n gentlemen here, and exultation in the federalists, who openly
declare they will prevent an election, and will name a President of
the Senate, _pro tem_, by what they say would only be a stretch of the
constitution. The prospect of preventing this, is as follows. Georgia,
North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and New
York, can be counted on for their vote in the, House of Representatives,
and it is thought by some, that Baer of Maryland, and Linn of New Jersey
will come over. Some even count on Morris of Vermont. But you must know
the uncertainty of such a dependence under the operation of caucuses and
other federal engines. The month of February, therefore, will present us
storms of a new character. Should they have a particular issue, I hope
you will be here a day or two, at least, before the 4th of March. I
know that your appearance on the scene before the departure of Congress,
would assuage the minority, and inspire in the majority confidence and
joy unbounded, which they would spread far and wide on their journey
home. Let me beseech you then to come with a view of staying perhaps
a couple of weeks, within which time things might be put into such a
train, as would permit us both to go home for a short time, for removal.
I wrote to R. R. L. by a confidential hand three days ago. The person
proposed for the Treasury has not come yet.

Davie is here with the convention, as it is called; but it is a real
treaty, and without limitation of time. It has some disagreeable
features, and will endanger the compromitting us with Great Britain. I
am not at liberty to mention its contents, but I believe it will meet
with opposition from both sides of the House. It has been a bungling
negotiation. Ellsworth remains in France for his health. He has resigned
his office of Chief Justice. Putting these two things together, we
cannot misconstrue his views. He must have had great confidence in
Mr. Adams's continuance to risk such a certainty as he held. Jay was
yesterday nominated Chief Justice. We were afraid of something worse. A
scheme of government for the territory is cooking by a committee of each
House, under separate authorities, but probably a voluntary harmony.
They let out no hints. It is believed that the judiciary system will not
be pushed, as the appointments, if made by the present administration,
could not fall on those who create them. But I very much fear the road
system will be urged. The mines