John Adams to James Sullivan, July 14, 1789

New York July 14 1789

Sir

I have received your favor of the second of this month. The report
I mentioned to you in a former letter, was spoken of to me by gentle n: from Rhode Island, who are good citizens. One of these
assured me of the fact as of his own knowledge, that there was an intimate intercourse
between some of the leading antifederalists in their State and some of the same
character in Massachusetts, belonging to the neighboring counties, particularly
Bristol. 1 I do not beleive however that
there is any general encouragement given by those who were against the constitution, or
those who voted for it with amendments; tho the Gent n: from Rode Island assured me that the majority in their state kept up the
spirit of party, by roundly affirming that in case of a contest they should be supported
by half Massachusetts.

With regard to amendments, there is no man more sensible that
amendments are necessary than I am. There is not in the world I beleive a more decided
friend to juries than myself, and I should chearfully concur in any measures necessary
to render this admirable institution permanent and immortal. But there are other
particulars, which seem to me to require amendment which have not been suggested by any
of the States. The great divisions and distributions of powers on which depend that
delicate equipoise, which can alone give security to liberty, property, life, or
character, have not been attended to with necessary accuracy. An equilibrium of power is
the only parent of equality and liberty; but the executive authority cannot in our
constitution preserve an equilibrium, with the legislative; nor can the President in his
legislative capacity preserve or defend himself against the two houses; nor perhaps can
the representatives preserve their share against the Senate without convulsions—nor can
the President and the house in concert, form a ballance to the Senate, if this house is
pleased to exert the power it has and the people suffer it. I am more clearly impressed
with this because I know that the equilibrium if preserved, would of itself, and by its
natural and necessary operation cure every defect in the constitution: whereas all the
other amendments which have been proposed, if adopted will never remedy the defect in
the equilibrium and consequently will never secure the rights of the citizen.

We may study to all eternity: but I am bold to say, we never shall
discover any other security for the rights of mankind but in a ballance of trusts and
power. It is and ever has been amazing to me, that the people of America who boast so
much of their knowledge of government, and who really understand so well the principles
of liberty, should have so far forgotten the institutions of their ancestors, as to have
been so neglegent of this indispensible ballance in all the State constitutions as well
as in that of the united states. Untill we shall correct our ideas under this head; we
never shall get right: and we shall be tormented with a government of men and parties
instead of being blessed with a government of laws. In what manner the public opinion
can be weaned from those errors which passion prejudice and ignorance have propagated I
know not.

I am & &

John Adams