[struck: Packetboat Cerf] A I have Rec'd a Letter from Congress informing me that they have determined on the several Days for appointing the Electors & for them to proceed to assemble in their respective States, & vote for a President, & also for the time & place for commencing proceedings under the new Constitution - These are matters of the highest importance to this & every other State in the Union, & therefore you will readily conceive they require your candid & impartial deliberations Your wise decisions will tend not only to cultivate & strengthen that harmony & mutual affection among the States which is at all times so essential even to their existence but also to ensure the good Administration of the federal Constitution adopted by a great majority of them - A Constitution which with some amendments recommended by the People of this State, and expected by others, we may promise our selves will establish the Respectability of the United States abroad, as well as their internal Liberty, Safety & Prosperity - Such amendments, Gentlemen, I thought it my Duty to propose to the late Convention of this State for their Recommendations. They [strikeout] [inserted: were] pleased accordingly to admit them, and I [struck: think] now think it incumbent on myself, so far as may be consistent with the Duty of my own Department to countenance and support them - It would be fortunate indeed, if the Constitution should be so amended, as to make it evident beyond all reasonable Doubt, that the federal Government is vested with complete powers adequate to every Emergency of the United States, with no further Diminution of the Powers of individual States than shall be necessary for this great & important End -