y-three years, say a
century and a half. This would not be near as many, as have happened in
every other government that has ever existed. So that we shall have the
difference between a light and a heavy government, as clear gain. I
have no fear, but that the result of our experiment will be, that men
may be trusted to govern themselves without a master. Could the
contrary of this be proved, I should conclude, either that there is no
God, or that he is a malevolent being. You have heard of the federal
convention, now sitting at Philadelphia, for the amendment of the
Confederation. Eleven States appointed delegates certainly; it was
expected that Connecticut would also appoint, the moment its Assembly
met. Rhode Island had refused. I expect they will propose several
amendments; that that relative to our commerce will probably be adopted
immediately, but that the others must wait to be adopted, one after
another, in proportion as the minds of the States ripen for them. Dr.
Franklin enjoys good health. I shall always be happy to hear from you,
being with sentiments of very sincere esteem and respect, dear Sir,
your most obedient, and most humble servant.

TO BENJAMIN VAUGHAN.

PARIS, July 2, 1787.

DEAR SIR,--Your favor of February the 16th, came to my hands in the
moment I was setting out on a tour through the southern parts of France
and northern of Italy, from which I am but just now returned. I avail
myself of the earliest moment to acknowledge its receipt, and to thank
you for the box of magnets which I found here. Though I do not know
certainly, by, or from whom they come, I presume they came by Colonel
Smith, who was here in my absence, and from Messrs. Nairne and Blunt,
through your good offices. I think your letter of February the 16th,
flatters me with the expectation of another, with observations, on the
hygrometers I had proposed. I value what comes from you too much, not
to remind you of it. Your favor by Mr. Garnett also, came during my
absence. I presume he has left Paris, as I can hear nothing of him. I
have lost the opportunity, therefore, of seeing his method of resisting
friction, as well as of showing, by attentions to him, respect for
yourself and your recommendations. Mr. Paine (Common Sense) is here on
his way to England. He has brought the model of an iron bridge, with
which he supposes a single arch of four hundred feet, may be made. It
has not yet arrived in Paris. Among other projects,