[draft] New York 15th July 1787 I thank you my dear sir for your kind favor of the 11th instant. I am happy the convention continue together without agitating the idea of adjournment - If [strikeout: in the result] their attempts should prove [strikeout: abortive, some important] [inserted: illegible [alterations] inadequate to effect] yet experience will be [struck: obtained] [inserted: gained] which may serve important purposes on another occasion The conduct of France in establishing provincial assemblies, is seized with great eargness by the advocates for the state systems [inserted: as a reason against any alterations] - But they do not bring into view the strong cement of the royal authority, supported by two hundred thousand soldiers - The state systems, are the accursed thing which will prevent our [struck: attaining] [inserted: being] a national [struck: character] - The democracy [struck: could] [inserted: might] be [2] could me managed, nay it would [strikeout] remedy itself, after being sufficiently fermented - but the vile state governments are sources of [text loss] which will contaminate the American name, perhaps for ages - Machines that must produce ill [struck: and] but cannot [from] good - Smite them in the name of God and the people - eight states in Congress - They yesterday passed with great [unanimity] a system of Government for the western territory - Mr Alsop is perfectly well Wm Knox presents his respectful compliments to Mrs Knox, to which I pray you to [addmire] - I am Dear Sir Your most Obedet humble svt