The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

ET. 57.1 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 451
ulations were established, imposing duties on tonnage
and imported goods. Amendments to the constitution
were framed, and recommended to the States for adoption. Three executive departments were formed, at
the head of each of which was to be a secretary,
namely, the departments of foreign affairs, of the treasury, and of war. The first was afterwards called the
department of state, and included both foreign and
domestic affairs. So large a portion of the administration of government is effected by the executives of
the several States, that a separate department for internal affairs was not thought necessary. The navy
too was at this time so small, as not to require a distinct department. It was mainly in the charge of the
secretary of war.
The requisite laws being passed, it next devolved
on the President to select proper persons to fill the
several offices. In regard to the executive departments, this was of very great importance, inasmuch
as the secretaries were not only to discharge the duties
assigned to -them by the constitution and laws, but
were to be his cabinet, or council of state. On the
wisdom of his choice, therefore, would in a great degree depend the character and success of his administration. So much time had elapsed in the session of
Congress, that he had been able to take a full survey
of the subject, and to decide with deliberation. Long
experience -in public affairs, a, high political standing,
and acknowledged talents, pointed out Thomas Jefferson as eminently qualified for the state department.
He was about to return from France, where he had
filled the office of minister plenipotentiary, as successor to Dr. Franklin, with much credit to himself and
his country. Alexander Hamilton was appointed to
the head of the treasury. His transcendent abilities,