Kingston, 16th May, 1777.
Sir:
I had the pleasure of your two favors within two days of each other,
and am very happy to find that our form of government meets with your
approbation. That there are faults in it is not to be wondered at, for
it is the work of men, and of men, perhaps, not the best qualified
for such undertakings. I think it deficient, for the want of vigor
in the executive; unstable, from the very nature of popular elective
governments; and dilatory, from the complexity of the legislature.
For the first, I apologize by hinting the spirit which now reigns in
America, suspiciously cautious. For the second, because unavoidable.
For the third, because a simple legislature soon possesses itself of
too much power for the safety of its subjects. God grant it may work
well, for we must live under it.
I cannot persuade myself that Howe will either go to Philadelphia or
come hither. In either case, General Washington can hang upon his
rear, and place him in the light rather of a fugitive than a conqueror.
If he bends his efforts this way, the Council of Safety, you may
depend upon it, will exert themselves to make his situation as uneasy
as he would wish; probably more so. The spirit of the Tories, we have
great reason to believe, is entirely broken in this State. If it is
not, it will soon be so; for they shall have a few more executions,
than which nothing can be more efficacious. I speak from experience:
but then it is necessary to disperse the victims of public justice
throughout different parts of the several States; for nothing but
ocular demonstration can convince these incredulous beings that we do
really hang them. I wish the several States would follow our example.
Pennsylvania, in particular, would experience many good effects from a
vigorous manly executive. Adieu.
Your most obedient and humble servant,
Gouv. Morris.
Col. Hamilton.