University of Virginia Library

TO JOHN CARTWRIGHT.[63]

It is so long since I recd. your volume on the English
Constitution with the letter accompanying it
that I must add to my thanks for the favors, an
apology for the delay in returning them. I perceived
at once that to do justice to such a Work
it ought to be read with a continued attention which
happened to be impossible till within a short time
past.

I am now able to say that I have found in your
pages not a little to admire, very much to approve,
but some things in which I cannot concur. Were
I to name instances of the last, I should not omit
your preference of a single to a double Legislature.

The infirmities most besetting Popular Governments,
even in the Representative Form, are found
to be defective laws which do mischief before they
can be mended, and laws passed under transient
impulses, of which time & reflection call for a change.
These causes, render the Statute Book complex and

voluminous, multiply disputed cases between individuals,
increase the expence of Legislation, and
impair that certainty & stability which are among
the greatest beauties, as well as most solid advantages
of a well digested Code.

A second Branch of the Legislature, consisting
of fewer and riper members, deliberating separately
& independently of the other, may be expected to
correct many errors and inaccuracies in the proceedings
of the other, and to controul whatever of
passion or precipitancy may be found in them; and
being in like manner with the other, elective &
responsible, the probability is strengthened that
the Will & interest of their Common Constituents
will be duly pursued.

In support of this view of the subject, it may be
remarked that there is no instance among us of a
change of a double for a single Legislature, whilst
there is more than one of a contrary change; and
it is believed, that if all the States were now to form
their Govts. over again, with lights derived from
experience, they would be unanimous in preferring
two Legislative Chambers to a single one.

I hope you will have no occasion to regret your
early patronage of the Independence of this Country,
or your approbation of the principles on which its
Govts. have been established. Thus far the Trees
can be safely tested by their fruits.

It affords sincere pleasure to find your Govt. &
Nation relaxing their prejudices agst. us. Experience
has proved what a few on your side as well

as on this foresaw, that the separation of the Colonies
tho' a gain to them, would be no loss of retainable
Commerce to the Parent State, whilst it would be
a gain to its Treasury in the diminished demands
on it. It remains for the two Countries now, but to
cultivate mutual good will, to enrich & improve
each other by all the interchanges having these
tendencies, and to promote by their examples the
improvement & happiness of all other Countries.

I beg you to accept my acknowledgts. for the
friendly sentiments you have addressed to me, & to
be assured of my great respects & good wishes.