James Madison to Samuel Johnston (June 21, 1789)

In the inclosed paper is a copy of a late proposition in Congress on the subject of amending the Constitution. It aims at the twofold object of removing the fears of the discontented and of avoiding all such alterations as would either displease the adverse side, or endanger the success of the measure. I need not remark to you the hazard of attempting any thing of a controvertible nature which is to depend on the concurrence of 2/3 of both Houses here, and the ratification of 3/4 of the State Legislatures. It will be some time before the proposed amendments will become a subject of discussion in Congress;1 The bills relating to revenue, and the organization of the Judiciary and Executive Departments, being likely to remain for some time on hand.