Henry Marchant to John Adams, May 29, 1790

Newport May 29 th. 1790—

Most respected Friend

’tis done,—’tis done— The Constitution this Day was adopted by Our
State Convention, by a Majority of two— Never were Days of more anxiety, Labor and
Assiduity, Hope and Fear, than the last six— It is a happy Circumstance that the
Convention was adjourned to this Town, where we had the largest fœderal Interest, and
little Influence of the Country Anties— The late Act passed by the Senate of Congress
was an Instrument which we weilded with much Success and Execution:—Nothing could be
more timely— 1 It would take a Quire of
Paper to give You the entertaining particulars of this Week:— But I know not how soon an
Opportunity may offer to New York—Therefore to Business

Congress may soon rise, and may find it necessary to make the Acts
proper to the Introduction of this State into the Union, before Our Members may be able
to reach Congress— Our Assembly will sit three Weeks from next Monday: The Senators may
be chosen then; The Representative cannot be, till four Weeks after:— 2 I have therefore inclosed
You the Revennue Act of this State; passed as nearly as possible to that of
Congress— 3 Here you will find all the
Ports marked out and well described, and every Thing necessary for forming Your Acts or
Bills— Names for Officers I dare say have gone forward in Abundance long ago, and are in
the Care and Charge of one Member or another.— 4 But if Satisfaction cannot yet be had on that
Subject, or not untill Congress should rise,—the Act may provide for this State, that
the President have the intire Power of Appointment; at any Rate untill Congress meet
again—

I don’t know but I am impertinent in this Business:—but my Wish is
to advance the publick Weal, and to give every Aid in my Power, that the Wheels of
Government, and Revennue, may be in Motion— What is well You may retain; You have been
used to refine;—The Dross You may throw away.—

Upon this happy Occasion I congratulate You Sir,—And thro’ You Sir,
I desire to congratulate the President, Our fœderal Head and Father;—Congress and all
well Wishers to the building up Our grand fœderal Cause and Government— With sincere
Respects to M rs. Adams, Comp ts. to the Family and all Friends, without Time to add; having come this Moment out of
Convention, and amidst the din & Noise of Bells, Huzzas and Guns, I am most
respectfully Your devoted / Friend & Serv t.

H y: Marchant

P:S: Amidst my hurry I had forgot to acknowledge the Honor done
me by yours of the 20 th. of March, which would have been
answerd before, but that I was tired of Conjectures, and wish’d for something
substantial to communicate— Part of Yours will hereafter require further
Attention—