Jared Sparks to James Madison (May 5, 1830)

Washington, May 5th. 1830

Since my return I have conversed with Mr Adams concerning Charles Pinckney's draft of a constitution. He says it was furnished by Mr. Pinckney, and that he has never been able to hear of another copy. It was accompanied by a long letter (written in 1819) now in the Department of State, in which Mr Pinckney claims to himself great merit for the part he took in framing the constitution. A copy of this letter may doubtless be procured from Mr Brent, should you desire to see it. Mr Adams mentioned the draft once to Mr Rufus King, who said he remembered such a draft, but that it went to a committee with other papers, and was never heard of afterwards. Mr King's views of the subject, as far as I could collect them from Mr Adams, were precisely such as you expressed.