The presidential election of 1800 effectively relegated the
Federalist party, including Hamilton, to political and popular
irrelevance. Jefferson, the "Sage of Monticello," had risen to
the nation's highest office and, despite the near-hysterical
warnings of Federalists against anarchy and "Jacobinism," went
on to preside over an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity.
The country had entered a new century and had never seemed on
such sure footing. In this climate, Hamilton soon retired from
the political sphere to pursue his private New York law
practice. During the election, the Federalists, with Hamilton
leading the charge, had contributed to their own downfall by
embroiling themselves in ugly internecine disputes (which
ultimately would result in Hamilton's duel with Burr). Hamilton
made known his low opinion of President Adams, who, against
Hamilton's strongest wishes, was pursuing a policy of peace with
France. On a personal level, Hamilton considered the president
an unstable, jealous, vacilliating