Nathan Dane Project: Transcription

Boston

June 10th: 1786.

Dear Sir

It gives me the highest satisfaction to hear a person with your advantages to judge of the subject declare that the people of the United States are not so divers in their [?] and ideas as to render it improbable that they should unite in a social compact. Both the federal and the particular governments in America appear to me to be as favourable to the rights of the people as the idea of any government at all will admit of. So far therefore as respects the body of the people the system is inestimable. Its defects are so many pledges for their private liberty. To reject it therefore would not only stigmatize the character of our countrymen, but cut off the last hope of philosophy, that human nature will attain to be governed, without sacrificing those privileges for the preservation of which government is established. Whether the Confederation will receive those aids from Massachusetts which Congress have required, no one as yet can predict. The Bill Bill [yes, stated twice on the page turn] for granting the supplementary funds has been called up in the House, and the question for a third reading negatived: but on a subsequent question, whether the House would grant the funds agreeably to the recommendations of April 1783 and Febry 1786 these were 59 yeas against 45 nays. But this majority is hardly sufficient enough to ensure the measure against the incidental objections which may be made to the Bill, and the occasional changes of members, which, you know, are frequent in this numerous body. There are a great number of new faces, and many of them even at this day, affect to declare, that they are surprised at the proposition of which they never before heard any account. Many are tied up by ridiculous instructions. And there are others who as yet stand neuters. Among the latter, you will be disappointed to find [?] who, I think, though a decided friend to the grant, has given it a more fatal check, than any of its opposers. He is vexed that the alteration of the 8th article in the Confederation has taken place in Massachusetts; and declares that no grants ought to be made till the old rule is again established. This objection never came into view but through him; though, it will now, I dare say, be be [page turn again] made great use of. The subject comes on again next Friday.

I think you must set me down for a loyalist when I write so much in favour of out government at a time when it frowns so sternly at our profession. But this disadvantage, I dare say, will be temporary though it is [?] enough while it continues. The majority of the two Houses have shown a strange prejudice against Lawyers. In filling up the vacancies in Senate they have preferred [?] to [?]; but, above all, [McNichols?] to [?]. I cannot give you a better account of the origin of the clamour against us than the motives you suggest. I believed to have arisen from several causes originally discontented disportion of the people. That the [detroy?] of the Commonwealth are blindly concerned in the attack is doubtless. And so bold are they in their plan, that they themselves, when in all probability protected from arrests by the privileges of the House only, stand up and move for a more easy mode of recovering debts. There have been various committees appointed on the subject of the practice of the law, the Fee-Bill [?]. The only measure which has yet to reached the table, is, a Bill providing that where where [the last page turn] the parties agree to end their [?] by a reference of Justice may make out the rule, & the Common Pleas shall proceed to execute the award in like manner as if it was made under a rule of that Court. There is some talk of abolishing the Courts of Com. Pleas; but among the part of High Flyers~

I am sorry to write you on the subject of this Letter in such a hurry, as does not admit my informing you fully upon it. Bit if I can get opportunity while the Court sits I will send you a better account of all matters here. We have received [?] of [?] being chosen President. I, till then, expected the pleasure of his company to dine at Bunker's Hill the 17. [?] at the opening of the passage over the Bridge. Your enclosures under cover of 3. June shall be transmitted. Sam Dear Sir, Please give my best wishes to Mr. King.

Your Affectionate Friend & Humble Servant
[?]
Hon. N. Dane Esqr
New York~

	7522 Boston June 10th: 1786. Dear Sir It gives me the highest satisfaction to hear a person with your advantages to judge of the subject declare that the people of the United States are not so divers in their [?] and ideas as to render it improbable that they should unite in a social compact. Both the federal and the particular governments in America appear to me to be as favourable to the rights of the people as the idea of any government at all will admit of. So far therefore as respects the body of the people the system is inestimable. Its defects are so many pledges for their private liberty. To reject it therefore would not only stigmatize the character of our countrymen, but cut off the last hope of philosophy, that human nature will attain to be governed, without sacrificing those privileges for the preservation of which government is established. Whether the Confederation will receive those aids from Massachusetts which Congress have required, no one as yet can predict. The Bill Bill [yes, stated twice on the page turn] for granting the supplementary funds has been called up in the House, and the question for a third reading negatived: but on a subsequent question, whether the House would grant the funds agreeably to the recommendations of April 1783 and Febry 1786 these were 59 yeas against 45 nays. But this majority is hardly sufficient enough to ensure the measure against the incidental objections which may be made to the Bill, and the occasional changes of members, which, you know, are frequent in this numerous body. There are a great number of new faces, and many of them even at this day, affect to declare, that they are surprised at the proposition of which they never before heard any account. Many are tied up by ridiculous instructions. And there are others who as yet stand neuters. Among the latter, you will be disappointed to find [?] who, I think, though a decided friend to the grant, has given it a more fatal check, than any of its opposers. He is vexed that the alteration of the 8th article in the Confederation has taken place in Massachusetts; and declares that no grants ought to be made till the old rule is again established. This objection never came into view but through him; though, it will now, I dare say, be be [page turn again] made great use of. The subject comes on again next Friday. I think you must set me down for a loyalist when I write so much in favour of out government at a time when it frowns so sternly at our profession. But this disadvantage, I dare say, will be temporary though it is [?] enough while it continues. The majority of the two Houses have shown a strange prejudice against Lawyers. In filling up the vacancies in Senate they have preferred [?] to [?]; but, above all, [McNichols?] to [?]. I cannot give you a better account of the origin of the clamour against us than the motives you suggest. I believed to have arisen from several causes originally discontented disportion of the people. That the [detroy?] of the Commonwealth are blindly concerned in the attack is doubtless. And so bold are they in their plan, that they themselves, when in all probability protected from arrests by the privileges of the House only, stand up and move for a more easy mode of recovering debts. There have been various committees appointed on the subject of the practice of the law, the Fee-Bill [?]. The only measure which has yet to reached the table, is, a Bill providing that where where [the last page turn] the parties agree to end their [?] by a reference of Justice may make out the rule, & the Common Pleas shall proceed to execute the award in like manner as if it was made under a rule of that Court. There is some talk of abolishing the Courts of Com. Pleas; but among the part of High Flyers~ I am sorry to write you on the subject of this Letter in such a hurry, as does not admit my informing you fully upon it. Bit if I can get opportunity while the Court sits I will send you a better account of all matters here. We have received [?] of [?] being chosen President. I, till then, expected the pleasure of his company to dine at Bunker's Hill the 17. [?] at the opening of the passage over the Bridge. Your enclosures under cover of 3. June shall be transmitted. Sam Dear Sir, Please give my best wishes to Mr. King. Your Affectionate Friend & Humble Servant [?] Hon. N. Dane Esqr New York~

7522