The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 3 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and PrivateJefferson, Thomas
History
The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 3 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private
Jefferson, Thomas
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783; United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1865
Sir,--The 3d and subsequent amendments to the constitution have
been agreed to by New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The
first by New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Maryland,
North and South Carolina, and the second by only New Jersey, Delaware,
Maryland, and the two Carolinas. The other States, viz. Massachusetts,
Connecticut, Virginia and Georgia, have not decided on them. Vermont
has acceded to the new Constitution of the United States, and is coming
forward to ask admission into Congress. Kentucky has asked the same,
and a bill for the purpose has passed the Senate, and is now before the
Representatives, where it will meet with no difficulty. But they have only
asked admission for the year 1792.
The census had made considerable progress, but will not be completed till
midsummer. It is judged at present that our numbers will be between four
and five millions. Virginia it is supposed will be between 7 and 800,000.
You will perceive by the papers that the object of our Indian expedition
has been so imperfectly obtained, as to call for another the ensuing
year. By the present conveyance you will probably receive a proclamation,
locating the federal territory so as to comprehend Georgetown. It will
appear within a day or two. We must still pursue the redemption of our
captives through the same channel, till some better means can be devised.
The money, however, which is in Mr. Grand's hands, will be the subject
of a letter to you from the Secretary of the Treasury, as soon as he can
have an act of Congress authorizing the application of it to the debt of
the foreign officers.
The most important matters now before Congress are propositions to
establish a bank, to establish a land office and excise. The latter
measure, though severely modified, is very unpopular in the middle and
southern States.
Fenno's and Davies' papers will accompany this. These contain all the laws
of the last session, and therefore it is thought better to defer sending
them to you in a body, till a third edition appears, which is proposed to
be printed, as this will be more conveniently conveyed as well as handled.
I am, with great and sincere esteem, dear Sir, your most obedient, and
most humble servant.
TO COLONEL MASON.
Philadelphia, February 4, 1791.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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