This book was originally published thirteen years ago. The present is a new edition, with additional notes and references, and a short biography of the late author. The work relates to the political history of the United States, and especially to the questions at issue between the Federalists and Democrats. The author was a Federalist, and the book throughout is devoted to the vindication of the character and conduct of the leading members of his party, and the policy they advocated. The style of the composition is without bitterness, and lacks even the energy we might expect in a political discussion. It is calm, clear, somewhat diffuse, apologetic in its tone, and strikes hard hits in the blandest possible manner. The leading men and measures of the country, from 1783 to 1815, a period when party spirit raged and foamed almost to madness, are taken up in their natural order, and discussed with considerable candor. One peculiarity in the volume will impress every reader. The writer appeared to have felt that he was coming before the bar of public opinion as the advocate of persons under its ban. Instead of assuming a high tone, and dealing sturdy blows to the right and left,—instead of grappling firmly with a question, and exhibiting it at once in all its bearing—he adopts a sly, insinuating, apologizing, round about manner, which deprives his style of vitality, and conveys the impression of a timid thinker. We do not believe that Mr. Sullivan would have adopted this style unless he had supposed that in the popular mind Federalism was identified with projects to dissolve the union, and sell the country to old England. In this we think he altogether under-estimated the intelligence of the people. Many of the men whose character he defends so timidly, need no defender at all; men who, if their merits are to be presented, deserve a hearty and eloquent recognition, unconnected with answers to dead and stale calumnies.