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
Dear Sir,--Your favor of February 12th has been duly received, and in
exchange for its information, I shall give you that which you desire
relative to American affairs. Those of Europe you can learn from other
sources. All our States acceded unconditionally to the new Constitution,
except North Carolina and Rhode Island. The latter rejects it in toto.
North Carolina neither rejected nor received it, but asked certain
amendments before it should receive it. Her amendments concur with those
asked by Virginia, New York and Massachusetts, and consist chiefly in a
declaration of rights. Even the warmest friends to the new form begin to
be sensible it wants the security, and it is pretty generally agreed that
a declaration of rights shall be added. New York and Virginia, though
they have acceded to this government, are less contented with it than the
others. In New York, it is the effect of the intrigues and influence of
Governor Clinton, who it is hoped will be exchanged for a Judge Yates.
In Virginia, it is perhaps the apprehension that the new government will
oblige them to pay their debts. Our letters are as late as the 16th of
March. There were not yet members enough of the new Congress assembled to
open the tickets. It was expected there would be in two or three days.
Information, however, from all the States, gave reason to be satisfied
that General Washington was elected unanimously, and Mr. John Adams by a
sufficient plurality to ensure his being the Vice President. The elections
to Congress had been almost entirely in favor of persons well-disposed
to the new government, which proves the mass of the people in its favor.
In general, there are the most favorable dispositions to support it,
and those heretofore disheartened, now write in great confidence of our
affairs. That spirit of luxury which sprung up at the peace, has given
place to a laudable economy. Home manufactures are encouraged, and the
balance last year was greatly on the side of exportation. The settlement
of the Western country has gone on with astonishing rapidity. A late
unaccountable event may slacken by scattering it. Spain has granted the
exclusive navigation of the Mississippi, with a large tract of country
on the western side of the river, to Col. Morgan of New Jersey, to whom
great numbers of settlers are flocking over from Kentucky. While this
measure weakens somewhat the United States for the present, it begins
our possession of that country considerably sooner than I had expected,
and without a struggle till no struggle can be made. Great crops of corn
last year in the United States, and a great demand for it in British and
French America, and in Europe. Remarkable deaths are, Gen. Nelson, and
John Bannisters, father and son. I expect every day to receive a leave of
absence for six months, and shall sail within a week after receiving it.
I hope to be back before winter sets in. I have the honor to be, with very
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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