University of Virginia Library

TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Dear Sir,—The Count de Moustier arrived here a
few days ago as successor to the Chevr. de la Luzerne.
His passage has been so tedious that I am not sure
that the despatches from Mr. Jefferson make any
considerable addition to former intelligence. I have
not yet seen them, but am told that this is the case.
In general, it appears that the affairs of Holland are
put into a pacific train. The Prussian troops are to
be withdrawn, and the event settled by negotiations.
But it is still possible that the war between
the Russians & Turks may spread a general flame
throughout Europe.

The intelligence from Massachusetts begins to be
very ominous to the Constitution. The antifederal
party is reinforced by the insurgents, and by the
province of Mayne, which apprehends greater obstacles
to the scheme of a separate Government from
the new system than may be otherwise experienced.
And according to the prospect at the date of the last
letters, there was very great reason to fear that the
voice of that State would be in the negative. The
operation of such an event on this State may easily
be foreseen. Its Legislature is now sitting and is
much divided. A majority of the Assembly are said
to be friendly to the merits of the Constitution. A
majority of the Senators actually convened are opposed
to a submission of it to a Convention. The
arrival of the absent members will render the voice
of that branch uncertain on the point of a Convention.

The decision of Massachusetts either way will
involve the result in this State. The minority in
Penna. is very restless under their defeat. If they
can get an Assembly to their wish they will endeavour
to undermine what has been done there. If
backed by Massts., they will probably be emboldened
to make some more rash experiment. The information
from Georgia continues to be favorable. The
little we get from S. Carolina is of the same
complexion.

If I am not misinformed as to the arrival of some
members for Congress, a quorum is at length made
up.

With the most perfect esteem & attachment I remain
Dear Sir