Boston, Nov. 2, 1788.
My Dear Sir:
In my last hasty letter I engaged to write to you soon after my arrival
in this town. Various questions will be agitated in the Legislature
(of considerable magnitude) which respect the organization of the
government.
There is a party of Federalists who are of opinion, that the Electors
should be chosen by the people, and the Representatives not in
districts, but at large. These will be joined by all the antis
probably. I yet hope they will not succeed. We yesterday committed to a
committee of both Houses the circular letter from your Convention. The
event is uncertain, but a considerable number of Federalists have been
brought over to the amendment system. The prospect is, notwithstanding,
that the real friends of the Constitution will prevail. Every thing
depends upon it, and the exertion will be proportionate to the
magnitude of the object.
Should the Electors be chosen by the Legislature, Mr. Adams will
probably combine all the votes of Massachusetts. I am very certain,
that the suggestion that he is unfriendly to General Washington, is
entirely unfounded. Mr. Hancock has been very explicit in patronizing
the doctrine of Amendment. The other gentleman is for postponing the
conduct of that business until it shall be understood from experience.
* * * *
I am, dear Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
Theodore Sedgewick.
The Hon. Mr. Hamilton.