re I conclude, I cannot refrain from observing that Cato states very
disingenuously the manner in which the Federal System came abroad. He
tells us, Congress were sensible that the late Convention exercised a
power which no authority could delegate to them. The Convention, says
Cato, have taken upon them to make a perfectly new system, which by its
operations will absorb the sovereignties of the individual States; this
new government founded on _usurpation_, (Cato, this expression is very
indecent--but I will rouse no passions against you) this consolidated
system Congress did not approve and _therefore_ have been _silent_ on its
character. That Congress was silent on its character is true, but could
Cato find no other reason for their silence than that of disapprobation? I
believe Congress were by no means dissatisfied with the freedom the
Convention took with the Articles of Confederation; I believe further that
with very few exceptions, that honorable body approves of the New
Constitution; and that they did not accompany it to the States with a
recommendatory capitation or circular letter, proceeded from a delicate
attention to the members of the late Convention, to a few of their own
body, and to the people of America at large. That the Convention went so
earnestly into the business committed to their care ought, instead of
being matter of chagrin, to occasion the liveliest expressions of
approbation and gratitude--as matters stand just now. I think it may be
fairly said, that no _generous plan of government_ for the _United States_
has ever been constructed, (the plan only excepted which is under
consideration) so that it seems quite unnecessary in Cato to disturb the
peace of society by a bombast appeal to their feelings, on the _generous
plan of power delivered down by their renowned forefathers_. I venerate
the memory of the slaughtered patriots of America, and rejoice as much as
Cato that they did not bleed in vain, but I would have America profit by
their death in a different manner from him. I believe they sought to
obtain liberty for no particular State, but for the whole Union,
indissolubly connected under one controlling and supreme head.

Cato complains of my anticipating parts of his subject which he intended
for future periods. I shall break in no more upon his _arrangements_. All
he can say against the New Constitution has been already disseminated in a
neighboring State by the glorious defenders of _Sha