You Have doubtless seen the proposed federal constitution[.] it has met with many antagonists but the great bulk of the people & [- - -] particularly those who have most experience & information are warmly attatched to it[.] seven States Georgia Maryland Delaware P. NJ C: & Mast: have acceeded to it-Rhode Island is the only one that has as yet rejected it nor do I imagine it runs any other risk but from New York where parties are very equally balanced[.] the popular demagogues being fearful that it may lessen their importance are warmly opposed to it-Tho this constitution is by no means free from faults yet if well administered it may tend to unite us more firmly than we are & will certainly be much more vigorous in its operation than that we now have-Y
1ou are in a country where you will hear of nothing but our poverty disstress &convultions yet be assured that nothing can be more groundless-The people of this country are the happyest in the world[.] poverty is hardly known in it[.] our population is more rapid than you can have any Idea of[.] such is the improved State of our agriculture that notwithstanding the inconveniences our trade labours under the general ballance will this year be in our favor-and will daily be more so-I speak of this State particularly-Many articles heretofore furnished from Europe are now made cheaper in the Northern States than they can be imported as nails, oil, coarse linnens glass- This is one of the good consequences which results from discouraging our foreign commerce & it will daily extend itself to a variety of other articles[.] Thus in this as in most human affairs good arises out of the evils our political enemies intended us-You will excuse the length of this &charge it to the desire I have of giving you a political ske[t]ch of a country in whose happiness I know you interest yourself with the further hope that it may be useful to you in your present situation- Be assured Sir of the Sincerity of the attatchment with which I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Most Ob Hum: Servt: