August the 2nd.  Met again.  Hamilton spoke again three quarters of an hour.  I answered on these topics.  Object of the appeal.  The democratic society; this the great circumstance of alarm; afraid it would extend its connections over the continent; chiefly meant for the local object of the ensuing election of Governor.  If left alone, would die away after that is over.  If opposed, if proscribed, would give it importance and vigor; would give it a new object, and multitudes would join it merely to assert the right of voluntary associations.  That the measure was calculated to make the President assume the station of the head of a party, instead of the head of the nation.  Plan of the appeal.  To consist of facts and the decisions of the President.  As to facts we are agreed; but as to the decisions, there have been great differences of opinion among us.  Sometimes as many opinions as persons.  This proves there will be ground to attack the decision.  Genet will appeal also; it will become a contest between the President and Genet—­anonymous writers—­will be same difference of opinion in public, as in our cabinet—­will be same difference in Congress, lot it must be laid before them—­would, therefore, work very unpleasantly at home.  How would it work abroad?  France—­unkind—­after such proofs of her friendship, should rely on that friendship and her justice.  Why appeal to the world?  Friendly nations always negotiate little differences in private.  Never appeal to the world, but when they appeal to the sword.  Confederacy of Pilnitz was to overthrow the government of France.  The interference of France to disturb other governments and excite insurrections, was a measure of reprisal.  Yet these Princes have been able to make it believed to be the system of France.  Colonel Hamilton supposes Mr. Genet’s proceedings here are in pursuance of that system:  and we are so to declare it to the world, and to add our testimony to this base calumny of the Princes.  What a triumph to them to be backed by our testimony.  What a fatal stroke at the cause of liberty; Et tu, Brute? We indispose the French government, and they will retract their offer of the treaty of commerce.  The President manifestly inclined to the appeal to the people.* Knox, in a foolish, incoherent sort of a speech, introduced the pasquinade lately printed, called the funeral of George W—­n and James W—–­n, King and Judge, &c, where the President was placed on a guillotine.  The President was much inflamed; got into one of those passions when he cannot command himself; ran on much on the personal abuse which had been bestowed on him; defied any man on earth to produce one single act of his since he had been in the government, which was not done on the purest motives; that he had never repented but once the having slipped the moment of resigning his office, and that was every moment since; that by God he had rather be in his grave than in his present situation; that he had rather be on his farm than to be made