Tench Coxe to James Madison (March 18, 1789)

I have reflected since I had the pleasure of seeing you on the form of a declaration to be introduced into the constitution in favor of religious liberty, and I think the Idea of extending the powers of the union to an interposition between the state legislatures & their respective constituents might be accomplished to universal satisfaction, by something like the 4th. Sec of the 4th. Article relating to a republican form of Government—It would give great eclat to the constitution in Europe, and would give it an honest Triumph over the disingenuousness of those, who have opposed it on that score against their better knowledge.