Works of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 5 of 12 (Classic Reprint) Book

CORRESPONDENCE 1786-1787 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS PROPOUNDED BY M. DE MEUSNIER1 j. mss. (Jan. 24. 1786.) i. On the original establishment of the several states, The civil code of England, from whence they had emigrated, was adopted. This, of course, could extend only to general laws, and not to those which were particular to certain places in England only. The circumstances of the new states oblige them to add some new laws which their special situation required, and even to change some of the general laws of England in cases which did not suit their circumstances or ways of thinking. The law of descents for instance, was changed in several states. On the late revolution, the changes which their new form of government rendered necessary were easily made. It was only necessary to say that the powers of legislation, the judiciary & the executive powers, heretofore exercised by persons of such and 1 Supplied by Jefferson to Moosieur clc Mcusnier, author of lhat part of the Encyclopédie Table of Contents PAGB; Itinerary and Chronologyxiii; 1786; Answers to Meusnier, January 24TH 3; American codes-American constitutions-Debts- Emigration-Vermont-Maine-Land cessions-Loyalists-Articles of Confederation-Paper money-American bankruptcy-National forces-Slaves-Constitution of Virginia-Office-holding-Quarrels between States- Coercive power under confederation-British property; Additional Answers to Meusnier 18; Voting in Congress-Federal debts-Paper money- British debts of Virginia-Pay of Congressmen-Secession of Slates-New States-Violation of Virginia Constitution by Assembly; Observations on Mfusnier's Article, June 2275, 32; Convicts in America-Indented servants-Settlement of the colonics-Impost-Commerce-Annapolis convention- Kentucky-Mutiny of troops-Paper money- Public lands-Virginia's contribution- Bankruptcy- Debts of soldiers-Alien land-holding-Rcvisal-Slavery amendment-Pardon-Manslaughter-Bill for crimes and puRead More