LETTER OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION, TO
THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, TRANSMITTING THE CONSTITUTION

In Convention: September 17, 1787

Sir,

  We have now the honor to submit to the consideration of the United
States in Congress assembled, that Constitution which has appeared to
us the most advisable.

  The friends of our country have long seen and desired, that the power
of making war, peace, and treaties, that of levying money and regulat-
ing commerce, and the correspondent executive and judicial authorities
should be fully and effectually vested in the general government of the
Union: But the impropriety of delegating such extensive trust to one
body of men is evident -- Hence results the necessity of a different
organization.

  It is obviously impractical in the federal government of these
states, to secure all rights of independent sovereignty to each, and
yet provide for the interest and safety of all: Individuals entering
into society, must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest. 
The magnitude of the sacrifice must depend as well on situation and
circumstances, as on the object to be obtained.  It is at all times
difficult to draw with precision the line between those rights which
must be surrendered, and those which may be reserved; and on the 
present occasion this difficulty was encreased by a difference among
the several states as to their situation, extent, habits, and par-
ticular interests.

  In all our deliberations on this subject we kept steadily in our
view, that which appears to us the greatest interest of every true
American, the consolidation of our Union, in which is involved our
prosperity, felicity, safety, perhaps our national existence.  This
important consideration, seriously and deeply impressed on our minds,
led each state in the Convention to be less rigid on points of inferior
magnitude, than might have been otherwise expected; and thus the
Constitution, which we now present, is the result of a spirit of amity,
and of that mutual deference and concession which the peculiarity of
our political situation rendered indispensable.

  That it will meet the full and entire approbation of every state is
not perhaps to be expected; but each will doubtless consider that had
her interest been alone consulted, the consequences might have been
particularly disagreeable or injurious to others; that it is liable to
as few exceptions as could reasonably have been expected, we hope and
believe; that it may promote the lasting welfare of that country so
dear to us all, and secure her freedom and happiness, is our most 
ardent wish.

With great respect, We have the honor to be, Sir, Your Excellency's
most obedient and humble servants,

                          George Washington, President
                          By unanimous Order of the Convention.

His Excellency the President of Congress
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Prepared by Gerald Murphy (The Cleveland Free-Net - aa300)

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