The acquisition of Louisiana was the grand popular feature of the foreign policy of the first term of Jefferson's administration.

The internal management left much to be desired.
While his general views were exalted, and his principles would stand the nicest examination in their application, Mr.Jefferson was not fortunate in his choice of methods or men.

It is not enough for an administration to be pure; it should be above suspicion.

This his was not.

Time has not washed out the stain of his intimacy with William Duane, the editor of the infamous "Aurora." Citizen Duane, as he styled himself in the first days of the administration, quarreled with Gallatin because he would not apply the official guillotine, and thereafter pursued him with uncompromising hostility.