The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser

FROM THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.
Conversations of the late Joel Barlow with a Citizen of Washington.
[CONCLUDED.]
Tuesday, March 27, 1810.] In the present state of society there is, perhaps, a necessity for lawyers; but, if justice could be easily obtained, no such necessity would exist. The parties might be left to state their own story; though it might be proper for advocates to be employed, solely for the purpose of preparing the case in writing, for the consideration of the Court. At present, the study of the pleadings is more perplexed and intricate than any other part of the law; and the right and justice of a cause are often defeated by minute exceptions in matters of form. I practised the law about two years; but I did not like it. It appeared to me an unfair business; I know not how far the practice in Maryland is formed upon the English model, but in Connecticut it is much more simple than in any other State.
I have been these five years telling every one who would hear me, that, 'of all forms of government on earth, Bonaparte most hates the American, and, of all men, he has the greatest hatred to Thomas Jefferson; because he thinks Mr. Jefferson is the Soul of republicanism in this country, and on him it depends. I speak from my own knowledge, and say, there is no comparison between Bonaparte's hatred to America and to England.