University of Virginia Library

TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.

The prospect in Massts. seems to brighten, if I view
in the true light the following representation of it.
"This day, (Jany. 30,) for the first our President, Mr.
Handcock took his seat in Convention, and we shall
probably terminate our business on Saturday or
tuesday next. I cannot predict the issue, but our
hopes are increasing. If Mr. Hancock does not

disappoint our present expectations, our wishes will
be gratified."[49] Several reflections are suggested by
this paragraph which countenance a favorable inference
from it. I hope from the rapid advance
towards a conclusion of the business, that even the
project of recommendatory alterations has been dispensed
with.[50]

The form of the ratification of Georgia is contained
in one of the papers herewith inclosed. Every information
from S. Carolina continues to be favorable.
I have seen a letter from N. Carolina, of
pretty late date which admits that a very formidable
opposition exists, but leans towards a federal result
in that State. As far as I can discover, the state of
the question in N. Carolina, is pretty analogous to
that in Virginia. The body of the people are better
disposed than some of a superior order. The Resolutions
of New York for calling a convention appear,
by the paper to have passed by a majority of two
only in the House of Assembly. I am told this proceeded
in some degree from an injudicious form in
which the business was conducted, and which threw
some of the federalists into the opposition.

I am just informed by a gentleman who has seen
another letter from Boston of the same date with
mine, that the plan of recommendatory alterations
has not been abandoned, but that they will be put

into a harmless form, and will be the means of saving
the Constitution from all risk in Massts.

With the highest respect & attachment,