James Monroe to James Madison

We all look with great anxiety to the result of the Convention at Philadelphia.  Indeed it seems to be the sole point on which all future movements will turn.  If it succeeds wisely, & of course happily, the wishes of all good men will be gratified.  The arrangements must be wise, and every way well concerted, for them to force their way through the States.  The experience of the federal government has taught them that it will be almost impossible to adopt any plan that will have the concurrence of all the states; or if it has, that will be of any duration afterwards.