In Washington's own Cabinet dwelt side by side the leaders of the two parties: Thomas Jefferson, the Secretary of State, though born in Virginia of high aristocratic stock, was the most aggressive and infatuated of Democrats.

Alexander Hamilton, born in the West Indies and owing nothing to family connections, was a natural aristocrat.

He believed that the educated and competent few must inevitably govern the incompetent masses.

His enemies suspected that he leaned strongly towards monarchy and would have been glad to see Washington crowned king.
President Washington, believing in Assumption, took satisfaction in Hamilton's bargain with Jefferson which made Assumption possible.

For the President saw in the act a power making for union, and union was one of the chief objects of his concern.