The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

2ET. 55.] LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 435
possessed, their modes of operation, and their defects.
The confederacies analyzed in this paper are the Lycian, Amphictyonic, Achean, Helvetic, Belgic, and Germanic. He also read the standard works on general
politics and the science of government, abridging parts
of them, according to his usual practice, that he might
impress the essential points more deeply on his mind.
He was apprehensive, that the delegates might come
together fettered with instructions, which would embarrass and retard, if not defeat, the salutary end proposed. "My wish is," said he, "that the convention
may adopt no temporizing expedients, but probe the
defects of the constitution to the bottom, and provide
a radical cure, whether they are agreed to or not. A
conduct of this kind will stamp wisdom and dignity
on their proceedings, and hold up a light, which sooner
or later will have its influence." Such were the preparations, and.such the sentiments, with which he went
to the convention.
His arrival at Philadelphia was attended with public
honors. At Chester he was met by General Mifflin,
Speaker of the Assembly of Pennsylvania, and several
officers and gentlemen of distinction, who proceeded
with him from that place. At Gray's Ferry a company of light-horse took charge of him, and escorted
him into the city. His first visit was to Dr. Franklin,
at that time President of Pennsylvania. All the States
were represented in the convention, except Rhode
Island; and, when the body was organized for business, General Washington was elected by a unanimous
vote to- the president's chair. The convention was in
session four months, and the diligence of the members is proved by the fact, that they sat from five to
seven hours a day. The result was the Constitution
of the United States, which was proposed to be sub