ho NATURAL ANl^'GiVIL 



offices, it did hot iaj^ear that a gfeneral plan df 

 ihtolerance and dismission from office on account 

 of political opinions, was either intended or pur- 

 sued by this assembly : Nor indeed was the 

 ihajority of tile republican party sufficient to • 

 hazard such a step, whatever might be their 

 wishes ; their majority in this a?.sembly being 

 evidently less, than what it W'as at Newbury, the 

 year before. In the business of making addres- 

 ses, it plainly appeared that the assembly could 

 not proceed without being thrown into party, 

 faction, and ill nature ; but in managing the 

 common and ordinary business of the state, that 

 for .which the assembly was annually elected and 

 convened, the political partisans were not much 

 engaged, and of vefy little use. The more hon- 

 est, judicious, and useful members, took up . 

 this business ; and managed it with impartiality, 

 propriety, moderation and wisdom ; and it w^s 

 from them chiefly for several years, that the state 

 had eiijoyed the substantial benefits of society 

 and civil government. 



1803. Th£ next meeting of the assembly 

 Was at t'N^estminster, in 1803, At that time 

 ever}'- part of the United states was greatly agi- 

 tated by political debates, hopes, and fears.- A 

 majority of the people Avere evidently in favor of 

 Mr. Jefferson'5 administration ; and that majori- 

 ty, it was known, was increasing. At the same 

 time the reputed federalists were a very power- 

 ful body cm account cF their abilities, numbers, 

 and wealth ; an* I had most of the ccmmeree and 

 monies of the country at their command. Both 

 parties jealous and fearful of each other, were 

 carefullv watchii \a: the course of events : and 



