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strategic position.
    General Washington concurs. War with Britain is certain should he not sign the treaty.
    Mr. Morris dissents, stating that Britain must be forced to live up to its obligations as specified in the Treaty of Paris. He notes that he personally is owed over fifty thousand dollars for impressed goods.
    Mr. Hamilton points out that fifty thousand dollars is a “trifle.” War with Britain will cut off the English market for American goods and restrict import of raw materials. The resulting economic hardships will divide the country between manufacturing and agrarian interests. The Union will not survive.
    Mr. Pendleton believes that Mr. X, publisher of the
Philadelphia Tribune
, is the main impediment to ratification.
    Mr. Hamilton concurs. Mr. Fox is a rabble-rouser who plays to the base instincts of the crowd for his own aggrandizement. His charisma is sufficient to ensure a widespread rebellion should the President sign the treaty.
    General Washington promises to speak with him to express the urgency of the country’s plight. A report is promised for the next meeting.
    The next meeting, held on June 19, 1795, summarized the outcome.
    June 19, 1795
    Present: General Washington, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Morris, Mr. Jay, Mr. King, Mr. Pendleton.
    General Washington reports that his conversation with Mr. Fox was fruitless. Further, Mr. Fox promised to amplify calls for insurrection should he (General Washington) sign the bill.
    General Washington states his growing conviction that his failure to sign the treaty will result in open warfare with Britain.
    It is agreed that unless Mr. Fox is removed from his position of prominence, the future of the nation is at risk.
    Mr. Hamilton proposes that grave measures be taken.
    The vote is unanimous in favor.
    Grave measures.
    And then a chilling entry, three weeks afterward:
    A prayer is offered on behalf of Mr. Elias Fox, killed this past Wednesday by “highwaymen” while returning to his home from the City Tavern.
     
    Mr. King drummed his fingers on the ledger. The smell of old leather drifted to him, as intoxicating as Kentucky bourbon . . . these ledgers . . .
The True History of the United States.
    Washington signed the Jay Treaty later that July of 1795. The House voted funds for its enforcement by the barest of margins, 51–49. The United States had staked its prosperity on the strength of the British fleet. It was a wise decision. In the next eighteen years, the country’s landmass grew twentyfold, with the acquisition of Louisiana and lands west of the Mississippi. Manufacturing capability tripled. Population grew by fifty percent. More important, five elections had passed. The country had a history to bind it. When war with Britain arrived in 1812, America fought as a unified populace, and earned a stalemate against a far stronger country.
     
    A silence had settled over the Long Room. The men traded glances, none liking what he read in the others’ faces. Finally, Mr. Washington looked to Mr. Pendleton. “And Crown?”
    “The plan’s been drawn up. It’s a matter of moving everyone into place. I need the go-ahead to complete the arrangements.”
    “I don’t like it,” said Mr. Jay. “It’s a rule never to interfere in elections. General Washington expressly stated that—”
    “The election’s over,” said Mr. Pendleton, slapping an open palm onto the table. “The people have chosen.”
    “We can’t afford to wait eight years to continue,” agreed Mr. Hamilton.
    “Eight years,” said Mr. Morris, with a glance toward Mr. Jay. “That’s a damn long time to keep in the shadows. You yourself said she was curious. What if she decides to look into our past? It would be just like her to try and unmask us. Another of her crusades.”
    “There are still two days until the ceremony,” said Mr. Washington. “I have a courtesy meeting with Senator McCoy tomorrow. Show her around her new living quarters and all that. I’m sure we can find a few