University of Virginia Library

TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.

The information which I have by the Eastern
mail rather increases than removes the anxiety produced
by the last. I give it to you as I have recd. it
in the words of Mr. King:

"Boston, 20 Jany., 1788.

"Our Convention proceeds slowly. An apprehension
that the liberties of the people are in danger,
and a distrust of men of property or education have
a more powerful effect upon the minds of our opponents
than any specific objections against the Constitution.
If the opposition was grounded on any
precise points, I am persuaded that it might be
weakened, if not entirely overcome. But any attempt
to remove their fixed and violent jealousy
seems hitherto to operate as a confirmation of that
baneful passion. The opponents affirm to each
other that they have an unalterable majority on
their side. The friends doubt the strength of their
adversaries but are not entirely confident of their
own. An event has taken place relative to Mr.
Gerry, which without great caution may throw us
into confusion. I informed you by the last post on
what terms Mr. Gerry took a seat in the Convention.
Yesterday in the course of debate on the Construction
of the Senate, Mr. G., unasked, informed the Convention
that he had some information to give the
Convention on the subject then under discussion.
Mr. Dana and a number of the most respectable

members, remarked upon the impropriety of Mr.
G.'s conduct. Mr. G. rose with a view to justify
himself. He was immediately prevented by a number
of objectors. This brought on an irregular conversation
whether Mr. G. should be heard. The
Hour of adjournment arrived and the President adjourned
the House. Mr. Gerry immediately charged
Mr. Dana with a design of injuring his reputation by
partial information, and preventing his having an
opportunity to communicate important truths to
the Convention. This charge drew a warm reply
from Mr. Dana. The members collected about
them, took sides as they were for or against the Constitution,
and we were in danger of the utmost confusion.
However the gentlemen separated and I
suppose to-morrow morning will renew the discussion
before the Convention. I shall be better able
to conjecture the final issue by next post."

There are other letters of the same date from other
gentlemen on the spot which exhibit rather a more
favorable prospect. Some of them I am told are
even flattering. Accounts will always vary in such
cases, because they must be founded on different
opportunities of remarking the general complexion;
where they take no tincture from the opinions or
temper of the writer.

I remain Dear Sir with the most perfect esteem &
attachment