stood, lest they should refuse to support the government, after having hastily accepted it.

If those who are in favor of the constitution, as well as those who are against it, should preserve moderation, their discussions may afford much information, and finally direct to a happy issue.

It may be urged by some that an implicit confidence should be placed in the convention. But, however respectable the members may be who signed the constitution, it must be admitted that a free people are the proper guardians of their. rights and liberties-that the greatest men may err-and that their errors are sometimes of the greatest magnitude.

Others may suppose that the constitution may be safely adopted, because therein provision is made to amend it. But cannot this object be better attained before a ratification than after it? And should a free people adopt a form of government under conviction that it wants amendment?

And some may conceive that if the plan is not accepted by the people, they will not unite in another. But surely, whilst they have the power to amend, they are not under the necessity of rejecting it.

I have been detained here longer than I expected, but shall leave this place in a day or two for Massachusetts, and on my arrival shall submit the reasons (if required by the legislature) on which my objections are grounded.

I shall only add that as the welfare of the Union requires a better constitution than the Confederation, I shall think it my duty as a citizen of Massachusetts, to support that which shall be finally adopted, sincerely hoping it will secure the liberty and happiness of America.

I have the honor to be, gentlemen, with the highest respect. for the honorable legislature and yourselves, your most obedient, and very humble servant,

The Hon. SAMUEL ADAMS, Esq.,

President of the Senate, and

The Hon. JAMES WARREN, Esq.,

E. GERRY.

Speaker of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts.

OFFICIAL JOURNAL.

A JOURNAL

OF A

CONVENTION OF DELEGATES,

CHOSEN BY THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHU SETTS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSIDERING A CONSTITUTION OR FRAME OF GOVERNMENT, REPORTED BY A CONVENTION Of DeleGATES, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF MAY, 1787.

BEGUN AND HELD AT BOSTON, ON THE SECOND WEDNESDAY OF JANUARY, ANNO DOMINI 1788, PURSUANT TO A RESOLVE OF THE GENERAL COURT OF THE SAID COMMONWEALTH, PASSED THE 25TH DAY OF Остовев, 1787.