his leave. And now we shall see what a day will bring forth. The Virginia terms seem to be: give us the permanent residence, and we will give Philadelphia the temporary residence. Mr. Morrisdeclared a vote could not be obtained in the Senate for an adjournment to Philadelphia.

September 3. Mr. Wynkoop went early to a meeting of the Pennsylvania delegation. They were staggered at the thoughts of voting, in the first instance, for a place out of the State.

The business came on in the House of Representatives. Goodhue took the lead. And here I could give an advantageous lecture on scheming.

The mariner's compass has thirty-two points; the political one, perhaps as many hundreds, and the schemers an indefinite number. And yet there is but one of them that will answer. It is true there were not so many points in the present case, but the wind came from an unexpected quarter. All Mr. Morris' expectations were blasted in a moment, for Goodhue moved a resolution for the Susquehanna, as the sense of the Eastern States, exclusive of New York.

The debate was long and tedious, and the business of this day ended with carrying Scott's motion. Goodhues' stands until to

morrow.

September 3. Ellsworth popped in this morning, to see if I could not possibly attend on the salary bill; but I could not.

man,

Mr. Elmer called in the evening. I know not in the Senate a if I were to choose a friend, on whom I would cast the eye of confidence, as soon as on this little doctor. He does not always vote right, and so I think of every man who differs from me; but I never yet saw him give a vote, but I thought I could observe disinterestedness in his countenance. If such a one errs, it is the sin

of ignorance, and I think Heaven has pardons ready sealed for every one of them. Behold, O God! can such an one say, the machine which thou hast given me to work with, faithfully have I played its powers? If the result has been error, intentional criminality was not with me.

He was very urgent for my attendance on the salary bill; but seeing the state of my knee, readily admitted there could be no expectation of it.

He told me Mr. Morris was exerting his utmost address in engaging votes against the Susquehanna-he had influence with the Jersey members. The argument was, that they had been treated with disrespect in not having been consulted when the York and eastern members fixed on the Susquehanna.

If Mr. Morris really expects to obtain a vote for the Delaware, after what has happened, it is a proof how far interest will blind a man. But I do not believe he has any such expectation. His design must be to ruin the Susquehanna scheme, and, in fact, keep Congress in New York. I have heard him declare it ought never to be any where but in Philadelphia or New York. Those places suit his plans of commerce. Nor do I believe he ever will consent to its being any where else, unless it be on his own grounds at the Falls of the Delaware.

he,

Sept. 4. Goodhue's motion was carried.

Mr. Morris called in the evening. He sat a long time. I never saw chagrin more visible on the human countenance. "Well," said 66 I suppose you are gratified." I really was vexed to see him so deeply affected. I said, cooly, "I could not be dissatisfied." He repeatedly declared he would vote for the Susquehanna, because he had said so; but he would do everything in his power against it. This he called candor; but I think he cannot call it consistency. It has long been alleged in this place that Mr. Morris governed the Pennsylvania delegation, and I believe this idea has procured Mr. Morris uncommon attention. The delusion must now vanish. He made a long visit. Mr. Wynkoop and myself said everything in our power to soften him, and we seemed to gain upon him. He mentioned, with apparent regret, some rich lands in the Conestoga manor, which he had exchanged with John Musser for lands on the Delaware.

5th. Worse-confined mostly to bed. Visited by sundry gentlemen. Scott, Hiester, Fitzsimmons called in the evening. The Susquehanna, Potomac, and Delaware in every mouth. I find Mr. Wynkoop has revived his hopes of the Delaware. He said, "If we lose the Susquehanna, then it will be fixed at the Delaware." I looked hard at him-asked if he had seen Mr. Morris. He answered "no," hesitatingly. I can find by several hints this day that there is some new scheme on foot.

September 6. Very ill, and close confined. Izard called to see me. The moment I saw him I understood that he came on a scrutinizing errand. I made no mystery of anything I knew-told him that the certain effect of any new scheme in the Yorkers or New England men would most infallibly place us at the Potomac. He repeatedly mentioned a new scheme being on foot; but I could not learn what it was. Mr. Morris is in close connection with the Yorkers, and communicates everything to them.

Mr. Clymer called on me. He spoke highly in favor of the Susquehanna, as being the most favorable position in the State for the

benefit of Pennsylvania. Blamed Mr. Morris much-said he would yet ruin all. In the evening, the Speaker called. confidently of the Susquehanna than any of them.

He speaks more
I told him I did

not like the adjournment, when the question was ready to be put, yesterday. He endeavored to account for this; but I think it bodes ill.

Monday. I am still very ill. This day was the trial of shift, evasion, and subterfuge, in the House of Representatives; but the Susquehanna vote was carried, by a majority of seven; and Ames, Lawrence, and Clymer appointed a committee to bring in a bill. Close confined, and very ill. Unable to get information, or to minute it down if I had it.

Tuesday 8. Still close confined, &c. The Speaker called, and gave us an anecdote of Mr. Madison, which seems to discover some traits of the less amiable in his character. While the salary of the Governor of the Western Territory was before the House, in the first stage of the business, Madison had supported it at $2,500. But during the Susquehanna debate, Mr. Clymer, seeing Gov. St. Clair in the gallery, addressed a note to him, for information. The Governor sent back an answer in writing, which contradicted the position of the friends of the Potomac. This day Madison moved a reduction of five hundred dollars from his salary.

