A full exposition of the Clintonian faction and the society of the Columbian illuminati : with an account of the writer of the Narrative, and the characters of his certificate men, as also remarks on Warren's pamphlet

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FULL EXPOSITION

CF THE

CLINTONIAN FACTION,

AND THE SOCIETY OF THE

Columbian Illuminaii ;

WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE WRITER

OF THE

NARRATIVE,

AND THE

CHARACTERS OF HIS

CERTIFICATE MEN,

AS ALSO
/

REMARKS Oft

WARREN'S P AMPULE

BY JOHN WOOD. ' • / f '

NEWARK :

PP.INfED FOR tUB. A 7 .- .

yv>?»&

c>

V ft

ADVERTISEMENT.
TBE appearance of a pamphlet under the fictitious signature
^£ ytarren, containing the grossest falsehoods, imposed upon the
public by plausible vouchers, has induced me, contrary to irxlina-
iian, age into come forward, not only to refute the calumny, but if
possible to prevent future attempts of the like nature, by exposing
she. banditti of infidelity in all their schemes of infamous ambition*

A FULL EXPOSITION, &t.

HE prosperity of a nation, and the happiness of a peo-
ple, depend on no circumstances so much, as a cordial understand-
ing between the chief rulers. — The smallest deviation in point of
sentiments among the first magistrates of a country, always cre-
ates jealousy and distrust, which finally lead to factions, that
increase in mutual animosity, according to their distance from
the seat of administration, and the means of arriving at the truth.
A writer of some celebrity compares the best form of Govern-
ment, to a nice piece of mechanism, which if the most trifling in-
jury befalls the primary movements, communicates the disaster
■with accelerated force to the subordinate members, until the whole
goes in confusion, and an entire dissolution takes place. The in-
numerable instances of fatal discord, -which almost all nations
have experienced in this respect, ought to guard the citizens of
America from a like error, particularly when under their exellent
constitution; the duration of the chief magistracy is so limited,
that it ought to be the interest and duty of every good citizen, so
far from fomenting any unhappy divisions which may arise, rather
to endeavour, by every possible means, to effect a reconciliation
and to preserve a mutual harmony between the officers of Govern-
ment, until the expiration of the period for which they were elect-
ec^ — Then, and then alone, are the people to judge of the -wisdom
or degree of error which the executive has displayed ; whether by
a judicious administration they are to merit the thanks oftheii

C 6 3

tountrymen and be restored to their former trust, or for folly and",
inconsistency, to be disgraced and marked with contempt.

It cannot be denied, that an injudicious disposal of offices, or
attempts to infringe the constitution, are acts which will raise
an immediate disgust in the minds of most citizens, at the conduct
of the administration ; but the most prudent and salutary mode to be
pursued, even in such cases, will be, to guard with a watchful and
submissive eye, the several servants of Government, until the pro-
per opportunity arrive, for calling them to account for their per-
version of justice.

Sentiments of this nature may not appear to carry equal weight
by coming from the pen of a foreigner, as they would do, perhaps,
from one who was attached to America from the natural ties of
parental affection — They certainly do not, nor should I now pre-
sume to advise to one measure in preference to another, had not a
train of circumstances already involved me in the political world,
and compelled me to a public vindication, not only of my own con-
duct, but what I deem of much greater importance, an explanation
of my connexion with the second character in the union, in a
transaction, which, the malice of an aspiring party has taken the
opportunity of aspersing with the venom of their poison.

The Gentleman who has honored me with an answer to my cor-^-
rect statement, has endeavoured to impose upon the public, by a
species of plausible testimony, which unless examined, might have
a tendency to carry conviction to the minds of the uninformed.
The disingenuous artifice which he has adopted of separating
both himself and the narrative writer, from Denniston and Cheet-
ham, in order to double the evidence, so far from adding force to
his argument, will, when exsposed, only like false colouring, be-
tray his object, and make him appear to the world as a contempt -

aT>Ie Jester The epithets of Billingsgate which dance through

every sentence of the Clintonian defence, may move my pity, but.

t 9 1

Shall not provoke'my resentment. I shall meet the Pamphleteer
Upon the fairest ©f grounds, and promise, I will not desert the con-
test, until both he and his partizans shall appear to all mankind
the mirrors of treachery and infidelity.— .1 shall proceed simply to.
inform the public, of the views of his party, and the characters
which compose it. — I shall state the society of infidels which they
Support, and of which several of the party are members— I shall
relate the views of this society, and the progress they have made ;
and then leave it to the citizens of the union, to decide upon the
credit due to the narrative writer, and his band of patriots.

The Clintonian faction is of no modern date— A party particu-
larly attached to the family of Clinton, has existed since the revo-
lution.— A generous gratitude to the present Governor of the
state of New-York, for his services during the war, laid the
foundation of this party, which now, overleaping the boundaries
of its native state, seems willing to extend its influence over the
union. — The members of it actuated partly by prejudice, and part-
ly by selfish motives, have extended the merited support, which,
they afforded the venerable Governor, into a dangerous partiality,
in favour of Mr. De Witt Clinton. Without claim to one action
of service ; without a single recommendatory qualification, this
young man introduced himself to one of the most important trusts
of his state, merely on the supposition that the honesty of an un-
cle, was to flow in the veins of a nephew ; but a fews months con-
duct only served to mark Mr. De Witt Clinton, as one of those,
instances, where vice is descended from virtue, and vicious incon-
sistency from prudent resolution.

The whole family of the Clintons, from the Governor down to
the ignorant Denniston, were always opposed to Mr. Burr ; but
the original cause of their opposition, I am not acquainted with ;
probably it might arise from the opposite dispositions of the Vice-
President and Governor Clinton, whose minds in respect to talent,
are as differently formed, if I may borrow a comparison from Eu-

( 8 >

ropean characters, is ever were those, of the accomplished Ches-c
terfield and the Methodist Westly.— -In speaking of Mr. Burr
and Governor Clinton, it may not be improper, if I bestow a little
attention on that part of the View of Mr. Burr's politic?.! conduct,
by the author of the Narrative, which is opposed to Governor
Clinton. — That writer, who I have no hesitation to declare to
be Mr. Cheetham ; strenuously condemns every measure that
was not introduced by the Clintonian party ; and takes care to
search out every step, in which Mr. Burr has deviated from them.
In short, a person unacquainted with the politics of America, pe«
rusing this man's productions, would necessarily suppose, that
the Governor was of divine origin ; that the Clintonian sys-
tem of legislature, was the only one, truly orthodox; that the
sentiments of the family, merited the same respect, as the laws of
Moses ; and that the unfortunate unbeliever, was in reality a po-
litical infidel. The Clinton Family are held out, as the only sure
land mark, to guide the wavering and uncertain citizen, through
the political ocean of controversy. The Clintonian path is pro-
claimed as the only certain road to liberty and reason ; the readi-
est way to happiness and riches, and the best guide to the favour?
of the bountiful Statesman of Monticello. Every thing, in the
opinion of Mr. Cheetham, which is Clintonian, is excellent ; while
all matters, which have not received their approbation, are despi-
cable.— It requires neither penetration to discover, nor ingenuity
to prove, that' to enforce this belief, is the principal aim, both of
the Narrative and the View. In the year 1789, when Governor
Clinton and Judge Yates, were held up for the important place of
Governor, Mr. Burr is censured, because he supported the latter,
in preference to the former. — Antifederalism in this case, was out
of the question, as the two candidates were of the same principle.
It was simply a contest between families, whose political opinions
were alike : but in the judgment of Mr. Cheetham, Mr. Burr
ought to be blamed because he did not support Mr. Clinton. —
At the returning period of general election, Mr. Burr is again

I 9 j

Censured for having suffered his friends, who belonged to the re*
publican party, to set him up in opposition to Clinton — as
if the latter alone had the exclusive privilege to the support of
the antifederalists. Wivether the facts which the Narrative
writer here statss are correct or not, is a matter of no conse-
quence. They no way contribute either to prove Mr. Burr a
federalist, or an antifederalist — or to raise or depress him in the
opinion of any rational man. They irtnst, however, serve to
make him esteemed by every independent character, who wishes
to move according to principle, and not act the humble tool
of particular individuals!

The Clinton party did not, however, oppose Mr. Burr until
after his election as Vice-President, although they used every
private exertion, to cause certain electors of the different states*
New- York in particular, to drop him for John Lang-don— and
G-overnor Clinton himself, even insinuated in a private circle of
his friends, that if the Vice-Presidency had been pressed upon
him, he would have accepted of it, had he known the republican
party were to have set up Mr. Burr;*

But the circumstance which excited the Clinton chagrin to an
apparent pitch, was the President bestowing several of the offices
in New-York, to persons attached to Mr. Burr, in preference to
their own creatures* So jealous were the Clinton family in this
respect, that their toolb industriously circulated reports of quar-
rels between the President and Vice-President, when the utmost
harmony existed between them ; and they went so far as even to
hint at some letter which was said to have been written so eariy as
the month of May after the election, from the Secretary of the

* A most respectable citizen in New-York, who wes said to bs
an amorous visitor in the Governor's family at this period, declared
he heard Governor Clinton use an expression to phis purpose at A»V
0%in table.

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Treasury to tlonnnodore Nicholson, reprehensive of Mr. Burr's
conduct. From this period nearly, may be dated the Clintoniati
and Burr factions. 'The active characters which compose the for-
mer, are Mr. De Witt Clinton, Mr .'George Clinton, Mr. Riker,
Mr. Wortman, Mr. 'Osgood, Mr. Sylvanus Miller, Dr. Ander-
son, Editor Cheetham, and John Ferguson, the Secretary to the
Commissioners of Bankruptcy.

As these men are all natives of America, except Mr. Cheet»
liam, it is presumed the private history of their lives is sufficiently
known ; and, indeed, the character of Cheetham is so noted for
infamy, that perhaps any further remarks to establish its notorie-
ty, would be regarded only as taking a delight in treading the
paths of vice and slander. Painful, however, asa topic of this
nature must be to every generous mind, there are some cases
which require an illustration of the vilest actions, in order to
point out their effect upon society, and the link of the chain
which connects them with the more virtuous v/orks of the commu-
nity. The character of Cheetham forms one directly of this de-
scription. Were it not for the humble part he acts in the service
of De Witt Clinton, his name would be considered as a marked
insult, offered even to the most profligate reader. But De Witt
Clinton, although as a private individual, he may not deserve the
notice of the public, yet, as a Senator of Congress, he merits
attention, not only by his own actions, but those of his menial,
servants. The common executioner of justice, who lanks in a
class the most despicable in a civilized nation, is often ne-
cessarily mentioned, from the offices which the law compels
him to perform ; and Cheetham, who may be regarded as the exe-
cutioner of De Witt's pleasure, has a claim to a degree of notice
•from the same account.

