The only influence which obtained there was that of intellect; the people were used to reverence certain names as the emblems of knowledge and virtue.

Some of their fellow-citizens acquired a power over the rest which might truly have been called aristocratic, if it had been capable of transmission from father to son.
This was the state of things to the east of the Hudson: to the south-west of that river, and in the direction of the Floridas, the case was different.

In most of the States situated to the south-west of the Hudson some great English proprietors had settled, who had imported with them aristocratic principles and the English law of descent.

I have explained the reasons why it was impossible ever to establish a powerful aristocracy in America; these reasons existed with less force to the south-west of the Hudson.

In the South, one man, aided by slaves, could cultivate a great extent of country: it was therefore common to see rich landed proprietors.