Dane, Nathan (1752-1835) to S[amuel?] Holten re: ratification of the Constitution

New York March 15. 1788

Dear Sir,
It was my intention to have done myself the honor to have called on you before I left Massachusetts- but several circumstances prevented- I arrived here the 20th. of the last month-- there has been a Congress most of the time for two months past, and part of the time nine States assembled-- but we do but very little business-- indeed we have but very little to do-- It does not appear to be the intentions of Congress to engage in any important business- an adjournment has been mentioned for a few months- the reasons offered against [inserted: it] are such as were offered against an adjournment last year, with which you are well acquainted - many of the members are of opinion that the particular situation of our public affairs, at this time, requires that Congress should be in Session and the forms of the Government kept up-- this idea naturally leads us to contemplate public affairs on a large Scale, and to observe the present State of the New Constitution-- When Massachusetts adopted [inserted: it] in the manner she did-- both parties seemed rather to consider the question as settled-- that it must be adopted also by the other states, and amended afterwards-- But the unexpected conduct of New Hamshire [sic] and late intelligence from Virginia and North Carolina, appear to make the adoption of the Constitution much more doubtful-- and all parties here consider the great question far from being decided-- the opponents in this State, in Virginia and North Carolina I find say they have a very considerable majority-- the supporters of the Constitution are doubtful-- I confess it is my opinion, notwithstanding, that all these states will adopt [inserted: it] -- recommending amendments -- perhaps, some in addition to those recommended by Massa. I need not mention to you how important it is to keep the minds of men Cool and temperate at this time, particularly by keeping up the forms of Government and the appearances of Tranquility.
Matters seem to be in a State of quiet in Europe at [struck: present] present,-- but I do not think they will remain so long-- we hear nothing from that quarter that respects us particularly-- except that our friends the Dutch are very pressing for their Interest money, and I expect Congress will make a short statement to the states on this subject-- the states must apply some small sums, at least, to the use of the [2] Union or [struck: we] the Federal Government must be dissolved-- I am at a loss to know how the board of Treasury have done so well as they have, to pay the civil list [?], the Dutch Interest and troops in a considerable part- I believe the union has been supported almost wholly for a year or two past on the payments of New York, the gleanings of New Emission money, and a little tobacco from North Carolina----
We have as usual much said about an Indian war-- I doubt whether there will be anything more than party disputes among the plundering individuals--
Kentucky and Virginia have formly [sic] applied to Congress to acknowledge the Independence of the former and to admit it into the union- nothing of importance has yet been done in Congress relative to the subject and, probably, then will not be at present.
If you should have a leisure hour, Sir, I will thank to write me a few lines respecting affairs in Massa. and if you recollect any thing particularly respecting Baron Steuben's claims, I shall be exceedingly obliged to you for your information- he has again applied to Congress for a large sum of money, and says, that a Committee of Congress in 1778 promised him that if the United States should succeed in their contest with Great Britain, they would make him compensation for a pension of £480 Sterling [inserted: a year] he gave up in Europe - if such a Contract was made we must perform it - if not we ought to consider the large Grants made him already before we make any more - the evidence respecting this Contract appears to be very dark & doubtful - as you have been long in Congress I flatter myself you can give me much information respecting this subject---
with the highest sentiments of esteem and
respect--
I am, Dear Sir, Your obedt. Servant.
N. Dane -
The Honble. S. Holton [sic] Esqr.
P.S. we lately transmitted to the Governor dispatches respecting the lease lately taken of the six Nations- I beg have to mention that it appears to me the subject requires the earliest attention of Massa. if the matter should be delayed I am not without apprehensions*
[notations in margin:]
*that combinations may further take place to the prejudice of our State
A Letter from the honble
Mr. Dane, 15th. March. 1788