notoriously false and [impu]dent.  They then declare it as their unanimous opinion, “that the people of this state are at present without a Constitution of civil Government.”  This was to have been expected.  Mr. Edwards ordered them to meet for that purpose, and shall they not obey their master?  Bishop and Wolcott have repeatedly directed them to make this declaration, and Major Judd knows it to be true.  Can any man doubt either the truth of this remark or the sincerity with which it is uttered?  Is it not clear that this whole proceeding originates in a pure unmixed affection for the people and a sacred regard to truth?  My fellow citizens, look at the whole course of the lives of Judd, (I place him first on the list because he was chairman) of Bishop and of Wolcott, and say if they have not ever been under the influence of the most disinterested virtue and the most exalted patriotism?  Look also at these Delegates from ninety-seven towns, and say if they can have any other object in view but the dignity, happiness and glory of their country?  Individuals can only vouch for individuals.  The writer can vouch for about thirty with Major Judd at their head.

If any reader shall think that the subject is treated with too much levity, he should reflect that we are now animadverting on this Convention in their appointment of chairman, their stiling themselves Delegates from ninety-seven towns, and their declaration that we have no Constitution.  On these subjects it is scarcely possible to be serious.

The address proceeds to declare how many of the confederated states have made for themselves Constitutions.  We ask, which of them is more prosperous than Connecticut?  In which of them are the great interests of Society better secured?  In New-York a Convention was called about three years since to amend their Constitution.  In Pennsylvania they have had two Constitutions and they are now on the eve of a civil war.  Duane the great moving spring of all Jacobin societies, a vile outcast from Europe, reigns with uncontroled sway in every measure, and every man of virtue is denounced.

In Georgia they have had two Constitutions, and in Vermont two, and who dare pronounce their political situation equal to that of Connecticut.  The people of France have had six Constitutions within fifteen years, and where are those Constitutions?  In the grave of anarchy and despotism with millions of deluded inhabitants who have been sacrificed by the Robespieres and the Bishops of that suffering nation.  To that suffering nation turn your eyes and reflect that the mighty mass of woe under which they have groaned, was produced by an ambition, fierce, cruel and destructive as hell, and that an ambition alike terrible reigns every where.