The sentiments thus expressed were not illegal or criminal; yet I will freely acknowledge that they were violent, intemperate, and reprehensible.
For, by attempting to render the office contemptible, they tended to diminish that respect for the execution of the laws which is essential to the maintenance of a free government; but whilst I feel regret at the remembrance, though no hesitation in this open confession of that _my only political sin_, let me add that the blame ought to fall where it is deserved." This was the first speech of Gallatin that appeared in print--simple, lucid, convincing.

The result of the new Assembly election would naturally determine the right of the representatives of the contested district to their seats in Congress.

Word had gone forth from the Treasury Department that Gallatin must not take his seat in Congress, and the whippers-in took heed of the desire of their chief.

A line of instruction to Badollet, who lived at Greensburg in Washington County, across the river from Gallatin's residence, determined the matter.
Gallatin warned him against the attempt that would be made to disaffect that district because none of the representatives whose seats had been vacated were residents of it.

"Fall not into the snare," he wrote; "take up nobody from your own district; reelect unanimously the same members, whether they be your favorites or not.