Letter to the Pennsylvania Gazette (April 30, 1788)

The late controversy, says a correspondent, respecting the constitution of the United States, has exhibited the talents of the Americans in a most exalted point of view. Never did any subject produce a greater display of ingenuity, knowledge, wit, and powerful eloquence. The writings under the signatures of Publius, Aristides, Fabius, and the Landholder, are full of profound political wisdom. The speeches of Mr. Wilson and Mr. M'Kean contain a complete system of republican government. Mr. Hopkinson's inimitable allegories are as full of argument, as they are of humor, in favor of the government. To these performances nothing has been opposed but impudent assertions, and calumnies against General Washington, and the framers of the constitution—extracts of letters from Maryland, &c. composed in Philadelphia—ribaldry—scurrility—seditious falshoods—(or, to use a word which includes them all, and every thing else that is base and wicked—nothing but BRIANISM.)