I beg you may accept my thanks for your favour inclosing a Copy of the federal Constitution, sometime ago delivered to me by your Mr. Wharton, whom you wish to have recommended for admitance in the Court at Carlisle. Be assured Sir, it would give me Sensible pleasure to wince by stronger proof than the small favour you ask for your friend, the invariable regard I have for your Character, and the honour of Old acquaintance. I have not had anything to do with the Courts of Law since the year—75 nevertheless you may depend that the young gentleman shall be at no loss for a reccommendation and admitance too, whenever he thinks proper to offer himself.
You must be so tired of various and perverse Speculation on the new Constitution, that I must not add to the common trespass but as little as possible. I confess I am far from pretending to know what is the best system of Government, and ready to question whether any man knows it, otherwise than by a general knowledge of human nature and the particular circumstances of the people for whom it is framed. The people of best discernment this way instead of are rather amazed, that so many states with their different prejudices, have been brought to meet on so good ground. Dr. Nesbit, with great Strength of reason is clear for adopting it, keeping in view such amendments as experience and a fitter time shall point out. And indeed when we consider our situation at home (on the confines of Anarchy) and our need of reputation abroad, it appears to me in the light of moral certainty, that immediate adoption is not only our wisest course, but also the shortest and safest mode to obtain such amendments as may either be found to be really salutary in themselves, or only calculated merely to please. In this view my small support shall not be wanting more apprehensive as I am of a failure in the duty of the people, than of any early incroachment of a new Congress—nor would the body of the people but by undue influence, give any opposition. Stale and lawless jealousie, Old prejudice and private motives, have thrown too many men into a political phrensy, which in Pennsylvania we now have to regret. Your last speech in the federal Convention being just up, will be in our paper tomorrow, [tis] come in good time, and I think can Scarcely fail of some good effect.
The tenor of the Minoritys Dissent and particularly a few explicit Sentences—appears to have a wild and pernicious tendency! We must not pray God to reward them according to their works, but beseech him to restrain the residue of their wrath, to still the tumults of the people which they seem to provoke; and forgive their abettors for the mediators Sake; for they either care not, or know not what they do. I am Sir with perfect regard and esteem Your Excellencys most humble Servant