George Washington to James Warren, Oct. 7, 1785 The war, as you have very justly observed, has terminated most advantageously for America, and a fair field
is presented to our view; but I confess to you freely, My Dr. Sir, that I do not think we possess wisdom or
Justice enough to cultivate it properly. Illiberality, Jealousy, and local policy mix too much in all our public
councils for the good government of the Union. In a word, the confederation appears to me to be little more
than a shadow without the substance; and Congress a nugatory (trivial, inconsequential] body, their
ordinances being little attended to...
+
[We have abundant reason to be convinced that the spirit for Trade which pervades these states is not to be
restrained; it behooves us then to establish just principles, and this, any more than other matters of national
concern, cannot be done by thirteen heads differently constructed and organized. The necessity, therefore,
of a controlling power is obvious; and why it should be withheld is beyond my comprehension...
3. Restate the passage above in your own words.