[draft] Richmond Mar. 13. 1788 My dear Sir, Having but a few days ago returned to this City from the Country, I was not honoured sooner with yours of the 10th. & 11th. ult. The decision of Massachusetts is perhaps the most important event that ever took place in America, as upon her in all probability depended the fate of the Constitution - had she rejected I am certain there would not have been the most remote chance for its adoption in Virginia - the demoniac Spirit has within a few weeks, passed from the few in whom it was generated, to [inserted: the] Mass of the people & Rages in such a manner as to give an unfortunate turn to the elections which are now making for the convention - the present policies of this state, amongst the discerning, are divisible into three very distinct classes - Antifederalists who are for a direct dismemberment of the Union - Federalists [2] Federalists who make the Union their great & first object, but are for carrying their efforts to amend the constitution as far as possible within that object, - and Federalists who are for adopting without amendment - the two latter classes will certainly coincide in the point of Nine states having adopted, and would form a very great Majority could the convention be formed of the most deserving in the State - but unfortunately the fever now raging amongst the body of the people, will bring in many very weak & desperate characters, who declare in the opposition, to the exclusion of better Men who will [inserted: not] so commit themselves on either side - the danger is, that a great proportion of the Assembly will be so overborn by the declamatory powers of Mr. Henry as to be deceived into his measures although their ultimate views may be intirely different. it is held out by Mr. Henry and his [3] his demagogues that Virga. is so important that she can bring nine or even 12 States to her Measures. I assure you my dear Friend that I feel [more] anxiety upon the present occasion than even I felt during the War. it has led me to commit myself in an election for a County where the majority are opposed to me in sentiment, and it is highly probable I shall be rejected, yet I could not tamely submit the [struck: fate] measure to its fate without such an effort. Be pleased to present me in the most friendly terms to your Lady and believe me to be Dr Sir your Afft Srt. Ed. Carrington Genl Knox P.S. I shall set out for N. York about the first of. apl. [docket] from Colo Carrington 13 March 1788 -