This fellow is well known to be a native of Manchester, and
a hatter by trade. The ether particulars of his life, are not so
generally pfeUc. He is the youngest of three brothers, wh»

[ H ]"

ar-e reported to have been designated in their native town, by the*
epithet of the three jacobin infidels. Their names John, Benja-
min and James, alone pointed them out as the descendants of a
christian family, the founder of which, it. we are to infer from...
the word Cheet/uun, most probably died on the gallows — James,
the editor, was always regarded as the leader of the three, and
the other two, who are no way remarkable but for stupidity, were
rather pitied, as being the dupes of their brother, than censured
by the public. When the mad doctrines propagated in the reign
of Robespicre, lighted the tcrch of discord in Great-Britain, the
manufacturing towns, from being the seats of industry, were
suddenly converted into scenes of riot and rebellion. This was
the field for the wild pagination of James Cheethan: to -roam about.
With the Rights cf Man in one hand, and the Age of Reason in
another, he is said to have run from tavern to tavern, and front
brothel to brothel, collecting and summoning together all that
wickedness had rendered contemptible, drunkenness turned idle,
and indolence made destitute. . At the head of this ragged and
half starved banditti, he traversed the streets in contempt of both
church and government. . The whig party, whose opposition was
founded on rational principles, regarded him as only an ignorant
desperado, leading a wretched rabble to destruction, and receiv-
ed the greatest pleasure, when both he and his gang were com-
mitted to Lancaster jail. Here Cheetharn continued several
months, to the infinite satisfaction of his townsmen, who viewed
him as a nuisance to the place. Whether he was liberated with-
out trial, or acquitted by some mistake in the indictment, I have
not been informed ; but certain it is, that all classes of citizens
in Manchester, were so exasperated at his release, that they turn-
ed their former indignation into an unwarrantable rancour. Not
being able to find the liberated ' felon, who was concealed by his
mother in an old chest deposited in the garden, they wreaked their
vengeance on the inoffensive John*. This poor fellow was mad :

* I call this man inoffensive, although he possesses the same
principles as his bro:k?~\ Because he has never been Incivi to ~aL-

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fast to. a pole, from the top. of which was suspended an image of
Thomas Paine, the idol of the family. Ribbons of infamy were
tacked round him from his head to hi? heels, and in this disgrace-
ful state, the miserable creature was carried round the town of
Manchester, until night put a close to the tormenting scene.
The punishment of Tohn, was a sufficient example to the family ;
gnd both mother, chest, and sons, before next morning, took
their Might for America. Arrived in the new world, I shall leave
John and Benjamin to the industrious occupations which they
pursue, and confine my remarks solely to the Citizen Editor. I
have related in my Correct Statement, the manner by which he
obtained a partnership in the American Citizen, and his ingrati-
tude afterwards to his patron, Colonel Burr. Indeed, it most
frequently happens, that acts of kindness to men of Cheetham's
description, prove unfortunate to the generous benefactor, and
ultimately confer on him dishonour and reproach. Their services
while they last, are only marked with infamy, and their resent-
ment, when excited, is often more fatal than the enmity of a
stranger. When Mr. Burr expressed his disapprobation at the
billingsgate, manufactured for the American Citizen, Cheetham
■aimed his back on his friend, and cordially embraced the views
of Mr. De Witt Clinton. There was a fortunate similarity of
sentiment between this gentleman and the Manchester hatter ;
the coarse and vulgar language of the latter, which was offensive
t<| every delicate ear, was peculiarly acceptable to the rough and
vitiated taste of Mr. Clinton. Their friendship was moreover ce-
mented by Cheetham's connexion with David Denniston, the
blood relation of the Clinton family. The moment of union was
also adapted to th^ wedlock of infamy. De Witt Clinton, then

tov.pt an injury to others. He has an irreproachable character both
«s to temperance and industry ; and were it not for the example of
the editor, he might be justly esteemed a useful member of society,
■T. ''it sphere in wjhieh he mdves*

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in the Council of Appointment, regardless of the admonitions of
lis venerable uncle, was spreading with malignant fury, ruin
and destruction through the state of New-York. Honesty, me-
rit, and virtue were compelled to seek for an asylum, by a hasty
retreat from public duty into private life, while the vindictive
brooding Wortman, the conceited Riker, and a band of pretend-
ed patriots, only capable ef acting as the prompters of a puppet
show, were hastening in, to garble on the fees of office, una to
snort with the passions and prejudices of a populace warmed eve^
ry morning by the declamatory jargon of Mr. Cheetham. Dur-«
ing this farcical scene, the auctioneers or hammermen, were buz-
zing about, like wandering bees that had lost their hive. Mothers
were seen suppliants for days together in Mr. Clinton's lobby,
to obtain pardon for their sons ; while affectionate wives did not
hesitate to throw themselves at the feet of De Witt to shield their
husbands from beggary. Every Villain in New-York, volunteered
in his service ; even the miserable wretches in the state prison,
cleared up their dismal countenances in hopes of liberty ; for in a
cause where no regard was paid to justice, nor attention to hon-
our, the most infamous characters were necessary tools to its
success. Private caucusses were nightly held in the chambers of
Jtiker and Wortman, for the purpose of laving plans in order to
promote the Glintonian interest among the lower classes. This
was the greatest difficulty ; there were few or no places fitted to
gratify their desires ; and the instability of an uninformed popu-
lace, both Wortman and Riker were well acquainted with. But
they knev/ that they themselves were improper agents for this pur-
pose. Other persons were required, whose habits of life rendered
them more suitable orators for the occasion. David Derruston,
at his leisure hours, with the assistance of Taylor Sidell, wa?
deemed a proper person to convert the Yorkers. The latter ba*
since been publicly rewarded for his services, and David, being
a family cousin, has no doubt received a generous draught from
the Ciintonun cup. One Hereford, an Irishman, at that :•• . .o-i

[ 14 ]

agent, in New-York for the Aurora, and one Christian, a cabine3
Maker, another Irishman, were thfiught fit messengers to run
amqng the new imported Hibernians, in order to quiet their lo--
quacious wants. Walter Morton, a Scotchman, whose biogra-
phy I shall presently give, was a proper visitor to the inquisitive
and wary Caledonians.

De Witt Clinton was so eager at this period to have in his ser-
vice those characters who are called club orators, that he is said
to have visited most of the taverns in New- York for that purpose
He received information of a Barber, who had published an
essay on the liberty of the press, had been secretary to the Scotch
convention, was a deist in principle, and an excellent logician
among jacobins. To this man he repaired, with the intention
of making him hair-dresser to the whole Clintonian family, pro-
vided he would swear allegiance to their interest ; but what was;
his astonishment and disappointment, in place of a talkative bra-
vado, which he expected to find, only to see a little fellow, four
feet in height, about thirty years of age, but seventy in looks, with
a mournful eye, sallow complexion, and tremulous hand, waving
a broken razor along the surface of an old shoe, which served,
him for a whetstone. Mr. Clinton at the sight of the spectre,
•was most heartily inclined to take an immediate leave, but the
philosophic barber, having requested him to be seated, he disclos-
ed the object of his visit, and as a mark of brotherly love, sub-
mitted his face to the operation of a many toothed iron, for
the space of half an hour ; all his arts of complaisance, however,,
were to no purpose, for he confessed to a person, who I heard re-
late the anecdote, that he never found so much virtuous obstinacy y
m the heart of a jaco&in.

The next circumstance in Mr. De Witt Clinton's political cha-
racter, which I shall remark, is his election as Senator to Con-
gress, i This was a most important step to the party. They want-
ed an ambassador at the seat of government; and none certainly

i 15 ]

•was better" qualified than the man to whom they had sold both
their fortune and honour. Leaving the management of New-
York in the hands of Riker, Wortinan, and the editor Cheetham,
he repaired to Washington about the end of February. There he
set to work all his talents to render himself agreeable to Mr. Jef-
ferson ; he preserved a formal and distant civility towards Mr.
'Madison, (who, it is said, perceived his intentions) and slyly in-
sinuated himself into the favour of the Secretary of the Treasury.
Here I shall leave Mr. Clinton caucussing with the republican in-
terest, until I relate the proceedings of his minions at New-York,
during his absence. Wortman and Riker, with the editor Cheet-
ham I have said were the persons to whom was entrusted the in-
terest of the family. I ought, however, not to havepassed over his
brother George, whom the writer of the View calls, in page 91, a
promising young man. Cheetham, when he used this expression,
certainly must have had a contemptible opinion of the judgment
of his readers — for no one knows the indolent weakness of George
Clinton, better than Cheetham ; perhaps a greater simpleton is
not to be found in the whole city of New- York, if his cousin, the
Governor's son, be excepted ; and yet this same George, Mr.
Burr is said to have dreaded, (vid. page 91.) His character, not-
withstanding, is preferable to his brothers ; he possesses a certain
pride, not uncommon with ideots, which prevents him mixing
with the bftfFoons of party, or becoming the bully of any individu-
al. His countenance is open, neither marked with the gloom of
Wortman, or the simpering smile of the deputy -attorney general,
and if separated from his party, he would be even a companion for
honest men, on a joyful occasion. The most prominent political
intrigue acted by the Clinton party, were their proceedings at
New-York during the elestion for members to serve in the Legis-
lature. To give the reader sufficient information on this head, it
is necessary that I transcribe a few paragraphs of what Mr. Cheet-
ham says in his View on the subject : — " Calculating on the effi-
cacy of intrigue, and the knowledge of the art, the little band

t !«. J

entertained hopjs tnat, at the spring election of this year, in the
tity of New- York, for members; of Assembly, they could succeed
in sending to the Legislature men zealous to promote the schemes
of the Vice-President — It was expected by those who knew the
projects and designs of Mr. Burr, and of those who were enlisted
in his service, that the little handful of desperate and unsound
citizens, would make an efFort to get some of their associates
nominated, and of course elected."

" Accordingly, a general meeting of the citizens was called by
public advertisement. The design of the meeting was to recom-
mend to the different wards in the city, the appointment of a com-
mittee of nomination, each to furnish an equal number. It was
thought too, more proper that the meeting- should fix on the num-
ber of persons to be sent from each ward, that an uniform rule
might be pursued — Agreeably to the maxim, that a small body of
men are more liable to yield to the impressions of intrigue than a
large one, the Burrites, pluming themselves oil their adroitness in
the art, were for a small committee. Those who were sensible
of their machinations, and determined to oppose them, consider-
ing that there is more safety in many than in a few persons, and
that our citizens generally were unacquainted with the arts of the
little faction, advocated a large committee of nomination. The
Burrites were for a committee of three persons from each of the se-
ven wards, making in the whole a general committee of twenty-
one. Their opponents were in favor of seven from each, ma-
king in the aggregate a committee of forty nine. It was known
that the little band had no more than ten active men among them,
ana it was probable that, if the general committee of nomination
were to consist of no more than twenty one persons, one half
of that number would be favourers of the views of Mr. Burr.
In this case, four or five of the faction would have been nominated
to represent the city in the State Legislature — and there is n<3
knowing what mischief they would there have done-"

t 17 }

*' A committee of seven from each ward, however, was agreed
vpon in the general meeting, by a large majority — so far an im-
portant end was gained.''

11 It was now necessary to attend to the election of the commit-
tees in the respective wards — It was expected that the subtlest of
the Burritian arts, would be employed to compass the election of
as many of the band as possible. — The expectation was realized ;
their effects were pretty successful — -ten or eleven were elected.
This evinces the wisdom of the proposition for a large committee."

Mr. Cheetham then proceeds to state, that after the committee
of nomination met, it was soon perceived, that a mutual jea-
• lousy existed between the friends and foes of the administration ;
that the former were by far the more numerous in the committee ;
and that they were determined to negative every preposition for
placing one of the little band on the list cf nomination, while the
latter were not less resolute to oppose the nomination of any of
the Clinton family. He adds that the nomination of W. P. Va-
ness, was a favourite point with the little band, but that Mr-
Vaness was negatived, having only eleven of the forty nine
votes.

