William Cobbett was a British subject who fled to the United States in 1793 as a refugee from the violence of the French Revolution. While living in America, Cobbett became embroiled in the political discussions that polarized communities and generated much forceful political writing. On one side there were the Republicans, followers of Thomas Jefferson, believers in a decentralized government under which the states would retain great powers unto themselves. On the other side were the Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, who favored a strong central government and tight control over economic resources.

Into this conflict came William Cobbett, who valued the monarchy of England, treasured an orderly progression of public affairs, and abhorred the chaos created by revolution. He loathed what he had seen in France and it disturbed him to think that the Jeffersonians would lend any support to that "rabble." Most of all, he feared that...