doi:10.7916/gcrg-zk14[Document, 1787 December 06]Ridley, Matthew, 1749-1789correspondencetextUnited States--History--1783-1865Jay, John, 1745-1829Ridley is apprehensive that the state will not handle the business with Messrs. Van Staphorsts well. "What think you of the new constitution? We have often dilineated the spirit of republicanism -- I cannot trace it in the new raised structure and fear much it does not exist amongst us -- can it be possible that the cold climate of New England and religious independancy can so assimulate as to make a hot bed of governmental experiments?" Sends 2 half barrels of strong beer.