Mr. George Clinton, he says, was elected a candidate by the
committee of nomination ; but, that the moment his election was
ascertained, Mr. Swartwout rose and declared he would oppose
him, in the general meeting of citizens, to whom the nomination
of the committee was to be submitted.

He then proceeds to state, that after three or four days of deli-
beration and reflection, that portion of the committee who had
elected Mr. Clinton were of opinion , that, for the sake of harmo-
ny and the furtherance of the election of Col. Broome, it would
be proper to withdraw his name from the list of nomination.

It is hardly conceivable with what intention or hopes of belief,

C

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the brazen mind of Mr. Cheetham has dared to make assertidn?^
tlftit he must have known would appear absurd to the general class
of citizens in New- York. He was not ignorant that, though
at the general meeting of the citizens, some of Mr. Burr's friends
voted for a small committee, yet a greater proportion of them
•along with the Clintonia-ns, were for seven members from each
ward ; he was present, and heard Doct. Smith, one of the most
violent partizans of Mr. Burr, make a most elaborate and ingeni-
ous speech, in favour of the latter motion — He was sensible,
that it was in a great measure owing to Doct. Smith, the friend of
Mr. Burr, that the motion was carried. — He beheld also several
of Mr. Clinton's warmest friends, vote on the side of what he
terms the little band ; the meeting in short, was never considered, '
•except by the deputy Attorney Geneial, Mr. Wortman and Mr.
Cheetham, as a political one, to divide the republican party—
They were desirous, however, it should be so considered, and left
no means untried to effect their wish. To those citizens who were:
not 'in the secret, and we're strangers to the Clinton intrigues,
Cheetham's proclamation of a Burr faction appeared, at first, as
the wild effusion of a maniac, and it was not until little Riker, .
like a twittering torn-tit, chirped the notes of the bully Bird, that
the song gained any credit. Wortman also, as a drooping owl,
was a harbinger of the mournful tale. — But it was left to Mr.
George Clinton to complete the tragic scene ; the baby cheeks of
this gentleman are so well adapted to display the effect of a
trickling tear, that it was with justice supposed the nerves of
every Burrite would be convulsed on the occasion. — According-
ly on the appointed evening the tender hearted youth, support-
ed by cousin Denniston on the right, and partner Wortman on the
left, stalked forth, amidst the assembled citizens, and in plaintive
accent, declined the intended honor, of being appointed to the Le-
gislature.— Mr. Claeetham says, that the withdrawing ©f Mr.
^Clinton's name from the nomination, excited so much disgust.

[ 19 ]

that they were in every essential ward, indolent and lethargic at.
the ensuing election. — A vast majority certainly were so, and ne-
ver turned out to the polls : but tjheir disgust proceeded from a
v,ery different cause ; it arose from this tragic political farce, act-
ed by the Clinton family. Even the most ignorant negro, could
not but discern the blushing hypocrisy, which flowed from the
melting eyes of George, when delivering his address ; the affect-
ed condolence of the deputy attorney general ; the sympathetic
grin of counsellor Wortman and David Denniston, and, the pitiful
displeasure which the grumbling Clintonians muttered on their
gums, at the conclusion of the ceremony.

The sequel to the farce, was reserved to the management of
Riker.

** The children's wonder — signo.r Punchencllo,
Who struts upon the stage, his hour away — .
His outside gold— his inside rags and hay -}"

and perhaps such an artful scheme was never laid by this gentle-
man before— A young Frenchman from the West-Indies, a clerk
in the house of the Messrs. Napier, in Pearl-street, and an ac-
quaintance of Mr. Riker's, lodged in the house with Doct. Smith.
The Doctor one morning, observing the Frenchman busily employ-
ed in writing election tickets, had the curiosity to look at one of
them ; when to his astonishment, he perceived it contained the
name of George Clinton, who a few nights before, declined being
a candidate, with the affecting ceremony I have mentioned ; upon
farther interrogation, the Frenchman candidly confessed, he was
employed by Mr. Riker. Doctor Smith, confounded at this in-
telligence, hurried away to Mr. Riker's ; but the deputy attorney
general who is never discomposed, unless when uttering the truth
with the most careless indifference said, " the fellow must have
dreamt the story, or something to that purpose ; and that he
would see about it.'' — Doctor Smith returned to the Frenchman
who still insisted as to the name of his employer — But Mr. Rik«?

t 20 i

having seen the poor foreigner that evening, according to his pro-
mise to the Doctor ; a proper French tale was manufactured,
against the next meeting of the citizens. The Frenchman came
forward and declared, he only made use of Mr. Riker's name, in
order to conceal that of the real employer : while the deputy at-;
torney general, with his laughing logic, endeavored to persuade
the marveling carmen of the truth of his assertions. — The spring of
the plot being thus broken, the Clinton Band were obliged to re-
sign with a tear of real sorrow that object which a few evenings
before they were in hopes of accomplishing by a show of affected
distress-
There was another 'object which was deemed at this time, of
considerable importance to the Clinton interest — and this was to
obtain the favour of the new made citizens. To effect this, a so-
ciety was formed under the direction of Cheetham, for the avow-
ed purpose of giving instructions to the foreigners in the different
wards, relative to the mode of becoming citizens ; but the real
design was to explain to them the line of politics they were to pur-
sue. The members of this society, I think, were Walter Mor-
ton, John Aird, David Denniston, Alexander Gordon, Henry
Hereford, an odd fellow of an Irishman, called Caldwell, who on
account of his drollery, goes under the name of old mother Cole,
slong with several others, whose names I do not recollect. I was
introduced by accident one night at a meeting of these gentlemen,
and as I was informed by Mr. Cheetham of the nature of the bu-
siness on which they convened, it is most probable that they were
all members — of this, however, I am not certain, as one or two of
them might have been visitors like myself. It is needless for to*
to mention the ridiculous and irregular proceeding of Wortman,
in running'to the poll with the books of the Mayor's court under
his arm, and with a troop of ragged aliens at his tail, when stamp
certificates could not be procured. This unwarrantable act has
already been sufficiently handled by others ; the cause of it how-
ever, has not been so well understood. Wortman knew, as well

c

as the inspectors, that the votes of these aliens would be chalisnc-
ed : of this he conld not be ignorant ; but he was in hopes that
the ardency he showed to confer the brotherly title of citizen upon
them, would be certain means of rivetting forever their friendship
to the Clinton family, which he on that occasion in a manner re-
presented. The Mayor one of these days of citizen making,
chanced to be half an hour longer than ordinary in opening the
court. This, by the Cliiitonians, was asserted to be a trick of Pre-
vost, the recorder, Mr. Burr's step-son, who by some manoeuvre
or other, contrived to postpone the business : — for every accident
that tended to procrastinate the making of citizens, even the
want of stamp certificates, was thrown at the door of Mr. Pre-
vost.

About this period Mr. De Witt Clinton returned to New-
York, having, no doubt, fully discussed, before he left Wash-
ington, Mr. Burr's act of suppressing Adams' History. It was
immediately upon his return, that Mr. Cheetham set about wri-
ting the Narrative. This I should have thought myself bound to
have concealed, had not the duplicity he has evinced in Warren's
pamphlet, forced me to a public disclosure. Mr. Cheetham, be*
fore Mr. De Witt's return, although he threw out a number of
insinuations against the Vice-President, yet he cautiously re-
frained from a fair attack until the arrival of his patron, whose
broad wing he probably supposed a sufficient shield for every spe-
cies of slander and falsehood. Whether Mr. Cheetham wrote all
the Narrative, or what assistance he received from T)? Witt,
Riker and Wortman, I know not — but certain it is, he told me
he was the author — and equally certain I am of having seen him
repeatedly employed at writing the manuscript ; but this, howe-
ver, I shall discuss more fully when I come to speak of Warren's
pamphlet ; but I must first, according to the plan I have laid
down, describe the Society of the Columbian Uluminati, and
their connection with the Clintonians.

The schemes of those sects called llluroinati, have of late years

[ 22 ]

so much engaged the public attention, not only in Europe, but
in America — and their views have been so fully discussed by wri-
ters of every denomination, in books, pamphlets and newspapers,.,
that it would be deemed superfluous and unnecessary, were I
here to enter into an elaborate investigation of the subject. It
is proper, however, that I should deliver my opinion in a few
•words, and in precise terms, of the real intentions of the Illumi-
nati — having been accused more than once of an inconsistency in
point of sentiment, respecting these secret societies. The hasty
reader of my History of the Swiss Revolution, has said that I
gave full credit to the stories of Robison and Barruel, and that
I attributed to the Illuminati, the fatal disasters which have be-
fallen the nations of Europe ; while in my letter, addressed to
Judge Addison, of Pennsylvania, I have appeared inclined to look
upon the relations of the French Jesuit and the Scotch Professor,
only as tales, or the fabrications of artful men. But this is ai>
inference made without either due consideration, or proper atten-
tion to what I have written. In my History of Switzerland, if,
the reader look to pages 300 and 301, he will perceive that I do.
not attempt to give a decided opinion on the views of the Illumi~
nati, until the defence of Dr. Adam Weishaupt, the founder of
the sect, should make its appearance. My words are, " This
subject has already undergone a laborious investigation by two
writers of extensive penetration and ingenuity, (the Abbe Barruel
and Professor Robison) and as an answer to these gentlemen is
now preparing by the principal leader of the accused party, (Dr.
Adam Weishaupt) it is to be hoped the real agents and conspira-
tors of the French revolution will soon be brought to light, that
the world may know whether the disciples of Voltaire and
D' Alembert, or the zealous partizans and pretended supporters of
the christian faith, have been the greatest cause of French infideli-
ty, and French republicanism." After the appearance of
Weishaupt's defence, which was twelve months posterior to my
publication of the History of Switzerland, and other tracts in vin-
dication of the Illsminati printed in Germany, which I had an

C 23 ]

opportunity of perusing when in ..London, on my way to this
country, I confess my opinion of those philosophic meetings was
rather favourable than otherwise. The sentiments respecting
them which I then entertained, are expressed in my letter to
Judge Addison, and the authorities referred to on which I found-
ed my opinion. But since writing that letter, such events have
occurred on the continent of Europe, and such changes have ari-
sen in the opinions of the philosophers of Germany, and several
of the literati of Paris, who once advocated the cause of Illumi-
natism, that it now appears to me, to be a subject, respecting
which, we ought to decide with the greatest caution, and if pos-
sible, to draw a middle line between the specious pretexts offered
by Weishaupt in his defence, and the hasty charges of Robison
and Barruel. The existence of a similar sect in New-York, which
has been secretly established for upwards of three years, ought,
however, to have the greatest weight in proving that there has
been no small foundation for the plots reported by these writers.

