I see in it much matter for profound reflection; much which should
confirm our adhesion, in practice, to the good principles of our
constitution, and fix our attention on what is yet to be made good. The
sixth section on the good moral principles of our government, I found
so interesting and replete with sound principles, as to postpone my
letter-writing to its thorough perusal and consideration. Besides much
other good matter, it settles unanswerably the right of instructing
representatives, and their duty to obey. The system of banking we have
both equally and ever reprobated. I contemplate it as a blot left in all
our constitutions, which, if not covered, will end in their destruction,
which is already hit by the gamblers in corruption, and is sweeping
away in its progress the fortunes and morals of our citizens. Funding I
consider as limited, rightfully, to a redemption of the debt within the
lives of a majority of the generation contracting it; every generation
coming equally, by the laws of the Creator of the world, to the free
possession of the earth he made for their subsistence, unincumbered by
their predecessors, who, like them, were but tenants for life. You have
successfully and completely pulverized Mr. Adams's system of orders,
and his opening the mantle of republicanism to every government of
laws, whether consistent or not with natural right. Indeed, it must be
acknowledged, that the term republic is of very vague application
in every language.
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