Channels, Fall 2019

Page 42 Guidone • Liberty Further Extended by the pomp and circumstance of French politics, the language barrier, and the increasingly decadent and secular society. When the Congress decided to name Ben Franklin the sole ambassador to France, Adams returned to the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention, where he drafted the state’s first constitution in 1780. 41 Jefferson was the last Founding Father to represent America in France, arriving after Washington, Franklin, and Adams all had a turn courting the French aristocracy and military. Jefferson arrived in Paris in 1784, devoting himself to experience French culture and politics with more grace than Franklin and less contempt than Adams. Haynes would have learned much from Jefferson about French culture and politics, as Jefferson frequently engaged with members of both church and state. Much like a Congregational minister, Jefferson gave speeches, hosted dinners, and faced complicated situations. Jefferson also sought to establish a powerful alliance for the United States national security. HAYNES’ OPPOSITION TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF THOMAS JEFFERSON Meanwhile, Vermonters were prepared to fight an ideological war against the Adams administration and began to support this new idea of Jeffersonian Democracy, which gave priority to the plain farmer. The Adams presidency reminded Vermonters of the British crown. The British controlled the land directly north of Vermont’s border in present day Canada. Most Vermonters opposed Adams in his plan to tax the nation for an impending war with France and wanted instead to focus on the British threat to the North. Vermont evolved into an open society, a sharp contrast to Puritan Massachusetts Bay and the established religion of Southern New England. Haynes watched as Vermont’s population exploded and his Rutland congregation grew. The Freemen considered the main points Haynes presented on religion, the social fabric, France, and the greater threats of tyranny and enslavement. Vermonters, many of whom resided in farming towns, debated national issues through an increasingly democratic lens. Haynes spoke to convince the people of Rutland that church and state both were necessary for civil society. HAYNES AND JEFFERSON COMPARARED and CONTRASTED: FARMING, NATURE, and NATURE’S GOD Haynes and Jefferson both were accomplished famers, planters, and public figures. Both shared similar visions for the future of the majority agrarian society. While Jefferson held many vocations throughout his lifetime, farming remained near to his heart. Jefferson performed science experiments and studies on types of plants in order to yield the best crop at Monticello. Haynes came of age on the Rose family farm as an adopted indentured servant. Haynes knew the business of raising crops and livestock, narrowly avoided the large horns of the family ox, and escaped drowning in a pond on the property. 42 Haynes personally knew how to treat animals, toil, and till the land. Both Haynes and Jefferson dealt mainly with farmers who grew crops for food and worked the ground. Haynes rose early to raise crops in order to feed his family, and Jefferson stayed up late to analyze scientific experiments and crop diversification, keep careful records, and manage the yields. Haynes and Jefferson agreed that farming was good for the soul, families, and society. Jefferson saw agriculture as fundamental to civilization. He wrote to George Washington while in 41 http://www.john-adams-heritage.com/diplomatic-assignment-paris-1777/ 42 Cooley, 61.