TO MR. SHORT.
Philadelphia, January 23, 1791.
Sir,—The 3d and subsequent amendments to the constitution have been agreed to by New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The first by New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, North and South Carolina, and the second by only New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and the two Carolinas. The other States, viz. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Virginia and Georgia, have not decided on them. Vermont has acceded to the new Constitution of the United States, and is coming forward to ask admission into Congress. Kentucky has asked the same, and a bill for the purpose has passed the Senate, and is now before the Representatives, where it will meet with no difficulty. But they have only asked admission for the year 1792.
The census had made considerable progress, but will not be completed till midsummer. It is judged at present that our numbers will be between four and five millions. Virginia it is supposed will be between 7 and 800,000.
You will perceive by the papers that the object of our Indian expedition has been so imperfectly obtained, as to call for another the ensuing year. By the present conveyance you will probably receive a proclamation, locating the federal territory so as to comprehend Georgetown. It will appear within a day or two. We must still pursue the redemption of our captives through the same channel, till some better means can be devised. The money, however, which is in Mr. Grand's hands, will be the subject of a letter to you from the Secretary of the Treasury, as soon as he can have an act of Congress authorizing the application of it to the debt of the foreign officers.
The most important matters now before Congress are propositions to establish a bank, to establish a land office and excise. The latter measure, though severely modified, is very unpopular in the middle and southern States.
Fenno's and Davies' papers will accompany this. These contain all the laws of the last session, and therefore it is thought better to defer sending them to you in a body, till a third edition appears, which is proposed to be printed, as this will be more conveniently conveyed as well as handled.
I am, with great and sincere esteem, dear Sir, your most obedient, and most humble servant.