I am well aware, that Authors in general, are too frequently
censured for not rigidly adhering to the tenets they first set out
with, but no censure is more unjust and ridiculous — for it is im-
possible that any writer on historical, political, or civil events,
can assert the truth of what he states, with the same confidence
as a mathematician can vouch for the accuracy of a proposition.
The data of the latter are unalterable, and can neither be affect-
ed by any power mortal or immortal ; but the data of the former,
depend entirely upon the veracity of a few individuals, who if de-
• tected in malice, caprice, or deceit, the literary fabric which has
been built, tumbles to the ground, like a building raised on a
watery soil, whose pillars are of no avail, when the slippery foun-
dation once gives way. It is only a raind immersed in prejudice,
and enveloped in ignorance, that wiy refuse to yield ideas, howe-
ver long established, if formed from principles afterwards demon-
strated to be incorrect. There can be no political or moral te-
nets but which must submit to the test of experience. The period
ef trial may be variable, according to chance or the nature of the

t 24 1

subject, and mankind in general, are sensible of this ; a foolish
obstinacy, or selfish motives, alone prevent their candid confes-
sion.

The most violent jacobin in tbe United States, has, I am per-
suaded, in the space of the last twelve months, at some interval
or other, supposed a limited monarchy to be the best government
under the sun ; while the most furious toiy, at some other mo-
ment, may have desired a democracy. Even our President him-
self, who, I trust, enjoys a portion of judgment much superior
to that of any of his courtiers, has probably in secrecy, more than
once blushed at the folly of his admirers, and would often have
gladly dispensed with the servile compliments of his train. The
grand political trial, as to the expediency of a sudden change in
a government which has received the sanction of ages, appears in
Europe to be now verging towards a close. The Aphelion of re-
volutionary madness is passed, and a few years more will possibly
bring mankind to that point in the circle of politics, from which
they started, intoxicated with the metaphysics of Paine, and the
dreams of Mirabeau. This in reality has been the question which
for these ten years, has agitated the world, and not whether a
monarchy or a republic is the wisest scheme of government — for
if in the order of things, France had been for centuries an estaA
blished republic, an attempt at monarchy would have produced
the same fatal consequences as their recent struggles for liberty-.
Two of the most powerful advocates for the revolutionary sys-
tem, Mr. Intosh and Godwin, have already given up the contest,
and their disciples, it may be supposed, will of course retract their
opinions, and follow their masters. At any rate, in a country
such as this, the people of which enjoy a constitution not formed
by their ancestors, but by themselves, it is the duty of every
prudent man, whatever might have been his former sentiments,
now to take a warning from the fate of France, and to discourage
every attempt which may be made to effect a change either in
the men!, political, or religions sentiment? of the people. I

know It is an idea too generally held among the deistical republi-
cansofthe present day, that the constitution' of America has
granted to all its citizen* an enjoyment of opinion in religious
matters, unfettered either by the precepts of the Old Testa-
ment, or the superior mandates of the Son of God. The Legis-
latures of the different states have, however, wisely regarded that
article of the constitution in its proper light, and while they allow
the citizens an unrestrained liberty as to the form of worship, yet
they prudently ordain a strict observance cf Sunday, justly sup-
posing this to have been the spirit of the constitution, and the
idea of its framers, who never dreamt that a species of beings,
would spring up in America, like the savage brute, that Would
acknowledge no divine superior, but only aim at glutting the ap-
petites of hunger and lust.

The society in New-York, which I am about to describe, was
in fact a society of this nature, erected in rebellion to the reli-
gious acts of the state. This will be proved from their constitu-
tion, and the confession of several of the members. It was a so-
ciety fraught with the blackest intentions, to overturn the divine
revelation, and to raise the hand of opposition against the opinion
©r every christian. Their scheme was not confined to the state
of New- York, but following the example of the Illuminati in
Europe, it will be seen from the ninth article of their printed con~
stitutioTij that they had corresponding committees, to propagate
their new philosophy throughout the world. It may be answered
to what I state, that from the low estimation in which most of
the members of this society were held, by the majority of respect-
able citizens in New- York, that their proceedings could have
had no influence beyond the narrow and contemptible circle of
their own acquaintances ; but it ought to be remembered, that
some of the most lamentable revolutions in the world, have ari-
sen from trifling causes and trifling actors. The Club of William
Tell, in Switzerland, which was only composed of the lowest or-

D

I « i

der of mechanics, laid the foundation for the easy conquest of that
country by the French. This Club was, inmost respects, a par-
allel of the theistical society of New- York. Their first institu-
tion was merely a drunken meeting, to commemorate the memo-
ry of the deliverer of Switzerland. From this arose a convivial
Club, which met more frequently. Convivial cheerfulness pro-
duced convivial arguments, until at length a regular debating so-
ciety was formed ; although its members were ignorant of every
law of logic, and every rule of rhetoric. In a little time they ad-
vanced a degree farther, and assumed the title of the Philosophic
Society of William Tell, upon the supposition that the peasant
of Uri, must necessarily have been a philosopher, as well as a
skilful archer. Their rude philosophy, as might be expected,
lighted the road to jacobinism ; and in the space of a few years
after their first organization, they had extended the horrors of
their order, into the deepest recesses of the Alpine regions.
There was not a city, a town, or a village of Switzerland, in the
year 1792, which did not contain a society of Tellets. The
dress they used in their Lodges, and the furniture of their halls,
corresponded with their eharacter and their designs. These will
appear incredible to any person who has not had the opportunity
of witnessing their ceremonies, which like those of the Illuminati,
were not kept secret ; for every member had the privilege, on or-
dinary occasions, of introducing an acquaintance, and the first
sight naturally afforded to a stranger an horrific surprise. The
visitor was carried by his friend into an adjoining chamber, until
his name was announced to the Club ; he was then introduced into
a hall painted black, which was lighted by torches placed in
standards, shaped into the form of human skulls.* The mam-

* The tribunal at Geneva, in which Bousquet presided, in 1794,
which condemned to death so many citizens, was of the order of
the Tellets, and the ensigns of office were nearly the same : — See
my History of Switzerland, page 339, as also the Animal Regis,
terfvr 1795..

[ 27 ]

fcers-w'ere seated round a long table, and were dressed in flowing
garments of scarlet, the sleeves of which, were tucked up ; their
breasts and legs were bare, and each man wore a small breast
plate, the badge of the order, representing the story of Tcll>
shooting the apple from the head of his son. ■

I have mentioned the Teliets in my history "of Switzerland
(p. 309) but I have described them here mere particularly, to
prepare the mind of the reader for similar scenes,- which have
been acting for several years in the city cf New-York, by men
with whom we are all acquainted, but -who have carefully conceal-
ed their proceedings, even from their most intimate acquaintances.
— This is no tale, no visionary dream or artful fabrication — Dr.
Morse will have no occasion to write to foreign professors to ob-
tain information as to the reality of the Illnminati — he will only
have to write to the Mayor of New-York, to inferm him whether
such menasEIihu Palmer, a blind preacher, and David Denniston,
an editor of the American Citizen, are in existence, and it will be
proved by me that the same Elihu Palmer and David Denniston,
with many other zealous Glintonians, have been members of a so-
ciety, first termed the Philosophical, and afterwards the Theisti-
cal, for the avowed purpose of propagating Deism and opposing
the christian religion.

The origin of this society was, however, more systematical
than either the Tellets of Switzerland, or any other perhaps cf the
.description which has been established — It arose upon the ruins
of the celebrated democratic society of New- York, in the same
manner as the Illuminati originated from the remarkable Lodge
of the Electic Masonry at Munich, called the Theodore of good
council — it was composed of the scattered dregs of those Jacobin
Infidels, who covered the democratic society with disgrace, and
shed a degree of odium upon the pure doctrine of republicanism,
which the efforts of the virtuous patriot, will not for years wipe
away — it issued from the tomb of its fallen parent, like a foul spec
t-re, blotted with crimes, gaping with vengeance, and eager todra|

I 28 I

the weak and unsuspicious mind into the. abyss of eternal tor-
ment.—As the graceless son of a graceless family, most frequent-
ly exerts all his ingenuity to complete the infamy of a ruined re*
putation, so the members of the Theistical. Society, meditated
upon every scheme to add die last reproach to their characters,-.
already broken and despised. — The imported scum of the Edin-
burgh Convention, and the refuse of the banished rebels of
Ireland, joined also their hearts and hands with the Infidels of
New-York, in planning this society. — It was in short a combina-
tion of treachery, of indigence, of freiray, intemperance and every
species of polluted baseness, for the purpose of combating religion,,
virtue and wisdom. Among such a motly crew, one might sup-
pose their resolutions would be marked with folly and ignorance j
but this was not the case j for although all the Devils which is-
sued from Pandora's box, may be supposed to have had a voice in
their decrees ; yet it is to be remembered, that each of them had
been previously exercised, for several years in similar schemes,,
and therefore, knew how to gloss the blackest villainy under the
specious veil of morality — They were no novices in this respect ;
they were not stangers to the art of cunning or deceit. They
were well acquainted, both how to make, and lay their traps, so as
to be invisible to any eye, not tinged with suspicion— Like felon'u
ous robbers, they associated with, feigned, and courted the habi-
tudes of industry and religion during the day, that they might
with more security in their nightly cabals, mangle the divine Rev-
elation into a banquet of pleasure, and season the works of the
Fathers, with the seeds of Epicurean philosophy. All their in-
tercourse, all their actions and dealings were infectious. They
were the hidden instruments of vice and torment ; like poison-
ous plants, corrupted themselves and corrupting all about them.

When I give this picture of the society, I do not pretend to
say but what there were members to whom this character does not
apply. I know there were several who were ensnared like harm-
less flies in a spider's web, and were detained with no ether view

[ 29 ]

but to serre as a bait for the ignorant multitude. There were others
again, who, at their first visit, started bach with the same horror as
an innocent youth, when drawn by accident into a bagnio of dissi-
pation— retreats, and confused with shame, conceals from his
friends, the seat of wickedness which his eyes have witnessed.
There were also among them, a few of those deluded minds, who,
ignorant of the christian religion, are impressed with a prejudice
against all its professors, but in other respects are good industri-
ous citizens — Their weak imaginations were dazzled with the
specious logic held forth to them, and they volunteered with the
greatest zeal in what they believed a righteous cause, and of ser-
vice to the community — They were told that the only intention
of the Society was to oppose political and religious prejudice, to
cultivate moral duties, and to bring mankind into a perfect state
of liberty, equality, and happiness. This was the great object
presented to the credulous pupil, as may be seen from the first
article of their printed constitution, which the reader will present-
ly peruse. But these well meaning members were kept apart, as
will be proved, from the ringleaders — they were totally unacquaint-
ed with their schemes — they imagined nothing was transacted
but in their presence — they had no idea that there were different,
grades in the society — they were ignorant of the diabolical plans
■which were daily forming by the directors — they knew nothing
about the proceedings of secret committees — they imagined there
were none superior in knowledge or rank to themselves. Like
honest simpletons, they thought all which they saw and heard,
was for the public good. They, therefore, made no secret of
communicating what they knew to their friends and acquaintances,
they rather exhorted them to become members of the charitable
institution, to partake of its blessings, and to be enlightened by
the influence of its doctrines.

Having now given a short sketch of the nature of the society
which I call the Columbian Illuminati, though termed by its
members the Theis:!cal, I shall proceed to shew my proofs for the

C so ]

existence of such a society, and give the names and characters of
some of its leading members, with an account of their constitu-
tion ; their connexion with the Temple of Reason, and the cause
of their affection for the Clinton family.

Although I have been in the habits of intimacy for these two
years with several of the principal members, yet I never received
the smallest hint of their institution ; so secret were they, in their
communications to all persons who they had reason to believe
were not deists. I have seen them, indeed, frequently exchange
private signs, but imagined they were masonic.