This week has been one of hard jockeying between the Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate insisted, and hard, too, for a mark of superiority in their pay. It was a trial who should hold out longest. The House of Representatives gave way, more especially after the Senators told them, that if you want your pay, send us a bill for yourselves only, and we will pass it. I really wonder, in the temper the House is in, that they had not done it; but they were aware that the majority of the Senate would fly from this proposal, as I believe many of them need money as much as any of the Representatives can do. It was a trial of skill, in the way of starvation; and the dignity or precedence, or call it what you will, which could not be gained from the understanding of the House of Representatives, was extorted from their pockets.

Pennsylvanians, and by

I have been visited this week by .
Doctor Elmer and Wingate, of the Senate.
I will venture but one remark on the . .
residence. It will, however be rather a series of remarks.

of the permanent

Neither New England men nor Yorkers are sincere about moving from this place. They firmly believe the whole will end in vapor. Mr. Morris is to destroy the Susquehanna scheme in the Senate, if not sooner, in order to bring forward the Delaware. This he will

do, with small assistance from the Yorkers, by engaging the Senators of Jersey and Delaware; and, this being done, the Delaware destroys itself, for the New England men fall to pieces, their engagement having only been for the Susquehanna. These arts are likely enough to succeed.

Sunday, 13. In the evening, Mr. Morris, Mr. Clymer, and Mr. Fitzsimmons called on me. I thought that the Susquehanna had not got justice done in the arguments. Spoke long on this subject to possess them of my ideas of it. All the talk and speculation about the Western Territory is visionary. Nothing will come on to the Atlantic rivers from the western waters. If it should, the Susquehanna has the advantage in the double connection by Juniata and the West Branch. I was listened to throughout with apathy.

Monday, 14th. About twelve Mr. Clymer called in—said he had a letter from Reading Howell, with important explanation. He read part of it, and desired I would draw up the thoughts I had expressed last night, that a publication might be prepared against the time of taking up the bill. Dr. Johnson and Mr. Carroll called while he was in, and interrupted us a little. He stayed a moment after them, and said he would call early to-morrow morning, that we might settle on something for publication. I confessed plainly to him the same thoughts which I minuted on Saturday; but he said Mr. Morris was now contented. I was so unwell that I had to go to bed; and here, leaning on my elbow, I arranged something, but was greatly at a loss for maps, and for the distances on the Susquehanna and Potomac, beginning at tide water, to Fort Pitt, so that what I composed was with blanks.

Tuesday, 15th. Between ten and eleven Mr. Clymer, Mr. Fitzsimmons, and Governor St. Clair called. I read what I had prepared, and it seemed to give satisfaction; but I took notes of sundry matters from them to be inserted. The blanks were, however, still open. They promised to furnish these distances from Mr. Ames. This was done after I had finished the composition, and the putting them in could not be done but clumsily. I hastened to get over the business, expecting they would call soon; but night came without my hearing from them. I cannot go out, and there is a listlessness in all our Pennsylvanians on this subject. I can think of many things which I would have done, could I go about, which must now remain undone.

Wednesday, 16th. To-morrow the bill for the permanent residence is to be taken up, and yet all is quiet on our part. Mr. Wynkoop told me he had walked a long time opposite Trinity church, with Mr. C. and Mr. F., and that they had spoke of me, and

nothing more. He offered to do anything. I thought of Hartley. He is active, and will be in earnest. Mr. Wynkoop went for him. He came, and I put the paper in his hands. Mr. Wynkoop returned before the House met, told me Child was to print it, and they would send the proof-sheet to me for correction.

About two o'clock, Mr. Morris, Mr. King, and Mr. Butler called on me. The talk was only about the judiciary. Mr. Morris said he had followed Ellsworth in everything; if it was wrong he would blame Ellsworth. King said he had never had an opportunity of judging of it. I censured it as freely as ever.

There was a meeting of the Pennsylvania delegation this evening, to regulate their conduct respecting the part they would act about the opening of the Susquehanna. They agreed to wait on Smith and Jeney in the morning. I had begged Mr. Wynkoop that they should get the proof-sheet and correct it; but it is likely they would not send for it. The printer's boy, however, called on me, and I corrected it. I can find that Germantown is the place that is to be played against the Susquehanna. I had hopes that this opposition was dropped. I believe they are not as active as some days ago, but lie by, fully bent to take all advantages. We will see what they will do. But I have laid it down as the only sure ground, to adhere to the Susquehanna.

Thursday, 17th. Some people are so hardy, as to deny that the Susquehanna affords any navigation at all. Boudinot is one of them. I wrote to Mr. Burrell to furnish an extract of the stores forwarded on the Susquehanna in the year 1779, and the usual load of a river boat. My Wynkoop went to him with the letter. He said he would do what he could, but rather excused himself. I sent some information to Mr. Ames, by Mr. Wynkoop; and now we must see what they will do.

The day is rainy, and nobody has called. About dark Parson Lynn came in. Joy was in his countenance. He told me the Maryland condition was carried, and of course there would be schism among the Pennsylvanians--that Gerry had moved for the Falls of Delaware, instead of the Susquehanna. The whole of what he said. convinced me that I was not in the least mistaken as to the measures they are carrying on. The Pennsylvanians will divide; the New England men and Yorkers both will come off with apparent honor, and Congress remain where it is. Late at night, in comes Mr. Wynkoop in higher spirits than ever I saw him. It is all over with the Susquehanna. We must vote against it now. I have just come from Clymer and Fitzsimmons' lodgings; they are of the same opinion; and now for the Falls of Delaware. The Mary