1992. ~ statestical notices of N. America. 28% 
jeast with universal acquiescence. The claims that 
are most delicate, and which now prefs most for de- 
cision, are those which New York, New Hamphhire, 
and Mafsachufsets have upon each other. But these 
states manage them so coolly, and so rationally, that 
Icannot believe any injury will arise from them to 
to the public peace and union. Vermont is likely 
soon to be received mto the confederacy ; and as 
this will be an acquisition to the northern states, it 
is probable the southern ones will the more readily 
consent to the erection of a new state on the waters 
of the Ohio behind Virginia. It will, for some 
time at least, be a point of policy in Congrefs.to keep 
the northern and southern influence as nearly ba- 
_lanced as pofsibie. ; 
Thus I have answered the greater pane of your 
inquiries, except those in the first page, which I re- 
serve till another opportunity. In answering them, 
I think I have not been biafsed by any predilection 
for my own country. J see its faults as well as feel 
its advantages. Its greatest fault, in my opinion, 
1s on the subject of religion; and it is a capital one, 
But in New England, we have not by any means 
paid it that attention, or given it that public sup- 
port which good policy, not to mention piety, would 
require. We have neglected one of the most power- 
ful springs of that virtue, which is efsential to the 
prosperity and existence of republics. The state 
has left the care of religion solely to providence, and 
its ministers. It has provided only, that it fhall not 
le persecuted. Iam far from thinking this all the 
acknowledgemeat men are bound to make to God 
