George Washington, retired Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, writes to Delegate James Madison, of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia, concerning the political paralysis that has befallen the Union under the Articles of Confederation:
[N]o day was ever more clouded than the present! … We are fast verging to anarchy & confusion!
How melancholy is the Reflection [sic] … What stronger evidence can be given of the want of energy in our governments than these disorders? … [A] liberal, and energetic Constitution, well guarded, & closely watched, to prevent incroachments [sic], might restore us. …
[added 7/17/2026]
Subsequent Events:
References:
Harry Atwood, The Constitution Explained, (1927; Merrimac, Massachusetts: Destiny, 1962), 4.
George Washington to James Madison, 5 November 1786
founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/01-09-02-0070
Current U.s. National Debt:
