At some time during the course of the Convention, Francis Hopkinson of Philadelphia, signer of the Declaration of Independence, designer of the flag of the United States, wrote to Thomas Jefferson in Paris, reporting some of the troubles that had befallen the states.  But conditions were more serious than even Hopkinson seemed to realize.  Martial law had been declared in Georgia.  Savannah was fortified against the Creek Indians who, it was said, were being incited by Spain.  There were rumors that a traitorous group of members in the New York legislature had “opened communications with the Viceroy of Canada.”  Massachusetts still seemed unable to solve the difficulties of Shays’ Rebellion.  Rhode Island, said Mr. Hopkinson, was “governed by miscreants . . . A serious storm seems to be brewing in the South West about the navigation of the Mississippi.”  And Hopkinson concluded that “It will be very difficult to frame such a system of Union and government for America as shall suit all opinions and reconcile clashing interests.  Their deliberations are kept inviolably secret, so that they sit without censure or remark, but no sooner will the chicken be hatch’d, but every one will be for plucking a feather.”