There is another strong feature in the new constitution, which
I as strongly dislike. That is, the perpetual re-eligibility of the
President. Of this I expect no amendment at present, because I do not
see that any body has objected to it on your side the water. But it will
be productive of cruel distress to our country, even in your day and
mine. The importance to France and England, to have our government in
the hands of a friend or foe, will occasion their interference by money,
and even by arms. Our President will be of much more consequence to them
than a King of Poland. We must take care, however, that neither this,
nor any other objection to the new form, produces a schism in our Union.
That would be an incurable evil, because near friends falling out, never
re-unite cordially; whereas, all of us going together, we shall be sure
to cure the evils of our new constitution, before they do great harm.
The box of books I had taken the liberty to address to you, is but just
gone from Havre for New York. I do not see, at present, any symptoms
strongly indicating war. It is true, that the distrust existing between
the two courts of Versailles and London, is so great, that they can
scarcely do business together.
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