Neither could he perceive danger to liberty except from that government, and especially from the executive department.
He did not feel so sensibly, as those who had continued in the United States, the necessity of adopting the constitution; and had, at one time, avowed a wish that it might be rejected by such a number of states as would secure certain alterations which he thought essential.
His principal objections seem to have been, the want of a bill of rights, and the re-eligibility of the President.

From this opinion, however, in favour of a partial rejection, he is understood to have receded, after seeing the plan pursued by the convention of Massachusetts, and followed by other states; which was to adopt unconditionally, and to annex a recommendation of the amendments which were desired.[61] [Footnote 61: See Mr.Jefferson's correspondence.] To these causes of division, another was superadded, the influence of which was soon felt in all the political transactions of the government.
The war which was terminated in 1783, had left in the bosoms of the American people, a strong attachment to France, and enmity to Great Britain.

These feelings, in a greater or less degree, were perhaps universal; and had been prevented from subsiding by circumstances to which allusions have already been made.

They had evinced themselves, in the state legislatures, by commercial regulations; and were demonstrated by all those means by which the public sentiment is usually displayed.

They found their way also into the national councils, where they manifested themselves in the motions respecting the favours which ought to be shown to nations having commercial treaties with the United States.
Although affection for France, and jealousy of Britain, were sentiments common to the people of America, the same unanimity did not exist respecting the influence which ought to be allowed to those sentiments, over the political conduct of the nation.