[670] Hening, xi, 390.
[671] Journal, H.D., 70-71.
[672] Madison to Jefferson, July 3, 1794; Writings: Hunt, ii, 56-57. The Constitution of 1776 never was satisfactory to the western part of Virginia, which was under-represented. Representation was by counties and not population. Also suffrage was limited to white freeholders; and this restriction was made more onerous by the fact that county representation was based on slave as well as free population. Also, the Constitution made possible the perpetuation of the Virginia political machine, previously mentioned, which afterward played a part of such vast importance in National affairs. Yet extreme liberals like the accomplished and patriotic Mason were against the Legislature turning itself into a convention to make a new one. (Mason to Henry, May 6, 1783; Henry, ii, 185.)
[673] Madison to Jefferson, Jan. 9, 1785; Writings: Hunt, ii, 104.
[674] Hening, xi, 510-18. This law shows the chief articles of commerce at that time and the kind of money which might be received as tolls. The scale of equivalents in pounds sterling vividly displays the confused currency situation of the period. The table names Spanish milled pieces of eight, English milled crowns, French silver crowns, johannes, half johannes, moidores, English guineas, French guineas, doubloons, Spanish pistoles, French milled pistoles, Arabian sequins; the weight of each kind of money except Spanish pieces of eight and English and French milled crowns being carefully set out; and "other gold coin (German excepted) by the pennyweight." If any of this money should be reduced in value by lessening its weight or increasing its alloy it should be received at "its reduced value only." (Ib.)
[675] Madison to Jefferson, Jan. 9, 1785; Writings: Hunt, ii, 102. Madison gives a very full history and description of this legislation.
[676] Marshall's Account Book contains entries of many of these payments.
[677] Journal, H.D. (Nov. 1787), 27-127.
[678] Journal, H.D. (Nov. 1787), 70.
[679] Ib., 27.