“From the situation where I now am, I see a scene of ambition beyond all my former suspicions or imaginations; an emulation which will turn our government topsy-turvy.  Jealousies and rivalries have been my theme, and checks and balances as their antidotes, till I am ashamed to repeat the words; but they never stared me in the face in such horrid forms as at present.  I see how the thing is going.  At the next election England will set up Jay or Hamilton, and France Jefferson, and all the corruption of Poland will be introduced; unless the American spirit should rise and say, we will have neither John Bull nor Louis Baboon.”

In 1800, the seat of government was removed to Washington.  In taking possession of the President’s house, Mr. Adams bestowed a benediction on it, which must ever meet with a response from all American hearts—­” Before I end my letter, I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house, and on all that shall hereafter inhabit it.  May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof!” A description of the house and the city, at that time, is furnished in a letter from Mrs. Adams to her daughter, written in November, 1800:—­

“I arrived here on Sunday last, and without meeting any accident worth noticing, except losing ourselves when we left Baltimore, and going eight or nine miles on the Frederick road, by which means we were obliged to go the other eight through the woods, where we wandered two hours without finding a guide or the path.  Fortunately, a straggling black came up with us, and we engaged him as a guide to extricate us out of our difficulty; but woods are all you see, from Baltimore, until you reach the city, which is only so in name.  Here and there is a small cot, without a glass window, interspersed among the forests, through which you travel miles without seeing any human being. * * * * * * * * * The house is made habitable, but there is not a single apartment finished, and all withinside, except the plastering, has been done since Briesier came.  We have not the least fence, yard, or other convenience without, and the great unfinished audience-room I make a drying-room of, to hang up the clothes in.  The principal stairs are not up, and will not be this winter.  Six chambers are made comfortable; two are occupied by the President and Mr. Shaw; two lower rooms, one for a common parlor, and one for a levee room.  Up stairs there is the oval room, which is designed for the drawing-room, and has the crimson furniture in it.  It is a very handsome room now; but when completed, it will be beautiful.”

The presidential contest in 1800, was urged with a warmth and bitterness, by both parties, which has not been equalled in any election since that period.  It was the first time two candidates ever presented themselves to the people as rival aspirants for the highest honor in their gift.  Both were good men and true—­both were worthy of the confidence of the country.  But Mr. Adams, weighed down by