William Ellery to Benjamin Huntington (August 24, 1789)

Pacificus has {animadverted} pretty severely on Mr. Maddison. What the real sentiments of the latter are with respect to amendments I don't know; but he is certainly very sensible; a good fœderalist, and I don't doubt an honest man. I remember to have seen a printed letter, written by him, in which it was suggested that some amendments or explanations might be necessary. This, his instructions, and a paragraph in the President's speech might perhaps justify his bringing forward and supporting those which have been published. Whether amendments should be interwoven with the Constitution, or stand by themselves is I believe not a question of magnitude. Those proposed are indeed very innocent, and the admission of them might gratify the pride of some opposers of the New Government, and facilitate their embracing it. But the allowance of them might induce States to propose others, and the expectations of further amendments might unsettle the minds of the people, and invalidate the force of the present government. It has always been my opinion that it would be best to try on the Constitution first, and see how it would fit, before any amendments should be made.1 Try all things and hold fast that which is good says an authority with which you are well acquainted.