it. This I believe, is a pretty fair state of facts, so far as they relate to the legislature. One thing however should be remarked viz that the doings of the Assembly upon the Government have been represented out of the state, as their almost unanimous deed this is not the case there was a respectable minority in point of numbers, and in many other views they would be considered by all good men, as far outweighing their opponents, & the voice of the people, in the choice of Electors, since the Assembly have risen, clearly shews that their sentiments were not justly represented in that body, for they have made choice of Gentlemen for that business of whom a great majority were warm & decided supporters of the Government. But the fullest proof of the disposition of the people will be given in their choice of Representatives to Congress, which will take place on Monday next, & of these 6 at least will be federal Characters - this the opposite party themselves acknowledge & the more sanguine in favor of the Government speak with confidence of 7 or 8 out of ten, that will be warm supporters of the System - There can be but little doubt of Mr Madison's Election, for notwithstanding their unwearied efforts to exclude him from any share in Government by the arrangement of the district & every other obstacle, that could be suggested his personal appearance in the district, & the exertions of his friends, have so far turned the current in his favor, that they chose a decided federalist, as an elector in spite of every opposition-If he should be left out, not only this state, but the whole Continent will sustain a considerable loss by being deprived of his superior abilities Mr Rich" H Lee has declared that in his opinion the Government ought to have a fair trial in its present form & that he shall be opposed to any premature amendments - We were pleased to see your name as a Senator from New Hampshire. Judge Bartlett I presume is attached to the Government, which will give New Hampshire a federal voice in one branch of Congress tho it is a matter of concern to see, by the late papers, that there was no prospect of a federal representative from that state. Maryland has chosen six characters who are decided friends to the Government to represent her in Congress & from the choices already made, & the general disposition of the people through the states there can be no doubt but a very decided majority of the lower house in Congress, will be supporters of the system in its present form till experience points out, such amendments as are necessary. We have not yet rec'd any acc'ts from South Carolina respecting the choice of Senators & Representatives in that State. Your good friend Col, Mason has not given up his opposition, & I dare say will not so long as he is actuated by those very liberal principles which led him to oppose the system It is peculiarly pleasing to every person who is interested in the welfare of this Country to observe the change that is taking place in private as well as publick economy Industry and frugality are taking the lead among those individuals who, but a very little time since, were remarkable for their idleness & extravagance The spirit begins to prevail strongly in Virginia where the opposite conduct was always so notorious - A concurrence of circumstances seems to mark this period, as the most favorable of any that ever America has experienced for establishing an energetic & liberal government: -& much very much will depend upon the characters who are to put the grand machine of federal Government in motion its first impressions will be strongest& from a knowledge & experience of those who are called upon to commence its operations there cannot be a doubt of their being extremely favorable - The General desires me to present his best. compliments to you, & his warmest wishes for your health & welfare. You will please to make my best respects acceptable to your good Lady & Miss Eliza-& inform the latter that I had several mocking birds taken last fall with an intention of sending them to her but the severity of the weather at Christmas destroyed them Indeed it is very rare that they can be kept thro' the winter except in the southern parts of the state. Our Red Birds are more hardy & as we have several very fine ones, I shall send her one by the first conveyance. My respects & best wishes always attend our friends. I am my dear sir with every sentiment of respect & attachment Your sincere friend & very H❜ble serv't His Excellency John Langdon. TOBIAS LEAR [Charles Thomson to John Langdon, President of the Senate.] MOUNT VERNON April 14 1789 Sir In obedience to the orders I received on the 6th of this month. I left New York the next day & proceeded with unremitted diligence as fast as storm, tempest & bad roads would permit arrived at this place this morning. I found the general at home & after common compliment & salutation took an early opportunity to address him as follows. Sir, The president of the Senate chosen for the special occasion having opened & counted the votes of the Election in the presence of the Senate & house of Representatives, I was honored with the commands of the Senate to wait upon your excellency with the information of your being elected to the office of President of the United States of America. This commission was intrusted to me on account of my long being in the confidence of the late Congress & charged with the duties of one of the principal civil departments of government. I have now sir to inform you that the proofs you have given of your patriotism and of your readiness to sacrifice domestic seperation & private enjoyments to preserve the liberty & promote the happiness of your country did not permit the two houses to harbour a doubt of your undertaking this great this important office to which you are called not only by the unanimous vote of the electors, but by the voice of America, I have it therefore in command to accompany you to New York where the Senate & house of Representatives are convened for the dispatch of public business. In executing this part of the commission where personal gratification coincides with duty I shall wait your time and be wholly governed by your convenience. I then deliver your dispatch To this the President made a short reply & concluded informing me that he would be ready to set out the day after to morrow and from the arrangements he has made in his mind of the daily stages it may be 6 or 7 days from that time before he reaches New York. With my dutiful respect to this Senate I have the honor to to be. Sir, Sr Your most obedient and most humble servant [George Washington to John Langdon.] [Writings of Washington, Vol. 11, p. 380.] MOUNT VERNON, 14 April, 1789. I had the honor to receive your official communication, by the hand of Mr. Secretary Thomson, about one o'clock this day. Having concluded to obey the important and flattering call of my country, and having been impressed with an idea of the expediency of my being with Congress at as early a period as possible, I propose to commence my journey on Thursday morning, which will be the day after tomorrow. I have the honor to be, with sentiments of esteem, Sir, &c. |