With this I have the Pleasure to send you the Judiciary Bill which has passed the Senate but is not yet under the consideration of the other House; and the Bill for the Punishment of certain Crimes as reported by a Committee of the Senate, and now under the Consideration of that Body.

Of the Latter many in the Senate think that Congress will exceed the Power vested in them, by enacting it into a Law. Of the former a respectable proportion of the House of Representatives are of opinion that altho’ the Power is granted them by the Constitution, and that the Bill is drawn up with great ability; yet it would be highly imprudent to exert it in the extent there laid down. Some think that the establishment of the Inferior Courts will be dissatisfactory and inconvenient to the People, others that they would interfere with the State Courts so much as in particular cares to suspend Justice. You will observe that Capital Punishments are proposed there seem to be two Reasons. 1) The want of Funds to support other Plans and 2) The Fear of the want of Energy in the Government. Both of them time will obviate; to it will perhaps be added the Spirit of the People.

Congress Business goes on very slowly. The Members are extremely cautious least their measure should not meet with approbation from their Constituents indeed, the present delay with respects to the Judiciary Bill in the House of Representatives can be accounted for on no other principle than their wish to become acquainted with the Sentiments of their Regular friends on the Bill that has passed the Senate. Any Sentiments that you may think of utility to be suggested I can easily communicate to the Members without any suspicion of the quarters from which they come.

Since my Beginning this letter     has returned the Report of the Assembly in Jamaica on the Slave Trade and Slavery in that Island. This you will return to my Brother John when you have perused. I send it inclosed. With the greatest respect I remain Dear Sir Your very obedient Servant