Richard Henry Lee to Edmund Pendleton

Before this reaches you I hope much progress will have been made towards the establishment of a wise and free government, without which, neither publick or private happiness or security can long be expected. I make no doubt but you have seen a small pamphlet published here with the Title of "An address to the Convention of the Colony & Ancient Dominion of Virga. on the Subject of Government &c."¹ This contemptible little Tract betrays the little Knot or Junto from whence it proceeded. Confusion of ideas, aristocratic pride, contradictory reasoning with evident ill design, put it out of danger of doing harm, and therefore I quit it. The difficulty we have to encounter in constructing this fabric from whence so great good or evil may result, consists certainly in blending the three simple forms of Government in such manner as to prevent the inordinate views of either from unduly affecting the others, which has never been the case in Engd altho it was the professed aim of that system. But there a fine design was spoiled in the execution. The perogative of making Peers & Boroughs effectually destroyed the equepoise, and presented an opportunity of applying that corruption which has now swallowed up everything but the forms of freedom in G.B. However imperfect the English plan was, vet our late government in Virginia was infinitely worse. With us, 2 thirds of the Legislative, all the executive & judiciary powers were in the same hands. In truth it was very near a Tyranny, altho the mildness with which it was executed under whig direction, made the evil little felt. Abridged duration, temperate revenue, and every unnecessary power withheld are potent means of preserving integrity in public men and for securing the Community from the dangerous ambition that too often governs the human mind. But why need I mention these things to a gentleman who knows them so well. I have only to wish your health may enable you to attend to this arduous business with the closeness it deserves.² If you consider the nature of the funds with which the war has been hitherto carried on, the great & growing expence of this contest and the probable prospect of its continuing for sometime longer, I suppose until G.B. has lost all hope of regaining us, it must be evident beyond a doubt that foreign Alliance is indispensible, and should be immediately sought. Our Trade must be opened, which cannot be done until we get protection for our property on the water, and can induce some competent power to undertake to trade with us. About this no time is to be lost, and therefore I wish positive instructions on this head may be sent your Servants in Congress soon as possible.³ Would it not be well to appoint Mr. President Nelson the first Governor if he wd. accept, since he possesses knowledge, experience, and has already been in a dignified station?

The Roebuck & Liverpoole were lately met Coming up the Delaware by 13 Gondolas from this City, when after 2 engagements on two following days, of 3 hours each time, The Ships returned down the river well bored with large Cannon Shot.

We have had upwards of 20 Tons of powder & more Salt petre with several brass pieces, arrived within the last 10 days and we dayly expect to hear of the arrival of the Hessian, Hanoverian & High l. Commissioners. I hope my Countrymen will push the Articles of Common Salt, Salt Petre, & Arms; and that all possible encouragement will be given to manufactures of every useful kind. Let a wire Mill be set up for the purpose of making "Wool & Cotton" Cord. I am inclined to think there is no better way to produce a spirit of manufactures than by offering very encouraging public rewards for the 1st, 2d & so on largest quantity of Linnen or Woolen Cloths.