1485. CONFEDERATION, Representation under.—
I learn from our delegates that
the Confederation is again on the carpet, a
great and a necessary work, but I fear al
most desperate. The point of representation
is what most alarms me, and I fear the great
and small colonies are bitterly determined not
to cede. Will you be so good as to collect the
proposition I formerly made you in private,
and try if you can work it into some good
to save our union? It was, that any proposition
might be negatived by the representatives
of a majority of the people of America,
or of a majority of the Colonies of America.
The former secures the larger; the latter,
the smaller Colonies. I have mentioned
it to many here [Williamsburg]. The good
Whigs, I think, will so far cede their opinions
for the sake of the union, and others we
care little for.—
To John Adams.
Ford ed., ii, 130.
(Wg.
May. 1777)
