Let the reins of government then be braced, and held with a steady hand; and every violation of the constitution be reprehended.

If defective, let it be amended, but not suffered to be trampled upon while it has an existence." In a letter written about the same period, Colonel Humphries, after stating his apprehensions that the insurgents would seize the continental magazine at Springfield, proceeded to add: "a general failure to comply with the requisitions of congress for money, seems to prognosticate that we are rapidly advancing to a crisis.

The wheels of the great political machine can scarcely continue to move much longer, under their present embarrassment.

Congress, I am told, are seriously alarmed, and hardly know which way to turn, or what to expect.

Indeed, my dear general, nothing but a good Providence can extricate us from our present difficulties, and prevent some terrible conclusion.
"In case of civil discord I have already told you it was seriously my opinion that you could not remain neuter; and that you would be obliged in self defence, to take part on one side or the other, or withdraw from the continent.