John Ferling on the Washington administration - Ari Sclar

Jefferson continued to believe that Washington would see things as he did, and he fell into the unbecoming habit of complaining, even tattling, to the president about Hamilton. Jefferson was accustomed to having his way, sometimes manipulating others to gain his ends, but in Washington he met his match…Part of Jefferson’s problem was that he misread Washington. Usually adroit at gauging others, Jefferson for the longest time credited the image of disinterestedness that Washington presented and it blinded him to the reality that in matters relating to domestic America, the president and his treasury secretary marched to the same drummer.

- historian John Ferling

1. What do you think Ferling is referring to when he mentions Washington’s “disinterestedness”?

1. Pick TWO of the following and explain whether they would have confirmed or challenged the idea that Washington and his treasury secretary ‘marched to the same drummer’ in opposition to Jefferson? Be specific in your answers.

2. Bank

3. Assumption

4. Whiskey Rebellion

5. Genet Affair

6. Proclamation of Neutrality