Sep 26
1 min read
Updated: Sep 30
Washington's
Letter to Madison
of His Support for the Bill of Rights
May 31, 1789
To James Madison
As far as a momentary consideration has enabled me to judge, I see nothing exceptionable in the proposed amendments. Some of them, in my opinion, are importantly necessary; others, though of themselves (in my conception) not very essential, are necessary to quiet the fears of some respectable characters and well meaning men. Upon the whole, therefore, not foreseeing any evil consequences that can result from their adoption, they have my wishes for a favourable reception in both houses.
This document appears in the Compendium: Chapter 7
Annotation:
Washington expressed his support for adding a bill of rights to the Constitution, agreeing that amendments protecting individual liberties could strengthen public confidence in the new federal government.
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