The convention of Virginia annexed
to their ratification of the new constitution a copy of the State
declaration of rights, not by way of condition, but to announce
their attachment to them. They added also propositions for specific
alterations of the constitution. Among these was one for rendering the
President incapable of serving more than eight years, in any term of
sixteen. New York has followed the example of Virginia, expressing the
substance of her bill of rights (that is, Virginia's), and proposing
amendments: these last differ much from those of Virginia; but they
concur as to the President, only proposing that he shall be incapable
of being elected more than twice. But I own I should like better than
either of these, what Luther Martin tells us was repeatedly voted and
adhered to by the federal convention, and only altered about twelve days
before their rising, when some members had gone off; to wit, that he
should be elected for seven years, and incapable for ever after. But New
York has taken another step, which gives uneasiness; she has written a
circular letter to all the legislatures, asking their concurrence in
an immediate convention for making amendments.
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