jilez, (1762-1830), an American politican, born in Amelia County, Va., educated at Hampton-Sidney and Princeton colleges. He practiced law at Petersburg, Va., and was elected to Congress in 1791 as a Republican, though he had earlier held Federalist views. He became a leader of the most radical Republicans, attacked Washington's administration with great vigor, opposed the establishment of a national bank, opposed the Jay treaty, supported the Virginia Resolutions and made bitter charges against prominent Federalist officials. Elected to the Senate in 1804, he became a leader of the Republicans in that body. During the War of 1812, however, and in the years preceding, he opposed Madison's administration and constantly hampered the government in its management of the war. He retired from the Senate in 1815, almost discredited as a party leader.