---, that Hamilton's life was
much more precious to the community than the President's.

August the 1st. Met at the President's, to consider what was to be
done with Mr. Genet. All his correspondence with me was read over.
The following propositions were made. 1. That a full statement of Mr.
Genet's conduct be made in a letter to G. Morris, and be sent with his
correspondence, to be communicated to the Executive Council of France;
the letter to be so prepared, as to serve for the form of communication
to the Council. Agreed unanimously. 2. That in that letter his recall be
required. Agreed by all, though I expressed a preference of expressing
that desire with great delicacy; the others were for peremptory terms.
3. To send him off. This was proposed by Knox; but rejected by every
other. 4. To write a letter to Mr. Genet, the same in substance with
that written to G. Morris, and let him know we had applied for his
recall. I was against this, because I thought it would render him
extremely active in his plans, and endanger confusion. But I was
overruled by the other three gentlemen and the President. 5. That
a publication of the whole correspondence, and statement of the
proceedings should be made by way of appeal to the people. Hamilton
made a jury speech of three quarters of an hour, as inflammatory and
declamatory as if he had been speaking to a jury. E. Randolph opposed
it. I chose to leave the contest between them. Adjourned to next day.

August the 2nd. Met again. Hamilton spoke again three quarters of an
hour. I answered on these topics. Object of the appeal. The democratic
society; this the great circumstance of alarm; afraid it would extend
its connections over the continent; chiefly meant for the local object
of the ensuing election of Governor. If left alone, would die away after
that is over. If opposed, if proscribed, would give it importance and
vigor; would give it a new object, and multitudes would join it merely
to assert the right of voluntary associations. That the measure was
calculated to make the President assume the station of the head of a
party, instead of the head of the nation. Plan of the appeal. To consist
of facts and the decisions of the President. As to facts we are agreed;
but as to the decisions, there have been great differences of opinion
among us. Sometimes as many opinions as persons. This proves there will
be ground to attack the decision. Genet will appeal also; it will become