Societies of this nature would prebably, forever remain un-
known, were all the members true to their oath of fidelity : but
the propagation of deism, like that of treason, is a crime so hei-
nous, that it generally sooner or later, awakens the consciences-
of some of the actors, whose hearts are not altogether hardened in
the deeds of iniquity. This was the case with two or three of the
members of the Theistical Society : one young man in particular,
a practitioner of physic, who had been educated in the principles
of Christianity as taught by the Quakers, unfortunately became
initiated in the mysteries of the Theistical society, (I ought not,
however, to say unfortunately,) as he was one of the instruments
by which their secrets became public. With all the ardor which
a novel doctrine commonly inspires the mind of youth, he embra-
ced their tenets and prosecuted the study of their philosophy, until
he arrived at the honour of being elected a member of the highest

grade He continued in this elevated and secret station for the

period of one twelve month, exercising with keenness the differ-
ent propositions which were presented to him for investigation
by the President Palmer, and in instructing and preparing the
minds of the minor pupils, who were placed under his care : Pro-
vidence at last opened his eyes, and disclosed the road of error,
•long which he was galloping to destruction, and with the same
haste with which he mounted the pinnacle of ignorance, he de-

[ 31 ]

scended, and quickly regained with repentant steps, his former
mode of worship. A proper and just zeal for Christianity, caused
him to reveal the dark machinations which were plotting against
the teachers of the gospel. This account I have had from a par-
ticular friend of the young Quaker, but he expressed a desire that
I should not publish his name. The Society, however, will easily
recognize him, from the description that I have given.

When the veil of secrecy was thus rent, several other members
followed the example of the Quaker Doctor. Some were struck
with the terror of loosing the small pittance which they earned by
their daily labour, if their nightly proceedings were known, and
they, therefore, hastened to rid themselves of the part which they
.acted. Others again, of the well meaning members, took the op-
portunity in order to vindicate their characters, of giving a candid
statement of what they knew to their friends. Among the lat-
ter, were Mr. George Baron, a respectable mathematical teach-
er in New- York, and a Mr. Carver, of Cedar street. It is, how-
ever, a justice which I owe both to Mr. Baron and Mr. Carver,
to declare that the facts which I am going to relate, were previous-
ly communicated to me by others, and were only corroborated
by their testimony.

Mr. Baron confirmed what I had heard from several others,
that the society, after the example of the Illuminati, were divid-
ed into three or more grades ; but that the members of the first
grade were ignorant of any others but themselves ; that the mem-
bers of the second grade thought that they themselves were the
highest, and concealed with the same caution their proceedings from
their junior Brethren, who may be termed the minervals, as the
latter hid their designs from the public. The third grade kept also
secret their proceedings from the first and second, but all the three
communicated with the President, who was Mr. Elihu Palmer,
the Weishaupt of the order.

The Presidents and all the different grades, were accustomed

£ 32 ]

to meet on stated evenings, in the same room, where business
■was transacted as if they were memb< rs of the same rank and de-
gree of information. It was utterly impossible that any min-
crval could guess, from what was said or done at the general
meeting, that there was any other independent association formed
among particular members. The proceedings of these evenings,
consisted principally in metaphysical discussions, and decisions of
questions proposed by the President, or some of the members.
These questions were, with some few exceptions, no otherwise
criminal than as being opposed to the divine revelation, and cal-
culated to throw an^appearance of ridicule on every thing christian.
Those questions which were of a more serious nature, and a deep-
er and blacker complexion were reserved to the meetings of the
individual grades, which met separately at Palmer's house, as the
scheme would have been immediately detected by some of the
junior members, had they convened in the public room of ren-
devous.

Palmer's Principles of Nature, was the text book to all the
jnembers ; and it was put into the hands of every minerval at his
first entrance. Before the book itself was printed, detached
parts of it were given to the members of the higher grades in man-
uscript, with particular orders how to use it. The general meet-
ing had a treasurer and a secretary ; Mr. Carver was the treasurer,
but he appears to be entirely ignorant of the superior grades ; he was
only a minerval, and was quite amazed when Mr. Baron spoke to
him, in my own hearing, about the oath which was taken by the
superior grades, as the minervals only gave a simple promise of

■ secrecy. But the superior grades had separate oaths and sepa-
rate constitutions. Mr. Baron stated that the oath of the grade

'to which he was admitted, was expressed in nearly the same
words which Professor Robison gives in his history of Illu-

■ minatism, with the single exception of the word religion, which
was omitted, and he supposes it must have been copied from Robi-
son':; book — but of this he is not certain ; he only recollects that

t 33 1

when it was presented to him to take, he thought so. Mr. Baron,
however, ingeniously got that part of the ceremony waved, by
entering into a mathematical dispute with David Denniston,
which so much attracted the attention of President Palmer, that
he afterwards forgot to administer it.

The oath of the Illuminati here alluded to, is to be found in
the 95th page of the New- York edition of Robison's Conspiracy.
It is as follows : " I N, N. hereby bind myself, by mine honor
and good name, forswearing all mental reservation, never to re-
veal, by hint, word, writing, or in any manner whatever, even
to my most trusted friend, any thing that shall now be said to me
respecting my wished for reception, and this whether my recep-
tion shall follow or not ; I being previously assured, that it shall
contain nothing contrary to religion, the state, nor good man-
ners. I promise that I shall make no intelligible extract from
any papers, which shall be shewn me, now or during my noviciate.
All this I swear, as I am, and as I hope to continue, a man of
honour.''

Mr. Baron and several others, have assured me, that when the
minerval took this oath, he went up to the President Palmer, who
whispered certain sentences in his ear ; what these were, as Mr.
Baron had not taken the oath himself, he does not know, and my
other informers said they were bound under the strictest ties *
honour never to reveal them. Mr. Baron says the reason Mr.
Palmer whispered them in a low voice, ana not in the hearing
of the society, was the fear of some discovery being made at a fu-
ture period, of their proceedings. Mr. Baron, however, supposes
that they related to the real intention of the society, and afforded
an explanation of the articles in the constitution ; that in short,
the new made minerval was informed he was to consider himself
as the perpetual enemy not only of christianitv, but of every
christian j that he was forever to reneunce all form of govern-
ment but what wzs strictly dernocratieal ; that on no consider;.: -

E

C 34 ]

tion hew as to afford support or assistance to any person, relation,
or acquaintance, who professed any mode of divine worship, or
who advocated any system of government, different from a pure

democracy.

The printed constitution of all the grades assembled, I receiv-
ed from Mr. Carver, the treasurer, for the purpose of publishing.
Mr. Carver, I have already mentioned, is a well meaning, but
unfortunately an enthusiast in the cause which he has undertaken.
He informed me they had also another constitution in manuscript,
but that it was kept secret, and he blamed extremely some of the
members, particularly Mr. John Sidell, who he was informed
was in the practice of sporting with its contents. The following is
a copy of the printed constitution, and the articles which it con-
tains, the reader cannot but perceive they are strict imitations of
the rules laid down in Robison's book. It would, in fact, havebeen
impossible for any man to have drawn up a constitution, so similar
to the constitution of the Illuminati, without having the latter
in view.

« CONSTITUTION

OF THE

THEISTICAL SOCIETY,

OF

N E W-Y O R K :
" Agreed upon January, 26th year of American Independence.''

1st. " The object of this society is to promote the cause of
moral science, and general improvement, in opposition to all
schemes of religious and political imposture.''

2d. " The accomplishment of this object must depend upon
the views and disposition of the society, and be regulated by its
votes at their respective meetings."

3.1. " No person shall be admitted into this society, unless he
be recommended by a member thereof, as a person of good moral

C W ]

Character, and unequivocally attached to the objects of this insti-
tution, and be voted in by the majority ; and, in all cases of im-
proper conduct, the right of expulsion shall be vested in the socie-*
ty, and every person on becoming a member of this society, shall
subscribe his name to the constitution."

4th. M The society shall by nomination and vote, appoint a
President to preside at each meeting.''

5th. A treasurer shall be appointed for the term of six months,
•who shall receive all monies, and account for the same to the
society."

6th. " A secretary shall be appointed every six months, whose
duty it shall bs to record such proceedings as the society bhail
think proper.''

7th. " The society shall meet at such time and place, as the
majority shall direct.'*

8th. " Each member of the society shall pay into the hands of
the treasurer, on each meeting, six cents ; and the funds arising
from this source shall be disposed of by the -will of the majori-
ty."

9th. " A corresponding committee shall be annually appointed
to communicate v^ith other societies of the like nature.''

10th. " Each member of the society shall observe order and
decorum during the time of meeting, and cultivate a spirit of
friendly and philosophical intercourse."

With regard to the first article, little doubt can be entertained
of the sense in which the society understood the phrase " reli-
gious and political imposture.'' Mr. Palmer the President, is a
professed preacher of deistical tenets, and all the members of the
society, Mr. Carver and Mr. Baron, who are of like principles, as-
sured mc that none could be admitted, who acknowledged a be-

i 36 ]

lief in Christianity. The term religious imposture, can, therefore*,
mean nothing else but the doctrine of divine revelation. The
members, I am informed, were also avowed supporters of democ-
racy. Political imposture must of course, signify every form of
government not purely democratic'al. Here, therefore, was a socie-
ty erected in one of the principal cities of the United States, the
members of which, by the first article of their public constitution,
were declared enemies to all religions and all governments, not
conformable to the whimsical jacobinism of Paine, and the wild
philosophy of his dbciple blind Palmer ; one of the principal
members of this society, was David Denniston, the editor
of the American citizen, the friend of* the pious divines Osgood
snd M'Knight, and the cousin of Mr. De Witt Clinton. I may
be censured for making thus free with the name of Dr. M'Knight j
but how is it possible to judge of the principles of men but from
the company they keep, and the persons Avhom they patronize ?
If Dr. M'Knight will come forward and disavow all further con-
nexion with Denniston and the American Citizen, and profess an
entire ignorance of the secret society, in which Denniston has
been engaged, then every christian will most readily acquit him
of any intentional injury to the divine cause of Revelation ; but if
on the other hand,Dr. M'Knight persevere in giving countenance-
to this contemptible tool of infidelity, must not every good christian
and rational man regard him as a wolf in sheep's clothing, and
class him among those priests of hypocrisy, who have injured mo-
rality and eligion more than either the bigot of superstition, or
the philoso. her ol scepticism.

How similar are the sentiments in the 1st. 2d. and 3d. articles,
♦o those of Weishaupt in his account of the association of the II-
luminati ; they breathe the same spirit and delusive ideas. " Our
secret association, says Weishaupt, (Robison, page 92) works
in a way that nothing can withstand, and man shall soon be free
and happy." "And what is this general object, the happiness
of the human race ? Is it not distressing to a generous mind, after

[ 37 ]

contemplating what human nature is capable of, to see how little
we enjoy ? When we look at this goodly world, and see that
every man may be happy, but that the happiness of one depends
on the conduct of another ; when we see the wicked so powerful,
and the good so weak, and that it is in vain to strive, singly
and alone, against the general current of vice and oppression, the
wish naturally arises in the mind, that it were possible to form a
durable combination of the most worthy persons, who should
walk together in removing the obstacles to human happiness, be-
come terrible to the wicked, and give their aid to all the good
without distinction ; and should by the most powerful means, first
fetter, and by fettering-, lessen vice— means, which at the same
time, should promote virtue, by rendering the inclination to rec-
titude, hitherto too feeble, more powerful and engaging : Would
not such an association be a blessing to the world ?" Palmer un-
derstood well the effect of this cant of Weishaupt's and accord-
ly adopted it in the public constitution.

