I returned from attending our General Court yesterday afternoon, and your letter, with one from The federal Republicans and several Inclosures, were delivered only a few Minutes ago.—I will have the publications reprinted.
I was always averse from the Adoption of the proposed Constitution unless certain Amendments to declare & secure the Great and essential Rights of the people could be previously obtained, because I thought if they could not be procured before the Ratification they very probably could not be obtained afterwards, and the Conduct of the Advocates of the Government confirm my Opnion. I am convinced that the the principal Characters who support the Government will not agree to any Amendments. A Declaration of Rights alone will be of no essential Service. some of the powers must be abridged or public liberty will be endangered, and in time destroyed. I have no Hopes that any attempt will be made to obtain previous Alterations, and I fear any attempt after Ratification will be without Effect.
1 I consider the Constitution as radically defective in this Essential the Bulk of the people can have Nothing to say to it—The Government is not a Government of the people, it is not a Government of Representation the people do not chuse the House of Representatives. a Right of Election is declared but it can not be excercised. it is a useless nugatory Right. by no Mode of Choice by the people at large or in Districts can they chuse Representatives. the Right is immediate and given to all the people, but it is impracticable to be exercised by them. I believe a very great Majority of the people of this State are in favour of Amendments, but they are depressed and inactive. they have lost all their former Spirit, and seem ready to submit to any Master. Governor Smallwood, Mr Mercer, Mr J T Chase, our attorney General and a few more are decided against the Government.-An attempt will be made to elect none but Fœderalists, as they falsly call themselves, to our next House of Delegates. a violent Opposition will be made to Me in this Town and is already begun on the avowed principle.-I am called on for this-