14th. (Adams Papers)
The judge was much better this morning. At 11 o’clock I came up to College. Mr. Williams closed his course, with a lecture upon astronomy. He finished with an affectionate farewell to the Class, advising them to carry into life the spirit of Philosophy, which was the spirit of business: a spirit which could not fail to make useful members of Society. I return’d and dined at Mr. Dana’s. Pass’d...
2Constitutional Convention. Second of a Motion by James Wilson and Remarks Thereon, 4 June 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, June 4, 1787. James Wilson on this date made a motion, which Hamilton seconded, that a motion by Elbridge Gerry stating “that the National Executive shall have a right to negative any Legislative act which shall not be afterwards passed by parts of each branch of the national Legislature” be replaced by a provision “so as to give the Executive an absolute negative on the laws....
3Constitutional Convention. Objection of Order, 4 June 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, June 4, 1787. To a motion by James Wilson, seconded by James Madison, that “a convenient number of the National Judiciary” act with the executive in vetoing acts of the national legislature, Hamilton made “an objection of order … to the introduction of the last amendment at this time.” Hunt and Scott, Debates Gaillard Hunt and James Brown Scott, eds., The Debates in the Federal...
4Revisionary Power of the Executive and the Judiciary, [4 June] 1787 (Madison Papers)
This speech preceded Wilson’s motion, seconded by JM, to combine the judiciary with the executive in vetoing legislative acts. Mad. The Judicial ought to be introduced in the business of Legislation—they will protect their Department, and uniting wh. the Executive render their Check or negative more respectable—there is weight in the objections agt. this measure—but a Check is necessary...
5Power of the Executive to Veto Laws, [4 June] 1787 (Madison Papers)
Wilson and Hamilton moved to give the executive an absolute veto on laws. Mr. Madison supposed that if a proper proportion of each branch should be required to overrule the objections of the Executive, it would answer the same purpose as an absolute negative. It would rarely if ever happen that the Executive constituted as ours is proposed to be would have firmness eno’ to resist the...
6William Stephens Smith to Abigail Adams, 4 June 1787 (Adams Papers)
I have recived your agreable Letter of the 5 th. of may and am much obliged for it, at the same time I had the happiness of getting one from my dear Abby I ask your pardon Nabby you like best and when I am acquainted with what will give my friends pleasure— I shall alway’s attend even to the minutest particle—therefore to you Nabby is the word—Amelia to herself—my daughter for Sir—& for myself...
7[Diary entry: 4 June 1787] (Washington Papers)
Monday 4th. Attended Convention. Representation as on Saturday. Reviewed (at the importunity of Genl. Mifflin and the officers) the Light Infantry—Cavalry—and part of the Artillery, of the City. Dined with Genl. Mifflin & drk. Tea with Miss Cadwallader. miss cadwallader : probably either Rebecca Cadwalader (1746–1821) or Elizabeth Cadwalader (1760–1799), daughters of Dr. Thomas Cadwalader of...
8[Diary entry: 4 June 1787] (Washington Papers)
Monday—4th. Convention as on Saturday. Dined with Genl. Mifflin. Reviewed the light Infantry—Cavalry—and part of the Artillery of the City and dined. Drank Tea with Miss Cadwalader.