Inadequacy of the Confederation (1784)

BY DELEGATE JACOB READ

Annapolis, 13 August, 1784.

. . . I THANK you for your opinions. They concur perfectly with my own sentiments on those subjects, and, I am sorry to add, there is too much truth in your observation on the management of our affairs. Let the blame fall where it ought,—on those, whose attachment to State views, State interests, and State prejudices, is so great, as to render them eternally opposed to every measure that can be devised for the public good. The evil is not, however, as yet, entirely incurable. I hope and trust the next Congress will be more willing and able to avert the mischiefs that appear to me to threaten the Union. If that cannot be done, we must look about, and see if some more efficient form of government cannot be devised. I have long entertained my doubts of the present form, even if the States were all disposed to be honest, and am sorry to say, such a conclusion would, however, be against premises. I will determine nothing rashly, and hope for the best. My most strenuous endeavours shall not be wanting to secure the peace and stability of the Federal Union, and the government, as long as it is possible; but, I own, I shall not hesitate to join in attempting another, when I see, from experience, that we have instituted is not adequate to the purposes for which it was ordained. Congress either have too little or too much power. To be respectable, they must be enabled to enforce an obedience to their ordinances; else why the farce of enacting what no State is bound to execute? If this is denied, Congress is, I think, an unnecessary and useless burden, and should not hold from the individual States a great many powers, which they cannot exercise, and had better be remitted to the individual sovereignties. Of this, more at another time. I ask your Excellency’s pardon for so long trespassing on your patience at this time, without treating the subject more copiously and conclusively.

Jared Sparks, editor, (Boston, 1853), IV, 77–78.