Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

Vindication Of Mr. Jefferson.

The Enquirer, has finished his vindication of Mr. Jefferson, while he was governor of this state. We did think a vindication of this part of Mr. Jefferson, a work of supererogation, and the execution we think very lame and unsatisfactory. A work of supererogation it certainly was, after what had passed. Mr. Jefferson was impeached by Mr. Nicholas, and was honourably, and we have heard unanimously acquitted of every charge laid to him, and if we do not much mistake, received a vote of thanks for his able and upright administration. This was at a time when the passions of men were inflamed, when popular fury charged the misfortunes of the country upon Mr. Jefferson, for it is certain that no man was ever more unpopular than Mr. Jefferson was at that time. Yet when his conduct was calmly investigated, so far from blame being imputed to him, he was honoured; the arts of defamation and detraction had not reached that point, which they have since done. Noisy demagogues could not then hunt down characters as they now do.

After such an acquittal what more we ask was necessary to satisfy any candid man of the innocence of Mr. Jefferson in this particular? Is it not enough that Mr. Jefferson's innocence is established? Do his defenders or friends imagine that they will persuade us that he was, (or would, as the Enquirer seems to insinuate, have proved himself) a Hero?

We have said the vindication is lame and unsatisfactory, and our reasons we shall offer.

The vindication contains a great deal of trifling detail of circumstances of no manner of importance, as how Mr. Jefferson looked, even how he rested, and many small matters not worthy of notice. Appeals are made to persons on some occasions, whose opinions at that day would have been deemed unworthy of notice. To give them importance, imposing military titles have been conferred on persons, who never held rank in the army or militia.

If Mr. Jefferson's friends were determined in spite of the honourable acquittal which he had received, to go into a full investigation of his conduct, they certainly have not done so, in a dignified or effectual manner. They have not sought for the evidence of the persons best qualified to afford satisfactory information of Mr. Jefferson's conduct as governor, in the measures adopted for the defence of the country, subsequent to Arnold's retreat from Richmond, and until Mr. Jefferson's resignation. There are two persons known to us (and there may be others) who could if required, and they were inclined, give a full and satisfactory account of Mr. Jefferson's administration at the epoch alluded to. Gen. Peter Muhlenburgh now Collector of the Port of Philadelphia, and Col. Josiah Parker of this state, are both well qualified to give full and satisfactory information. Those gentlemen were entrusted with high commands by Mr. Jefferson in the militia. It is from persons who were in command immediately under Mr. Jefferson, that the public would expect an appeal to be made, and not to persons who had not the means of acquiring regular information. We speak with caution as to Col. Parker, not being positive, whether the command given him during that invasion was by Mr. Jefferson or by his successor, but as to General Muhlenburgh we are positive, and surely Mr. Jefferson's friends could not fear an appeal to that gentleman. In forming a judgment of the measures of a commander in Chief, we should look at the means he possessed and how they were employed, and not to trifling circumstances which prove nothing.

We repeat, that the defence was not in the first instance necessary, and if thought necessary, that the best and highest evidence that could have been had, has not been furnished.

We shall here conclude our remarks, by taking this occasion of saying, what we have had no opportunity of before saying. Candour obliges us to declare, that as far as circumstances have come to our knowledge, we feel no hesitation in declaring, that of Mr. Jefferson's patriotism in the revolution, his conduct while Governor, and of his conduct until the adoption of the present constitution, there is much to praise, and nothing to censure. It was his misfortune to be governor when talents, which he does not possess, were requisite. But here let us hold.--