The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON. |
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 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Dear Sir,—The mail of yesterday brought me
your favor of the 22d. instant. The communications
from Richmond give me as much pleasure, as they
exceed my expectations.[18]
As I find by a letter from
a member of the Assembly, however, that Col. Mason
has not got down, and it appears that Mr. Henry is
not at bottom a friend, I am not without fears that
the combined influence and management may yet
create difficulties. There is one consideration which
I think ought to have some weight in the case, over
and above the intrinsic inducements to embrace the
Constitution, and which I have suggested to some of
my correspondents. There is at present a very strong
probability that nine States at least will pretty
speedily concur in establishing it. What will become
of the tardy remainder? They must be either left as
outcasts from the society to shift for themselves, or
be compelled to come in, or must come in of themselves
when they will be allowed no credit for it. Can
either of these situations be as eligible as a prompt
and manly determination to support the Union, and
share its common fortunes?
My last stated pretty fully the information which
the proposed Constitution. I recollect nothing that
is now to be added farther than that the Assembly of
Massachusetts now sitting certainly gives it a friendly
reception. I inclose a Boston paper by which it appears
that Governour Hancock has ushered it to
them in as propitious a manner as could have been
required.
Mr. C. P.'s[19]
character is as you observe well
marked by the publications which I inclosed. His
printing the secret paper at this time could have no
motive but the appetite for expected praise; for the
subject to which it relates has been dormant a considerable
time, and seems likely to remain so.
A foreign gentleman of merit, and who, besides
this general title, brings me a letter which gives him
a particular claim to my civilities, is very anxious to
obtain a sketch of the Potomac and the route from
the highest navigable part of it to the western waters
which are to be connected with the potomac by the
portage, together with a sketch of the works which
are going on, and a memorandum of the progress
made in them. Knowing of no other channel through
which I could enable myself to gratify this gentleman,
I am seduced into the liberty of resorting to your
kindness; and of requesting that if you have such a
draught by you, your amanuensis may be permitted
to take a very rough copy of it for me. In making this
request I beseech you Sir to understand that I do it
with not more confidence in your goodness than with
cannot be fulfilled with the most perfect convenience.
With sentiments of the most perfect esteem & the
most Affecte. regard I remain Dear Sir, your Obedt.
friend & hble. Servt.
The British Packet has arrived but I do not learn
that any news comes by her. Her passage has been
a tedious one.
October 23, 1787, Richmond, Edmond Randolph wrote that the
first raptures over the constitution were excessive, but that diversity
of opinion had appeared after the meeting of the assembly. Henry,
William Cabell and Theoderick Bland were opposed. By a unanimous
vote a convention to consider the matter had been agreed on, but the
final event was uncertain. Henry's opinions were gaining ground, and
the bench and bar were generally in the opposition.—Chicago Hist.
Soc. MSS.
| The writings of James Madison, | |