Having nothing, either interesting or entertaining in these parts to communicate—our faces being turned to the Eastward for news—I felt no inclination to give you the trouble of perusing a dull scrawl, merely to acknowledge the receipt of your obliging favor of the 12th Ult., & to thank you for the information it conveyed, being in hopes that a little time might be productive of occurrences more worthy of attention; of this however I am disappointed.

It is with pleasure, I find that the States of Pensylvania, New Jersey & Delaware, have adopted the proposed Constitution, for a Fœderal Government; the two latter unanimously, and the former by a majority of two to one. Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire are to appear next on the theatre, in the order they are mentioned; and will, I hope, with a decision equal to those which have preceeded them, give their voices in favor of it. Of the unanimity of Maryland there can be little question; and tho’ the Constitution in this State has powerful adversaries, little doubt of the adoption of it, has a place in my mind; but in this I may be mistaken; for as I seldom go from home, & see few besides travellers, my conjectures on this subject may be founded in error. North Carolina, has it seems, postponed the meeting of the Convention of that State to a later period than that of Virginia; which is indicative, in my opinion, of a disposition to take her tone from hence. From the States more Southerly, I have received no information that can be relied on; except that Georgia has accompanied her act of appointment, with powers to alter, amend & what not; But if a weak state, with powerful tribes of Indians in its rear, & the Spaniards on its flank, do not incline to embrace a strong general Government there must, I should think, be either wickedness, or insanity in their conduct.

The unanimity, & generosity with which the County of Philadelphia has been proposed for the Seat of the Fœderal Government, by the Landholders thereof, gives much weight and merit to the Invitation; and will, probably, induce others to follow the example.

I offer my best wishes, and affectionate regards to Mrs Powell; and assurances to you, of the esteem & regard with wch I am, Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt & Very Hble Servt