The fourth article, which orders that the society shall by nomi-
nation appoint a President each meeting, may appear inconsistent
with what I have stated respecting Palmer, whom I have observed,
was always their President. But this article only alludes to the
election of the acting President for the night, in the event of Pal-
mer's absence. This form of constitution was drawn up on pur-
pose to shew the public eye, in case any suspicions of their real
proceedings should get abroad, in the same manner as Weishaupt
drew up a constitution for the Uluminati to be exhibited, breath-
ing nothing but religion and morality. The name of Palmer, who
is known every where to be a deist, was carefully omitted by the
Theistical society. Several others, as well as Mr. Baron, have
informed me that the manuscripts, or secret constitutions of the
several grades, contained the most bitter invective which ever was
penned, against every species of religion, and expressly bound
every member to renounce all form of worship whatever.

t 38 3

The corresponding committee, established by the ninth article^
I am informed, carried on a continued correspondence with the se-
veral states in the Union, with Britain, and with France. Mr. Ba-
ron agreed as to the truth of a report, which I heard ; that this
committee sent an address about ten months since, to Thomas
Paine, at Paris, along with a copy of Palmer's Principles of na-
ture, to which they received a polite and encouraging epistle in
answer, exhorting them to persevere in their proceedings, and that
he would soon be over to America himself, where he trusted he
should be suffered to spend the remainder of his days, in their com*
pany. The letter and book I believe, were sent by chancellor Li-
vingston ; but of this, Mr. Baron and my other informers, are not
certain. Paine's answer was addressed to the President, Palmer,
and was perused by Mr. Carver.

The last article, ordering an observance of decorum in the soci-
ety, during the time of meeting, was extremely necessary, if we
consider the temper of many of the characters, of which it was
composed — This article was the one, most frequently violated. —
A young man, an attorney, lately promoted to a lucrative office,
in New-York, by means of the Clintonian interest, and whose
name I would expose, were it not for a regard to the feelings of
his family, was particularly riotous and obscene in his conversa-
tions One evening he was the cause of entirely breaking up the

meeting by a frolic he acted, which I shall relate for no other pur-
pose, but to shew the brutish irregularity which sometimes was
carried on among them, notwithstanding their pretended regard
for decency, and the awe the presence of the philosophic Palmer
might be supposed to inspire. A bald headed Caledonian, once
an orator in the Edinburgh convention, though now in America,
forced to stroll about, to teach wh— s to dance and negroes to fid-
dle, rose with majestic gravity, in order to argue with David
Denniston, the impropriety of having a president or superior in
their society. In the depth of his argument, an unlucky spider,
like Pindar's louse, dropped " with legs wide sprawling" on the in-

[ 39 ]

fidd's head. — The young attorney in eager anxiety to rescue I1T3
brother, from the insect's venom, snatched the staff of aathority
which Palmer held, but not being a skilful marksman, in place of
destroying the little tenant of the loom, he knocked the fiddler
down — The confusion which ensued, may be easier conceived
than described. It was in vain that the attorney protested the
innocence of his intentions ; it was ir; vain that his friend, a mea-
ger looking watchmaker, advocated his cause. The blind Presi-
dent at length, descended from his seat, cursing and groping a-
raong his noisy pupils, and commanded David Denniston to en-
force order ; but David's exertions were to no purpose ; and the
Illuaiinati, were obliged to lay aside all moral discussion for the
evening.

The punishment inflicted upon members for such offences, were
most frequently pecuniary fines ; but sometimes marks of disgrace
were devised. — This young attorney, for his unruly behaviour,
is reported to have been more than once condemned to walk the
streets for ten days, with his beard unshaven — His acquaintances,
who were not in the secret, used to be astonished at the slovenly
appearance which he sometimes exhibited, but never conjectured
that he was performing penance to the Illuminati.

Several of the questions proposed for decision were truly dis-
gusting, and prove that they had studied with some attention,
the secret correspondence of Weishaupt, as related by Robison,
which sanctions the vilest lust. The philosophic Barber, to whom
Mr. De Witt Clinton paid his respects, with the gravest counte-
nance, proposed one evening, the following question : " Wherein
does the moral turpitude_ of incest consist V How this important
proposition was decided I know not ; but it is probable, from the
example of their German brethren, that no turpitude v;as assigned
to the act.

A gross argument, abounding with profane expression, aro??
e:ie night upon the following words, u ought the mQUGOmmqalj

C 40 ]

called Jesus Christ, to be regarded a bastard or the sort of Jo-
seph ?'' These questions with their decisions, Mr. Baron informs
me, were never entered on their books, for fear of detection.

The President Palmer gave out for an importaut debate in one
of their meetings, the following interesting querie : " Whether
would the practice of going in all weathers and seasons, bald
headed and uncovered, be more conducive to mental knowledge,
than the ordinary habit of wearing hair and hats ?" The philoso-
phic Barber, it might be supposed, on account of his profession,
would have advocated the wearing of hair ; but either a more
powerful regard for the mind, or the practice of sharing, induced
him, it is said, to make a speech of three hours in length, both
against hair and hats. All the other members, however, with
the exception of a Taylor, supported their curls and locks, with
the same zeal as the cooks of his British Majesty did the honour of
their heads.

Among these various questions, one really philosophical was
one night proposed. This was, " supposing the earth was perfo-
rated from one side to the other, required the effect of a stone or
ball dropped into the perforation ?" This question having puzzled
both the brains of Palmer and the deep minded Denniston, was
obliged to be submitted to the decison of Mr. Baron, the only
mathematician among them.

These incidents which I have related, would appear romantic
and scarcely deserving credit, were there not several members
who willingly will vouch for the truth of them. Mr. Baron was
present when they all took place — but it is t© be remembered, he
was not my first informer : he only confirmed what was related
by others.

One great object with the society, was the propagation of books
suitable to their principles in politics and infidelity. The works
of Paine met their approbation ; but they thought that some of
the members were capable of producing works that would answer

i a 1

<he purpose still better. The President Palmer was unanimously
chosen to compose a system of Deism, which he accordingly did,
and entitled it, The Principles of Nature. I have stated the cir-
cumstance of their sending a Copy of this book to Paine, and the
gracious answer which he returned. I am informed, a very lengthy
address was also sent along with a copy to Mr. Jefferson ; but I
have not had an opportunity of perusing the answer which they re-
ceived from the President of the United States. The philosophic
Barber undertook the task of forming a political tract, which he
called an Essay on the Liberty of the Press. He dispatched a
copy of the work Immediately, when fimshed, to Monticello, and
received a letter from Mr. Jefferson, complimenting him highly
on the production, and expressing at the same time, his satisfac-
tion, that the United States were blessed with such authors, or
words to that purpose. He had another copy given to Mr. Burr,
but the Vice-President did not condescend to take the same no-
tice of the book as Mr. Jefferson did ; although the author says
it was delivered into his hands, in the utmost style of ceremonial
politeness, by William Temple Broome, Esq. late a Notary in
New- York, a gentleman who even excelled the little deputy at*
torney general in tiptoe scraping, courteous smiling, and fashions-
able grimace.

But the grand literary journal set in motion by the Columbian
Illuminati, was the Temple of Reason. This far exceeded any
production of the kind ever attempted. Its mode of publication,
which is weekly, was also supposed would have a much better ef-
fect than sending forth to the world a finished system, however
artfully executed. They compared its power in this respect, to
the superiority that a continued attack has generally over a mo-?
mentary shock, which, though given with greater violt-nce^ soon
expires, and only causes the object intended to be destroye to
be fortified with greater strength and judgment than before. Thj|
instrument they fixed upon for the execution of their project, was
one Driscoll, an Irishman, then newly arrived in America ; and if

C 42 ]

they had searched all the cells of jacobin Imposture in Paris of
Dublin, they could not have found a more proper person for their
purpose. This Driscoll was, only a few years since, a Romish
Priest, and possessed all the Jesuitical cunning which the apos-
tates from that order generally do. The first difficulty which
presented itself in putting the scheme in execution, was the want
of money — for the Illuminati were more deficient in that wordly
evil, than any other. Cheetham is said to have made the friend-
ly offer of being Driscoll's security for the purchase of types.
Whether Cheetham was a member of the Theistical society or
Columbian Illuminati, is a circumstance, the certainty of which
I have not been able to ascertain. Mr. Baron thinks he belong-
ed to the highest grade, and never made his appearance in the
general assembly, but of this he is not positive. He says in
some conversation which he has had with Mr. Cheetham, the
latter always expressed a dread that the proceedings of the society
would, in time, become public, which event would be extremely
injurious to the characters af those concerned — He also insinuat-
ed, (Mr. Baron says) that on account of a defect which he has
in hearing, it would be impossible for him to understand the se-
cret injunction whispered by President Palmer, after the adminis-
tration of the oath. This editor of the Citizen, is more cautious
in his actions than his partner Denniston ; and although I believe
him to be infinitely more criminal in every respect, than any one
of the Clintonian faction, II ike r and Wortman excepted, yet it
is much more difficult to trace the secret springs on which he
moves ; in place of the vulgar stupidity which unveils the pro-
jects of Denniston's brain, Cheetham's possesses all the' cunning
of an artful prostitute, that under a placid countenance, masks deep
designs and plotting vengeance.

tieetham, however, as well as Denniston, betrayed nimselfia
Jne act, which very nearly sunk the American Citizen in the eyes
ol his christian subscribers— This was the enclosing of Driscoll's

( 43 )

fcand-bills, within those copies of the American Citizen, which wer,$
intended for the subscribers, supposed to be deists ; but the paper
carrier not being versed in the principles of his several customers,
(unluckily for Denniston and Cheetham,) distributed as many of tie
infidel Advertisements among christians as deists. — An apology^
however, for the unholy deed, was, I believe, made by the editois,
as soon as they became acquainted with the circumstance.

After the temple of reason was set on foot, and had the appear-
ance of being in a flourishing condition, the Illuminati began to
be jealous, that all the profits of the work would be monopolised^
by Driscoll. — They remonstrated with the apostate Priest, on the
reasonable propriety of allowing the funds of the society, at least
one half of the profits — They reminded him, that he was taken
into their service, with scarcely a shirt to his back ; that they
clothed him in a decent garb, and placed him in a most respecta-
ble situation ; that without their assistance, he probably would
have been reduced to the necessity of again humming mass to a
few Superstitious Irish maids. — But Driscoll was too long a Jesuit
not to have a more powerful regard for personal emolument, than
the enriching of any society under the sun. — He discovered that
the number of deists who were not Illuminati were more numerous
than those who were ; and although, perhaps, the opposition which
he would meet from the Theistical society, would prevent his suc-
ceeding in New-York, yet there were ether towHs in America
which contained deists also. — He accordingly repaired to Phila-
delphia, and established histemple of reason in that city5 under the
auspices of the friends of Mr. William Duane. — The Columbian
Illuminati, perceiving the impossibility of persuading Driscoll to
a compliance with their demands, judged it most expedient, for the
success of their object, to compromise matters with him. —
They accordingly allowed him the full enjoyment of the emolu-
ments of his paper, and empowered him besides, to make converts,
and establish a similar society in Philadelphia ; which the artful
Priest soon accomplished.— Thus Illumination progressed fronr

( 44 >

New-York to Philadelphia ; but here it was not to stop.~A so*
ciety of deists on like principles, was established in a few months,
at Baltimore ; but both it and the Philadelphia society, I am in-
formed, hold constitutional patents, of the Theistical society of
New- York.

