“General Smith’s Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States,” circa 26 January–7 February 1844, Thomas Bullock Copy
Source Note
JS, “General Smith’s Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States,” , Hancock Co., IL, ca. 26 Jan.–7 Feb. 1844. Version copied ca. 7 Feb. 1844; handwriting of with insertions in handwriting of ; dockets in handwriting of and unidentified scribe; seventeen pages; JS Collection, CHL.
to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the ,” meant just what it said, without reference to color or condition: ad infinitum. The asperations and expectations of a virtuous people, environed with so wise, so liberal, so deep, so broad, and so high a charter of equal rights, as appears in said Constitution, ought to be treated by those to whom the administration of the laws are intrusted, with as much sanctity, as the prayers of the Saints are treated in heaven, that love, confidence and union, like the Sun, Moon and Stars: should bear witness,
(For ever singing as the shine,)
“The handthat made usis divine”!
Unity is power, and when I reflect on the importance of it to the stability of all governments: I am astounded at the silly moves of persons and parties, to foment discord in order to ride into power on the current of popular excitement. Nor am I less surprized at the stretches of power, or restrictions of right, which too often appear as acts of legislators, to pave the way to some favorite poliltical scheme: as destitute of intrinsic merit; as a wolf’s heart is of the milk of human kindness: A Frenchman would say, “presque tout aimer richesses et pouvoir”: (almost all men like wealth and power.)
I must dwell on this subject longer than others, for nearly one hundred years ago that Golden Patriot, Benjamin Franklin, drew up a plan of Union for the then Colonies of Great Britain that now are such an Independent , which among many wise provisions for obedient children under their father’s more rugged hand, had this:— “they have power to make laws, and lay and levy such general duties, imports, or taxes, as to them shall appear most equal and just, (considering the ability and other circumstances of the Inhabitants in the several colonies,) and such as may be collected with the least inconvenience to the people; rather discouraging luxury, than loading industry with unnecessary [p. 4]