Still I am unable to give you satisfactory Information on the old and interesting Subject of your Return. My Report on it is not yet decided upon by Congress, altho’ some Progress has been made in it.— My Endeavors to forward it shall continue unremitted.—

My last Letter to you was on the 4th. Day of September, since which I have not had the Honor of receiving any Letter from you.1 Your Letter of the 16th. June last with the Paper it enclosed were immediately laid before Congress; and I hope soon to be enabled to send you the Ratification you mention; for I flatter myself there will be no Difficulties on that Head.—

I enclose a Copy of the Fœderal Goverment recommended by the Convention, and which has already passed from Congress to the States.2 What will be its Fate in some of them is a little uncertain; for although generally approved, an Opposition is to be expected, and in some Places will certainly be made to its Adoption.—

There are now but nine States represented in Congress, and unless that Number should continue there for some Weeks, much Business, and particularly in the Department of foreign Affairs, will remain unfinished. There is much to be done, and I am apprehensive that much will be left too long undone; for the Expectation of a new Government will probably relax the Attention and Exertions of the present.—

With great and sincere Esteem and Regard I have the Honor to be, Dr. Sir, Your most obt. and hble: Servt.—

I enclose you the long expected production of the Convention. I am inclind to think you will deem it somewhat too Aristocratic. An 177 Olegarchy however I think will spring from it in the persons of the President & Vice President, who, if they understand one another, will easily govern the two Houses to their will. The omission of a Decaration of rights—the appointment of a vice President, whose sole business seems to be to intrigue—securing trial by Jury in criminal cases only—making the federal Court original instead of appellent, & that in the case of a Citizen of any State & one of another, & of a foreigner with the citizen of any State—the omission of a Council—& vesting legislative, executive & judicial Powers in the Senate— the making this Senate Counsellors to the President, & Judges on his impeachement which may happen to be for the very thing they have advisd—are errors, if errors, gross as a Mountain. I say if errors, for I am very much inclind to beleive they were designd

Congress, having three States represented by those who were members of Convention & three of the most influential each in three other States, resolved to send it on without any recommendation, because it opponents insisted upon having their reasons on the Journals if they offerd to recommend it. The States present were— N. H. 2 Convention men—Mass: 2 Convention, one not. Connecticut one Convention one not. N. Y—N Jersey—Pens:—Delaware—Virg: 1 Convention 3 not—N. Car: one Convention one not—S. C. one Conv: 2 not. Georgia 2 Convention. Pensylvania has orderd the State Convention to meet on the 3d Novr. to determine on its adoption. All the other Assemblies will direct Conventions when they meet. From the present appearance of things, it seems probable it will become our Constitution just as it is. No opposition is declard to it, but in Virginia where it will be opposd, I imagine by the Govr. R. H. Lee, Mr. Mason & Mr. Henry: & In this State, the Governor & all his friends are in opposition.1

I wish it may be amended & cannot see why it should not.

My Br. R. H. Lee is here & desires to be affectionately rememberd to you. Please to remember me to Mrs. Adams, Mr. & Mrs. Smith & to my nephew, to whom I have not time to write.2

Adieu