If such bargain were made, General Samuel Smith was the channel of arrangement, and in view of the inexplicable and ignominious deference of Jefferson and Madison to his political demands, there is little doubt that he held a secret power which they dared not resist.

Gallatin felt it, suffered from it, protested against it, but submitted to it.
The fear was that Congress might adjourn without a conclusion.

To meet this emergency Mr.Gallatin devised a plan of balloting in the House, which he communicated to Mr.Jefferson and Mr.Nicholas.It stated the objects of the Federalists to be, 1st, to elect Burr; 2d, to defeat the present election and order a new one; 3d, to assume _executive_ power during the interregnum.

These he considers, and suggests alternative action in case of submission or resistance on the part of the Republicans.

The Federalists, holding three branches of government, viz., the presidency, a majority in the Senate, and a majority in the House, might pass a law declaring that one of the great officers designated by the Constitution should act as president pro tempore, which would be constitutional.