had gravitated into the republican camp, led by Thomas Jefferson, which increasingly found itself at complete odds with everything the Federalists desired.
“Perhaps he wants an opportunity to hunt down Burr and kill him,” Madison suggested.
Pondering for a moment, Jefferson shook his head. “That man has no room in his mind for vengeance. All he has is ambition.” He shook his head again, in confusion and frustration this time. “He may be a part of the plot. A bold part he’s playing, if so.”
Madison nodded. “Do we have the power to stop him, if he intends to raise an army?”
“A private one?” Jefferson asked, knowing the answer. “Probably not. It could mean civil war if we took up arms against him.”
“We cannot condone his recruiting either, though.”
“We will raise an army,” Jefferson said. “But it must be under an officer we can trust. And Hamilton cannot know of it.”
“Do we dare to turn Hamilton away unanswered?”
“No. We can give him some limited funds, so he believes we are supporting him. But we cannot have a Federal connection to the money. If that came to light, once our soldiers arrest him, it would be difficult to explain away.” He contemplated further. “Besides, I am not certain that Albert would back us up, if he had any awareness of the deal.” Jefferson referred to Albert Gallatin, his Treasury Secretary, a committed Republican but one who in Jefferson’s opinion held insufficient skepticism of Hamilton.
Jefferson saw the plan clearly now. “Let us assist Hamilton privately, allow him to go on his little journey, then once he has declared himself, the Army can take all three of these men into custody.”