How far it may be admissible in another view, will depend perhaps in some measure on the chance of your finally undertaking the service, but principally on the correspondence which is now passing on the subject, between yourself and the governor." The governor of Virginia,[34] who was himself also elected to the convention, transmitted to General Washington the act, and the vote of the assembly in the following letter.

"By the enclosed act you will readily discover that the assembly are alarmed at the storms which threaten the United States.

What our enemies have foretold seems to be hastening to its accomplishment, and can not be frustrated but by an instantaneous, zealous, and steady union among the friends of the federal government.

To you I need not press our present dangers.

The inefficiency of congress you have often felt in your official character; the increasing languor of our associated republics you hourly see; and a dissolution would be, I know, to you, a source of the deepest mortification.
[Footnote 34: Mr.Randolph.] "I freely then entreat you to accept the unanimous appointment of the general assembly to the convention at Philadelphia.