A critic once called James Thomson Callender “the most outrageous and wretched scandalmonger.” Callender, a pioneering journalist, during the 1790s published vicious attacks on George Washington, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, and other leading political figures. Today, Callender is best known as the journalist who first published the story that Thomas Jefferson had a decades-long affair with one of his slaves. Born in Scotland in 1758, Callender became a clerk and writer and an early proponent of Scottish independence from Britain. Indicted for sedition in 1793, he fled to Philadelphia, where he made a living as a congressional reporter. Profoundly suspicious of Alexander Hamilton’s financial program and his pro-British views on foreign affairs, Callender used his pen to

Question

discredit Hamilton. In 1797 he published evidence—probably provided by supporters of Thomas Jefferson—that Hamilton had an adulterous extramarital affair with a woman named Maria Reynolds. Callender also accused Hamilton of involvement in illegal financial speculations with Reynolds’ husband, an unsavory character who had been convicted of fraud and dealing in stolen goods. Hamilton acknowledged the affair, but denied the corruption charges, claiming that he was a victim of blackmail. Nevertheless, Hamilton’s public reputation was hurt, and he never held public office again.

Which of the following best states the main idea of the passage?
A) James Callender was the most outrageous and wretched scandalmonger.
B) Both Jefferson and Hamilton had extramarital affairs.
C) James Callender published vicious attacks on prominent 1790s political leaders, even ruining the reputations of some.

Answer 1

C) James Callender published vicious attacks on prominent 1790s political leaders, even ruining the reputations of some.