Washington, George, 1732-1799 to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter to Henry Knox, discussing the Constitution, its level of support and the level of wisdom and foresight possesed by the Constitution's authors. Admits the document may have flaws, but believes it should be accepted, and then fixed as time goes on. "The Constitution is now before the Judgement Seat - It has, as was expected, its adversaries, and its supporters: which will preponderate, is yet to be decided. The former it is probable will be most active: because the major part of them it is to be feared will be governed by Sinister and Self important considerations on which no arguments will work conviction - The opposition from another class of them, (if they are men of reflection, information and candour) may perhaps subside on the solution of the following plain, but important questions. 1st. Is the Constitution which is submitted, by the Convention preferable to the Government (if it can be called one) under which we now live? 2. Is it probable that more confidence will, at this time, be placed in another Convention (should the experiment be tried) than was [2] given to the last? And is it likely that there would be a better agreement in it? 3. Is there not a Constitutional door open for alterations or amendments: and is it not probable that real defects will be as readily discovered after, as before trial? And will not our posterity be as ready to apply the remedy as ourselves if occasion for it, when the mode is provided? To think otherwise will in my judgement, be ascribing more of the Amor Patriae - more wisdom - and more foresight to ourselves than I conceive we are entitled to." Copied from original 8 February 1854 according to note at top of first page.