The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
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TO GEORGE WASHINGTON. |
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 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
On our arrival here we found that the number of
Representatives on the spot had been stationary
from the second day of the meeting. Mr. Page, Mr.
Lee, & myself raised it to 21, and Mr. S. Griffin and
Mr. Moore have been since added. The number of
attending Senators continues at 8. When a Quorum
will be made up in either House rests on vague conjecture,
rather than on any precise information. It is
supply the deficiency in one, if not in both of them.
The States most convenient, are among the defaulters.
It will not be known, I am told, in this State,
who the Representatives are, till some time next
month. The federal party calculate on an equal
division of the six. Mr. Lawrence for the City district,
Mr. Floyd for the Long Island district, and Mr.
Benson for a third. In New Jersey the election has
been conducted in a very singular manner. The
law having fixed no time expressly for closing the
polls, they have been kept open three or four weeks
in some of the Counties, by a rival jealousy between
the Eastern & Western divisions of the State, and it
seems uncertain when they would have been closed
if the Governor had not interposed by fixing on a
day for receiving the returns, and proclaiming the
successful candidates. The day is passed, but I have
not heard the result. The Western ticket in favor of
Skureman, Boudinot, Cadwallader, & Sennickson if
this be the name, is supposed to have prevailed; but
an impeachment of the election by the unsuccessful
competitors has been talked of. Two of the Representatives
from Massachusetts, are also unknown to
us. In one of the districts, it is supposed that a disaffected
man has prevailed.
An English Packet has been long expected, and is
not yet arrived. The state of foreign news remains
of consequence little altered. The accounts of latest
date through other channels shew that the progress
in France towards a Constitutional establishment, is
and the Commons agst the Nobility & Clergy, will
direct the innovations.
With respectful Compliments to Mrs. Washington
& the rest of the family, I am Dear Sir truly &
affecty Yr Obedt. Servt.
| The writings of James Madison, | |