The first term of Jefferson's 'administration was quiet, although some important events occurred, the chief of which was the purchase of Louisiana from France at the price, comparatively low, of $15,000,000. Explorations across the continent were made at the president's request. A little war with Tripoli and the stopping of Algerinc piracy were other events. In 1804 Jefferson was re-elected, with George Clinton for vice-president, there being no real opposition, since the federal party had previously gone to pieces. Theirgreat leader Hamilton was killed in a duel with Burr in 'this year. In his second term Jefferson had to deal with the wild operations of Burr in the attempted raid upon Mexico, involving war with Spain, and other serious conse quences. The prominent office and the still more prominent position held by Burr made his rash movements and his arrest and trial matters of the greatest importance. Such a trial could not fail to assume a political aspect, and the opponents of the government violently denounced it as partisan persecution. No doubt Jefferson was satisfied with Burr's acquittal; he had done his duty to all our foreign relations in the arrest and trial, and they would have no just cause of complaint. Another event during Jefferson's second term gave him much uneasiness. This was the British orders in council, fol lowed by the Milan decree issued by Bonaparte. The effect of these, though not directed at the United States, was to ruin the foreign trade of the country and spread financial disaster over the land. But these orders and decrees were of far less political importance than the "right of search" claimed and exercised by Great Britain, under which vessels of the Lnited States on the high seas were boarded and searched for English subjects. England then held the doctrine "once a subjectalways a subject." The impressment of American sailors went on in spite of protest, until a crisis was pre cipitated in June, 1807, by the English ship Richard firing into the American frigate Chesapeake, and boarding and carrying away four of her men on the charge of being British deserters. The country flamed up in excitement; the president proclaimed against the coming of English armed ships into the ports or water-jurisdiction of the United States, and preparations looking to probable war were made, the first act being the embargo, which was declared in consequence not only of the hostile attitude of England but of France also. As the embargo prohibited all American vessels from leaving home ports, it amounted to an entire suspension of foreign trade. The federalists started anew iuto life, and made the most vigorous opposition to the embargo, which was repealed 1809, only a few days before Jefferson finally left the executive chair. With March 4, 1809, his political life came to a close. He retired to Monticello, and took no further part in national questions. His plantation had most of his care, but he found time.to give valuable assistance in establishing a college near Charlottesville, out
of which grew the university of Virginia. He was rector of the college in 1819, and during his life took great pride in the institution, so much so that he wrote, as a part of his epitaph, "Father of the University of Virginia." Early in 1826, having fallen into serious financial chiefly to his prodigal hospitality, Jefferson was authorized by a legislative act to dispose of his plantation by lottery, but the plan was never carried into effect. In June his health failed rapidly, and on the evening of July 3 it was clear that he was fast passing away. But he lived until the afternoon of the next day, dying a few hours earlier than his presidential predecessor, John Adams, who was then lying at the point of death at the family mansion in Quincy, Mass. In person Jefferson was tall (6 ft. 2} in.), with a bony but well-developed frame, angular features, ruddy complexion, sandy or reddish hair, and light hazel eyes. It need hardly be said that he was a man of positive opinions and convictions, and quick and firm in decision. His notions of democratic equality touched the extreme; he would not even tolerate the innocent prefix of "Mr." because it was a title. His views on religion were so liberal that he was freely accused of infidelity. He had profound respect for the moral character of Christ, but no belief in the divine redemption through Christ's work. In society he was a leveler, if not an iconoclast. He desired to reduce the aristocracy, whether of blood or wealth, and to elevate the mass of the people. Such ideas would naturally oppose human slavery; which he considered to be a great political and moral evil, saying, in reference to it, "I tremble for my country when / remember that God is just." Although he never made a formal speech in his life, he was the ablest political leader of his time. He was quick to perceive and prompt to act. Much of his vast political work was done with the pen, and no statesman of the time had any such amount of correspondence as was sent out and received at Monticello. His home might be likened to a modern telegraphic center, where the wires come together from the farthest corners of the country. He bad fair scientific acquirements, and took much interest in natural history. He was a good husband, an affectionate father, and a forbearing master. Where was given it was warm and sincere; while as a host to strangers he was regarded as exceptionally charming. His writings are widely known. The more important are Notes on Virginia; Manual of Parliamentary Practice; and The 'Writings of Thomas Jefferson, being his autobiography, correspondence, reports, messages, ad dresses, and other writings, official and private. The originals of the last named -work were purchased by congreSs and issued in 9 vols. by the government.