University of Virginia Library

TO EDMUND RANDOLPH.[99]

Dear Sir,—I have had the pleasure of your two
favors of the first and seventh instant. The refusal
of Mr. Henry to join in the task of revising the Confederation
is ominous; and the more so, I fear, if he
means to be governed by the event which you conjecture.
There seems to be little hope, at present,
of being able to quash the proceedings relative to
the affair which is so obnoxious to him,[100] though on
the other hand, there is reason to believe that they
will never reach the object at which they aimed.

Congress have not changed the day for meeting at
Philadelphia as you imagine. The act of Virginia,

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334

I cannot suppose that Mr. Otto has equivocated
in his explanation to the public touching the Floridas.
Nothing of that subject has been mentioned
here, as far as I know. Supposing the exchange in
question to have really been intended, I do not see
the inference to be unfavorable to France. Her
views, as they occur to me, would most probably be
to conciliate the Western people, in common with
the Atlantic States, and to extend her commerce, by
reversing the Spanish policy. I have always wished
to see the Mississippi in the hands of France, or of
any nation which would be more liberally disposed
than the present holders of it.

Mr. Jay's report on the treaty of peace has at
length been decided on. It resolves and declares,
that the treaty, having been constitutionally formed,
is the law of the land, and urges a repeal of all laws
contravening it, as well to stop the complaints of
their existing as legal impediments, as to avoid needless
questions touching their validity. Mr. Jay is
preparing a circular address to accompany the Resolutions,
and the latter will not be forwarded till the
former is ready.