d rotation in office; and particularly
their President may be re-elected from four years to four years, for
life, so as to render him a King for life, like a King of Poland; and
they have not given him either the check or aid of a council. To these,
they add calculations of expense, &c. &.c. to frighten the people. You
will perceive that those objections are serious and some of them not
without foundation. The constitution, however, has been received with
a very general enthusiasm, and as far as can be judged from external
demonstrations, the bulk of the people are eager to adopt it. In the
eastern States, the printers will print nothing against it, unless the
writer subscribes his name. Massachusetts and Connecticut have called
conventions in January, to consider of it. In New York, there is a
division. The Governor (Clinton) is known to be hostile to it. Jersey,
it is thought, will certainly accept it. Pennsylvania is divided; and
all the bitterness of her factions has been kindled anew on it. But the
party in favor of it is strongest, both in and out of the legislature.
This is the party anciently of Morris, Wilson, &c., Delaware will do
what Pennsylvania shall do. Maryland is thought favorable to it; yet it
is supposed Chase and Paca will oppose it. As to Virginia, two of her
Delegates, in the first place, refused to sign it. These were Randolph,
the Governor, and George Mason. Besides these, Henry, Harrison, Nelson,
and the Lees are against it. General Washington will be for it, but it
is not in his character to exert himself much in the case. Madison
will be its main pillar; but though an immensely powerful one, it is
questionable whether he can bear the weight of such a host. So that the
presumption is, that Virginia will reject it. We know nothing of the
dispositions of the States south of this. Should it fall through, as is
possible, notwithstanding the enthusiasm with which it was received in
the first moment, it is probable that Congress will propose, that, the
objections which the people shall make to it being once known, another
convention shall be assembled, to adopt the improvements generally
acceptable, and omit those found disagreeable. In this way, union may
be produced under a happy constitution, and one which shall not be too
energetic, as are the constitutions of Europe. I give you these details,
because, possibly, you may not have received them all. The sale of our
western lands is immensely successf