General Washington writes me, that industry and economy begin to take
place of that idleness and extravagance which had succeeded the close
of the war. The Potomac canal is in great forwardness. J. M. writes me
word, that Mr. Jay and General Knox are talked of in the Middle States
for Vice-Presidents, but he queries whether both will not prefer their
present births. It seems agreed, that some emendations will be made to
the new constitution. All are willing to add a bill of rights; but they
fear the power of internal taxation will be abridged. The friends of
the new government will oppose the method of amendment by a federal
convention, which would subject the whole instrument to change, and they
will support the other method, which admits Congress, by a vote of two
thirds, to submit specific changes to the Assemblies, three fourths of
whom must concur to establish them.
The enclosed letter is from Pallegrino, one of the Italian laborers
established in our neighborhood. I fancy it contains one for his father.
I have supposed it would not be unpleasant to you to have the delivery
of it, as it may give you a good opportunity of conferring with one of
that class as much as you please.
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