28 LETTER TO HENRY LEE. September 22, 1788. “ It was for a long time doubtful whether we were to survive as an independent republic, or decline from our federal dignity into insignificant and wretched fragments of empire. The adoption of the constitution so extensively, and with so liberal an acquiescence on the part of the minorities in general, promised the former; but lately, the circular letter of New York has manifested, in my apprehension, an unfavorable, if not an insidious tendency to a contrary policy. I still hope for the best; but before you mentioned it, I could not help fearing it would serve as a standard to which the disaffected might resort. It is now evidently the part of all honest men, who are friends to the new constitution, to endeavour to give it a chance to disclose its merits and defects by carrying it fairly into effect, in the first instance. For it is to be apprehended, that by an attempt to obtain amendments before the experiment has been candidly made, i more is meant than meets the ear,’ that an intention is concealed, to accomplish slily, what could not have been done openly, to undo all that has been done. If the fact so exists, that a kind of combination is forming to stifle the government in embryo, it is a happy circumstance that the design has become suspected. Preparations should be the sure attendant upon forewarning. Probably, prudence, wisdom, and patriotism were never more essentially necessary than at the present moment: and so far as it can be done in an irreproachably direct manner, no effort ought to be left unassayed to procure the election of the best possible characters to the new Congress. On their harmony, deliberation, and decision every thing will depend. I heartily wish Mr. Madison was in our Assembly ; .as I think, with you, it is of unspeakable importance Virginia should set out in her federal measures under right auspices. “ The principal topic of your letter is to me a point of great delicacy indeed ; insomuch that I can scarcely, without some impropriety, touch upon it. In the first place, the event to
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