A deistical society on the principles of the Illuminati, I can with-
eonfidence assert, has been established within the last two years,
at Edinburgh, in Scotland, the members of which, correspond re-
gularly with the members of the Theistical society — But whether
it was established independent of the New-York society, or under
their directions,! know iidU-*I rathe? imagine, it was instituted
by the means of one Donaldson, who was a member of the Theisti-
cal society at its first institution, but afterwards returned to Edin-
burgh, his native town, as I find a person of the same name, is se-
cretary to the society at Edinburgh-^-The names of the two lead-
ing men in the Edinburgh society, are, George Paton and Alexan-
der Campbell— The former is celebrated as being the first penman
in Scotland ; but the latter, is only known, as the author of a
Contemptible performance, called the history of Scotch poetry*
This Campbell is no relation to the elegant author of the Plea-
sures of Hope i although they profess the same principles in poli-
tics, yet their manners in other respects, are as different as then?
merits.

Anothergreat point with the Theistical society of New-York, in
common with the Illuminati of Germany, was to endeavour, if pos-r
sible, to g t all the public offices in the United States, filled with
deists. — The readers of Robinson's books, will recollect, how
zealous the German Illuminati were in this respect " According-
ly (says Robinson, Page 105) the order laboured in this, with
great zeal and success ^— A correspondence ^was discovered, in
•which it is plain, that by their influence, one of the greatest eccle-
siastical dignities was filled up, in opposition to the right and au-
thority of the Archbishop of Spire, who is there represented as a
tyrannical and biggotted Priest — They contrived to place their

t 45 ]

members as tutors to the youth of distinction — One of them, Ea*
*on Leuchtsenring took charge of a young prince, without any
salary— They insinuated themselves into all public offices, and par-
ticularly into courts of justice. In like manner, the chairs in the
university of Ingolstadt were (with only two exceptions) occupied
by Illuminati." The number of members in the list of the Theis*
tical society of New-York, which 1 have, amounts to ninety-five ; 1
would give their names, but this would serve no purpose, and on-
ly expose their families, perhaps, to misery ; every one of them,
however, without exception, is in politics a Clintonian, and seve-
ral of them have been promoted to offices by the Clinton interest*
Their love for Mr. De Witt Clinton, proceeds in a great measure
from an idea that he is a deist ; whether he is so or not, it is im-
possible for me to decide ; it is enough that they think so, and on
that supposition they will almost hazard their lives in his hehalf.
One thing, however, is certain, that Mr. Clinton has afforded
his patronage to several who were avowed deists, and he has even
been the means of displacing christians, to make room for deists.
The present agent for the Temple of Reason, in New-York, is
well known to be indebted to Mr. Clinton for the lucrative situa-
tion in the mercantile line, which he at present enjoys. One of
the members of the legislature of that state, who was foisted in by
the Clinton interest, is an avowed supporter and hearer of the Pre-
sident Palmer j and for ou^ht I know, also a member of the high-
est grade among the Illuminati ; for there were several, Mr.
Baron tells me, who belonged to the highest grade, that never met
in the general convention*

The oath taken by the directors in the highest grade, was near-
ly the same with the oath administered to the minerval amon°-
the Illuminati, when he became an Illuminatus minor, and must,
without doubt, have been copied from it.— It was reported to me
in these words.—

" I a member of the Theistical society, protest before you* the

[ 46 ]

■worthy President of our order, that I acknowledge my natural
■weakness and inability, and that I, with all my possessions, ran ley
honours, and titles which I held in political society, am at bot-
tom only a man ; I can enjoy these things only through my fel-
low men, and through them also I may love them, The approba-
tion and consideration of my fejlow men are indispensably neces-
sary, and I must try to maintain them by all my talents. These
I will never use to the prejudice of universal good, but will op-
pose, with all my might, the enemies of the human race, and of
political society, I will embrace every opportunity of serving
mankind, by improving my understanding and my affections,
and by imparting all important knowledge, as the good, and
statutes of this order require of me. I bind mvself to perpetual
silence, and unshaken loyalty, and submission to the order, in the
person of our President, here making a faithful and complete sur-
render of my private judgment, my own will and every narrow
minded employment of my power and influence. I pledge myself
to account the good of the order as my own, and am ready to
serve it with my fortune, my honour and my blood. Should I
through omission, neglect, passion, or wickedness, behave contrary
to this good of the order, I subject myself to what reproof or
punishment our President shall enjoin. The friends and enemies
of the order shall be my friends and enemies — and with respect to
both, I will conduct myself as directed by the order, and am rea-
dy in every lawful way, to devote myself to its increase and pro-
motion, and therein to employ all my ability, i^ll this I promise
and protest, without secret reservation, according to the inten-
tion of the society which require from me this engagement. This
I do as I am, and as I hope to continue a man of honour."*

The directors and the members of the highest grade, used to
employ themselves in composing essays for the instruction of the

* This document I received the last time I was in New-York,
when, the pamphlet was nearly compleated. But I had it from art
authority which the reader, I think, may rely on.

t 4r ]

fccw made members. But after the example of the German Illti- .
minati, they adopted fictitious names. I am informed that Pal-
mer called himself Weishaupt ; the young attorney who knocked
the Fiddler down, adopted the name of Counsellor Zuack ; that
David Denniston was styled Coriolanus ; Taylor Sidell Cicero,
and the philosophic Barber Gardenston.

Before I take my leave of the New-*¥ork Illuminati, I shall
relate a scheme they contrived in order to promote the circwla-
tion of the Temple of Reason. They were afraid that its circula-
tion would be confined to the deists alone, and this would be ac-
complishing but a trifling part of their object : the great point was
to circulate it among the christians. They, therefore, thought
if some good pious literary character could be prevailed upon to
start a paper in opposition to the Temple of Reason, in defence of
Christianity, it would be the means of having them both read,
and they had too much confidence in their own abilities, not to
suppose that the arguments brought forward in the Temple of
Reason, would quickly overcome what they called the pedantic-
bigotry of a christian divine. Accordingly, a committee was
fixed upon to wait individually upon a Mr. Donald Frazer, a
christian teacher in New-York, who has gained some popularity
by his opposition to Paine's Age of Reason. Mr. Barcn inform-
ed me he was one of this committee, and that he used all his logic
with Mr. Fraser, to persuade him to commence a christian paper,
which he advised him to call either the Temple of Christ, or the
Temph of Truth — he stated to Mr. Fraser the many advantages
which would arise to Christianity from such a publication, andtho
eminent hazard the christian religion would necessarily be in,
from the influence of the Temple of Reason, unless such a plan
were adopted. Mr. Baron also urged other motives, which never
fail to have some effect, even with the most indifferent mortal ;
these were the pecuniar)' emolument which would arise from the
sale of the paper, and the laudable praise which he would receive
from all his christian brethren. Bv thcrj;* powerful arguments on
the part of Mr. Baron, it h a certain fact, fchat Mr. Fraser was

[ 43 ]

at length prevailed upon to set on foot a defence for Christianity,'
and even went so far as to arrange matters with a bookseller for
that purpose ; and the Temple of Christ would, without doubt,
have made its appearance from the pen of Mr. Fraser, had not
one of Mr. Fraser's friends, who received some hints of the scheme
of the Illuminati, dissuaded him from it. The truth of this cir-
cumstance, Mr. Fraser, as well as Mr. Baron, will attest.

I have now related the origin and progress of Illuminatism in
this country. It arose, the reader will perceive, upon the ruins
of the democratical society ; it first exhibited itself in the form of
a philosophical club, then assumed the more metaphysical appel-
lation of the Theistical society, divided itself into different grades
and orders, after the example of the institution of Weishaupt,
bad separate constitutions and separate oaths, appropriate to the
several grades. They had also pass words, which I forgot to
state. Mr. Baron says the pass word in the general convention,
was truth. After the example of the German Illuminati, they
also established publieations for the express purpose of dissemina-
ting their principles ; they sent copies of these publications to
Paine at Paris, and to the President of the United States. By
means of a corresponding committee, similar societies were esta-
blished in the different cities of America. Their principles in po-
litics, corresponded with their ideas of religion, viz. the rankest
jacobinism, with the vilest deism. They all attached themselves
to the interest of Mr. De Witt Clinton, judging, probably, by a
knowledge of his cousin Denniston, that he would be favourable
to their cause, and Mr. Clinton, in return, appears not to be un-
grateful. He has been the means of displacing several worthy
christians, to make way for them; and he bestows in bountiful
measure, all his patronage to support their political paper, the
American Citizen. Nothing can prove more distinctly the mutu-
al affection and sympathy which exist'between Mr. Clinton and
the Columbian Tlluminati, than these acts of kindness. The link
which connects the infidels of New-York with the Clinton family,
niujt now be obvious, and the ardent zeal which is displayed tfli

T 49 3

promote the greatness of that family. The Columbian Illuminati
are not to be despised, although there are no principal characters
among them. They are to be dreaded, and every good christian
ought to use his exertions to crush their endeavours. In the
words of Robison, " their torch, though of the grossest material',
darts with a horrid glare into every corner, rousing hundreds of
filthy vermin, and directing their flight to the rotten carrion,
where they can best deposit their poison, and their eggs, in the
breasts, to wit, of the sensual and profligate, there to fester and
burst forth in a new and filthy progeny."

It only now remains, that I should observe the pamphlet which
has been written in answer to my correct statement, under the
fictitious signature of Warren, with the characters which the
same Warren has thought proper to call to his aid as certificate
men, and to hold forth to the world as the principal witnesses of
the criminality of Mr. Burr. As Mr. Warren appears solicitous
that his pamphlet should be regarded as a specific remedy for the
vices of the Clintonian family, I would recommend to him, when
he issues a second edition, that either Mr. De Witt Clinton, or
his friend Dr. Ledyard, certify upon the title page, the admirable
virtue contained in the Antidote ; for so many spurious medicines
have of late been imposed upon the public, that unless some per-
son of honor and veracity attest their efficacy, they pass unnoticed
and disregarded.

Waving, however, this objection, for the present, I shall con-
sider the Antidote as having previous to its composition, been in-
spected by the discriminating organs of Di. Ledyard, and Mr. Di
Witt Clinton ; I shall even allow, that the deputy attorney gene-.
ral, has exerted all his ingenuity in preparing an agreeable odour
for the wonderful drug. I shall admit that the pondering mind
of Wortman has had a part in compounding the delicious bitter
which it contains, and that the sturdy muscles of the Citizen EdU
tor have been fatigued for weeks together in its manufacture- — ngr

[50 1

shall I refuse the supposition, that when finished, it received the
divine benedictions of Osgood and M'Knight. But I will insist,
notwithstanding, to have the liberty of analyzing both the acids
and alkalis it contains ; and if, after a deliberate investigation,
the component materials appear to belong to no physical class in.
mture, that the Antidote be rejected as unworthy the attention,
of any but the credulous patients of impostures and quacks.

