Make sure to pay close attention to the period in Monroe’s governorship during the disputed Presidential election of 1800. During the period that Jefferson and Burr were tied, with more votes than Adams, Hamilton was maneuvering to give Adams votes to Jefferson. To overawe Congress, Monroe mobilized the state militia, and stationed that army adjoining the Virginia part of DC. We came a short distance from a military coup. The main cause of the end of the Federalists was their disloyalty in the War of 1812.
The book does not offer any information about Monroe mobilizing the state militia in response to the presidential election of 1800, rather it talks about him doing so in response to slave revolts while the election was going on. It states plainly that Monroe had not been involved in the election at all.
Do you have any references regarding what Monroe actually did during that time period? I’m fascinated to learn more.