important subject; and to inform the Judgment, it is necessary to hear all arguments that can be advanced. To please all is impossible, and to attempt it would be vain; the only way therefore is, under all the views in which it can be placed—and with a due consideration to circumstances—habits—&cc. &cc. to form such a government as will bear the scrutinizing eye of criticism and trust it to the good sense and patriotism of the people to carry it into effect.—Demagogue,—men who are unwilling to lose any of their state consequence—and interested characters in each, will oppose any general government: but let these be regarded rightly, and Justice it is to be hoped will at length prevail.
LII. Governor Caswell to the North Carolina Delegates.[1]
No. Carolina, 1st July, 1787.
Agreeable to your request I have this day drawn on the Collectors for two months’ allowance to each of the deputies in service of the State in Convention, in addition to the four months’ allowance formerly drawn for. Your Task is arduous, your undertaking is of such magnitude as to require Time for Deliberation and Consideration, and altho’ I know each Gentleman must sensibly feel for his own private concerns in being so long absent from them, Yet the future happiness of the States so much depends on the determination of the Convention I am convinced your wishes to promote that happiness to your Country are such as to induce you to attend to the completing this business if possible. Any thing I can do which may tend towards making your stay agreeable shall be most chearfully attended to & I shall be most happy at all times in rendering you service or receiving any communications or advice from you. Mr. Spaight’s and Mr. Williamson’s are forwarded to the Gentlemen by them directed; Mr Martin’s and Mr. Davies’ remain with me subject to their order.
LIII. Phineas Bond to Lord Carmarthen.[2]
Philadelphia July 2nd. 1787.
The deliberations of the Convention, my Lord, are conducted with vast secrecy; and nothing is known with accuracy but that their drift is to endeavor to form such a federal constitution, as will give energy and consequence to the union. Whether this is to be done by improving the old governments or by substituting new ones—whether by continuing a power in each State to regulate
