Jay, Jefferson, Monroe, Livingston, Madison, Muhlenburg, etc.] Gentlemen, good-morning! [He bows and they bow to him.] I regret that it was necessary for me to keep you waiting, but the publication of the morning paper did not immediately relieve me of my duties as Secretary of the Treasury and I had pressing work. But now, gentlemen, I am here for your consumption.
Jefferson.
Colonel Hamilton, you see before you political adherents, and political opponents—friends and foes. But I have been requested to act as spokesman, and to express
Hamilton.
Mr. Jefferson, I know how painful must be the duty which has fallen upon you. Let me relieve you of it. I am glad you are here—both friends and foes. I know the object of your visit. You have come in advance of President Washington's orders to relieve me of my office. You are justified, and I have no excuses to offer. I am pained and ashamed at this inglorious end of my career. But at least I must still have the courage of my political opinions. Since early morning I have been working to clarify this document. It is the Bill of the Government Assumption of States' Debts without which this country has no honor. It will now be ignominiously defeated, but it is my conviction that the sense of justice of my opponents will one day