It would be absurd to attempt to refute all the jargon which
this pamphleteer has advanced in the three first pages of his poison.
I shall, however, answer one remark there stated. He asserts
that I am unworthy of notice, because I am a stranger in the
land, unacquainted with its-history, habits, and institutions. Had
I related any other circumstances than those in which I acted my-
self a principal part, the observation would have been in some de-
gree a justifiable one ; but when my pamphlet was only intended
as a correct statement of a business in which I was personally con-
cerned, and which was misrepresented by the Narrative writer^
I certainly had a preferable claim for credit, to a person who
wrote from information received from a secondary source ; but
even allowing we stood on an equal footing in this respect, I be-
lieve I may safely assert, without incurring a charge of vanity,
that the Narrative writer can lay no greater claim to an acquaint-
ance with the history, habits and institutions of America, than I
can do myself. He may, perhaps, presume upon a three years
longer residence in the states ; he may affirm that he is more gen-
erally known in the sixth and seventh wards of New-York, and
he may strengthen his argument, by relating that he has had the
honour of dining at Mr. Jefferson's table, and of privately inspect-
ing two letters, which were intended for the post-office. These
are circumstances, I confess, in which he has the advantage of
me ; but they are incidents of such a nature, as will never reuse
my ambition, or provoke a desire of rivalship*

"The next circumstance worthy of notice, in Warren's produc-
tion, is the artful tale which he has. contrived to account for Mr.

c w ]

Ward not publishing my first statement of the suppression. The
particulars of this circumstance are very short.. Mr. Ward, up-
on first reading the advertisement in the newspaper, previous tq
its publication, supposed it a matter of justice due to all concern-
ed, that a correct statement should make its appearance. But
after the Narrative was published, so much party spirit was evi-
dently displayed in the production, that Mr. Ward "was appre-
hensive of being involved in the dispute, were he to appear as an
active agent in the publication of a reply, he, therefore, declined
having any concern with it, as a publisher ; , but he will readily at-
test that the account I wrote for him, precisely agreed with my
Correct Statement, and only differed by the introduction of other
matters, which afterwards came to my knowledge.

Mr. Warren comes forward as the advocate of Mr. Barlas,
" I know (says Warren) that his character for integrity is unim-
peached — As a man of business, he is industrious and honest — As
a citizen respectable, and as a christian sincere." To what a
deplorable situation is poor Barlas now reduced, that he has no
other defender but the miscreant Warren ? For Barlas was once
a pious clergyman, and in the words of the English satyrist :

. " No drav horse ever work'd so hard

From vaults to drag up hogshead, tun, or pipe
As this good priest, to drag for small reward
The souls of sinners from the devil's gripe." '

Were it not for the officiousness of his friend Warren, Barlas
Jnight for me, meditate all his life in his darksome cell, on
those love sick thoughts which are reported to have driven him
from his native home, and separated him forever from the dearest-,
of his congregation, the ladies, who

" Protested that they lov'd him as their life,
So sweetly he would look, when down t-o pray'r !
So happy in a sermon- choice !

And then of r.iprhtin coaler the voice I"

[ 52 ]

I never quote poetry, but when thephiz:of Barlas, or the figure
of the little deputy attorney general, or some such ludicrous idea-
presents itself to my mind' j in those- cases, I believe the liberty
is pardonabk,'_but scarcely in any other, in subjects of this nature.
To say any more of the reverend bookseller, would really be cru-
el ; by his connexion with Warren, he has already suffered too
much ; every honest man would wish he had other friends and ac-
quaintances.

Warren [states, that he believes Duane's letters to me, were
directed without exception, to Messrs. Denniston and Cheetham.
In this he is mistaken ; sevaral of them were directed to Mr.
Ward, and they contained more than either Warren or Duane
has mentioned. Th<*y comprised all the stones inserted in the
history respecting Mr, Adam s^

The tedious relation in tlie Antidote, respecting the manner
in which the correspondence inserted in the Narrative was obtain-
ed, is an entire fabrication. Mr. Cheetham, repeatedly informed
me, that he was the author of the Narrative himself ; that he ob-
tained s)\ the information respecting the suppression from Barlas
and his sister ; that he perused the correspondence in Barlas's back
shop, and that the courteous damsel brought him a copy of the
history, one Sunday to his house.. As to the certificates of Den-
niston and Cheetham, with which the Antidote abounds, they
can carry no credit to the mind of any virtuous..man, after it has
been ascertained, that Denniston was a member of the Illuminati
society, and that Cheetham was a principal supporter of the- in-
fidel Dnscoir.

The letter of the acute Walter Morton, deserves the attention
•which is due to the certificate of a stranger,, until his character be
exposed ; Mr. Cheetham being, probably, apprehensive that the
public would be ignorant who' this zealous Jeffersonian was,
thought proper to inform them that he was a man dedicated to
Mercantile pursuits. This finesse of Cheetham's, had for several
Lavs the desired effect with the small circle cf readers, into whose

C 53 ]

hands the Antidote fell , and they verily believed, that the Cale-
donian, who used to hobble at my heels ia the dark nights of win-
ter, was no other but Mr. Thomas Morton, a respectable mer-
chant in pearl street, but that the press compositor, by mistake,
had inserted Walter in place of Thomas. But when it is said
Mr. Thomas Morton declared his entire ignorance of the affair,
the natural conclusion was, that Walter Morton must have been
one of those convenient creatures, who, like Dr. Warren, start
up at a nod of the citizen's brain, and with the pliancy of an evil
fairy, volunteer to grumble his favorite ditties, and to vouch
for his billingsgate. No father notice would, therefore, have been
taken of the letter, had not the Scotch snake-scraper, fearing that
his literary epistle would be consigned to oblivion, ran to the cof-
fee-house, as is reported, and proclaimed himself the author.
This is a place where tke scouts of the citizen office seldom enter,
but when ihey exchange their tattered rags for sunday clothes, a
mark of Christianity not yet laid aside by many of the Columbian
Illuminati. The unusual appearance of an huge greasy looking fel-
low, with large goggling eyes, coming to sound his classic fame,
naturally attracted attention. To every enquiry which was made
respecting his place of residence, he replied, it is said " I keep
Jammie Thompson's books in maiden lane."

As I have used the word, snake-scraper, it is proper that I ex-
plaiu the term. — In every country there are beings of this descrip-
tion ; in England, Ireland and America, as well as Scotland—
They are divided in Britain, into four species ; the king snake,
the law snake, tke parson's snake, and the dirty snake. — The
king's snake it the most lordly of the four ; he kicks all mankind
with his tail, but his majesty's minister, whose paw he licks, and
to whose breech he bows, in hopes either of place or pension — The
parson's snake is a more courteous reptile, he laughs like little Ri-
ker with earls and dukes, prays to Bishops Avith all the fervency
of M'Knight, and wags at the tables of the great, until he rolls
himself into a covert of luxury and ease — The law snake thougfc

[ 54 }

Hot so majestic in appearance is swifter in motion than either of his
superiors, and never fails by one means or other to seize the prey,
on which his eyes have once darted The dirty snake or snake-
scraper, is the most dirty of all human reptiles, he solely exists,
by drawling his blotted carcase along the tract, marked out by
the filth of his brethren, he pokes his head into the vilest hovels,
and if necessity requires, he gilds his scales by wallowing in the
streams which flow from the fragrant abodes of his goddess Cloa-
cina — Among this latter species I class Walter Morton the prin-
cipal certificate man of Dr. Warren. The birth, education and
practice of this fellow are indexes in his life which characterise
him as a snake scraper, as completely, as any marks which the
naturalist adopts to distinguish the various animals of the creation.
His father, and for ought I know his grandfather, and great
grandfather, exercised in a country village in Scotland, what is
deemed in that country the most contemptible of professions, an
understrapper in the excise — Walter Morton himself, I mean War-
ren's obedient servant, as soon as his father had instructed him to rec-
kon on his fingers pounds andpence ; was set adrift to earn his liveli-
hood in the same honorable manner. He therefore lingered out the
yearswhich he spent in Scotland, in the out houses ot brewers and
distilleries ; this was the school in which he was taught the principles
of honesty, and the society which instructed him in manners,
truth, and politeness. He improved the knowledge which he had
acquired in his native country, by an intimate acquaintance with
Cheetham, Dennistbn, and other Clintonian patriots— I could give
many other particulars of this man's life, but they^would only be
disgusting and forbidding to every moral reader — \fchat I have
said, is enough to shew the reliance or degree of credit which his
elaborate epistle deserves.

As to Christian's certi-ficatc, I shall only remark, that this man
was a member or connected with the society which I style the Co-
lumbian Illuminati ; and that he belongs to the lower class
»f Irish— When I use this expression, I trust, it will not be

[ 55 ]

deemed a reflection on the nation. There are no people in the
world, on whose honor or veracity I would place more reliance,
than the well informed Irish ; but the ignorant of that country-
are by prejudice and the early habits of life, soled a way by passion,
that little or no dependence can be placed on their assertions.

Mr. Aird is the only certificate man in Warren's list, who de-
serves the smallest degree of attention. Of this young man, I
think myself bound in honour to affirm, that I do not believe he
would set his name to what he thought an incorrect statement.—*
But the natural violence of his temper, and his zeal for the Clinton
family, often hurry into his mind, ideas for which he has no foun-
dation*

Before I conclude, it is proper to mention two circumstances
which have come to my knowledge since the first sheets were
thrown off. The first respects a circumstance which I transcribed
from the view of Mr. Burr's political conduct, which states " that
Mr. Van Ness was negatived, having only eleven of the forty-nine
votes." But the cause of this was owing to Mr. Van Ness him-
self declining being held up, after Mr. George Clinton withdrew
as it was imagined that he was obnoxious to the friends of
the latter gentleman, and if his name were withdrawn along
with George Clinton's it would be the means of adjusting any dif-
ferentes which existed among the minds of the citizens.

The next incident relates to a conversation which I have had
with the plilosophic Barber — He Informs me that Mr. De Witt
Clinton paid him two visits in place of one, but that he never offer-
ed him the honour of shaving the family — He only complimented
"him upon the Republicanism of his pamphlet, and conversed with
him about one hour each time, on the principles of government.

I have now treated in order, the different matters which I pro-
posed in the beginning of this pamphlet. How far I have fulfilled
my promise in exposing the faction of the Clinton family, and their
connexion with a society of Iliuminati, the reader will judge. My

( 56 )

motives however they may be construed by the wicked and the
ambitious, I flatter myself will be viewed by every impartial and
good man as proceeding but from one cause, an earnest desire of
preserving that religion which all real patriots ought to profess and
with the approbation of this part of the community my mind shall
be satisfied. What I have done is no more than a duty incum-
bent on every christian. The divine Revelation is a right handed
down to us by our ancestors, and delivered to our care, with the
obligation of transmitting it to our posterity as the dearest of
earthly inheritance. Those who maintain a different doctrine and
tell Americans, that their constitution sanctions no one religion
in preference to another, only wish to ensnare the judgment of the
unthinking and wavering citizen. The constitution of the United
States, we ought to thank providence, has been erected on the
fundamental principles of Christianity ; principles which will re-
main, when the names of their most violent opposers will be bu-
ried in oblivion, when neither Clinton or his party will be heard of,
and when the standard of infidelity will only be regarded as the sig-
»al of vice, treason, and rebellion.

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