1Conjectures about the New Constitution, [17–30 September 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
The new constitution has in favour of its success these circumstances—a very great weight of influence of the persons who framed it, particularly in the universal popularity of General Washington—the good will of the commercial interest throughout the states which will give all its efforts to the establishment of a government capable of regulating protecting and extending the commerce of the...
217th. (Adams Papers)
Three of us in the office were employ’d the whole day, in taking copies of the writs which are to be entered at the next Court; which will sit in this town next week. General Freeman pass’d through Town this day, and came to visit Mr. Parsons. In the afternoon I took a walk with Little. At home all the evening. Weather very cold.
3Constitutional Convention. Remarks on Signing the Constitution, [17 September 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton expressed his anxiety that every member should sign. A few characters of consequence, by opposing or even refusing to sign the Constitution, might do infinite mischief by kindling the latent sparks which lurk under an enthusiasm in favor of the Convention which may soon subside. No man’s ideas were more remote from the plan than his were known to be; but is it possible to...
4Draft of a Constitution, [17 September 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
§ 6 A senator when impeached shall continue to exercise his office until conviction The People of the United States of America do ordain and establish this constitution for the government of themselves and their Posterity. Article I § 1 The Legislative power shall be vested in two distinct bodies of men one to be called the Assembly the other the Senate, subject to the negative hereinafter...
5Constitution of the United States, 17 September 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, September 17, 1787. Not only was Hamilton one of the signers of this document but the names of the states listed before the names of the signers are also in Hamilton’s writing. D , on display at the National Archives.
6[Diary entry: 17 September 1787] (Washington Papers)
Monday 17th. Met in Convention when the Constitution received the Unanimous assent of 11 States and Colo. Hamilton’s from New York (the only delegate from thence in Convention) and was subscribed to by every Member present except Govr. Randolph and Colo. Mason from Virginia & Mr. Gerry from Massachusetts. The business being thus closed, the Members adjourned to the City Tavern, dined together...
7[Diary entry: 17 September 1787] (Washington Papers)
Monday 17th. Met in Convention & Signed the proceedings—all except Govr. Randolph, Colo. Mason & Mr. Gerry. Dined all together at the City Tavern & returned to my lodgings.
8To George Washington from William Jackson, 17 September 1787 (Washington Papers)
Major Jackson presents his most respectful compliments to General Washington—He begs leave to request his signature to forty Diplomas intended for the Rhode Island Society of the Cincinnati. Major Jackson, after burning all the loose scraps of paper which belong to the Convention, will this evening wait upon the General with the Journals and other papers which their vote directs to be...
9To George Washington from Robert Edge Pine, 17 September 1787 (Washington Papers)
This Work was Executed, by Order of his late Royal Highness William Duke of Cumberland and a few Setts given to the most Illustrious Millitary Characters in Europe—after which, the Plates were distroyed His R. H. having been pleased to give this Sett to the late John Pine, who Engrav’d it—his Son, Robt Edge Pine, has now the honour of presenting it to his Excellency General Washington. AL...
10From George Washington to the President of Congress, 17 September 1787 (Washington Papers)
We have now the Honor to submit to the Consideration of the United States in Congress assembled that Constitution which has appeared to us the most advisable. The Friends of our Country have long seen and desired that the Power of making War Peace and Treaties, that of levying Money & regulating Commerce and the correspondent executive and judicial Authorities should be fully and effectually...
11From George Washington to William Washington, 17 September 1787 (Washington Papers)
The Coachmaker who have furnished me with the enclosed Card have done work for me and having executed it well—and promising to work as cheap [as] any others in the City, I do their request, recommend them, that if you, or any of your friends should have occasion for Carriages you may if you think proper apply to them. with affectionate regard I am &c. LB , DLC:GW . The addressee probably is...
12To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 17 September 1787 (Madison Papers)
My last to you were of Aug. 2. & 15. Since that I have sent to Havre to be forwarded to you by the present packet 3. boxes marked I.M. G.W. and A.D. The two last are for mr. Wythe in Williamsburgh, and mr. Alexr. Donald merchant in Richmond. The first contains the books for yourself which shall be noted at the close of my letter, together with the following for mr. Rittenhouse; viz. la Chymie...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Barclay, 17 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of July 30. covering Mr. Huntington’s papers on the subject of the claim for depreciation on money advanced by him for some French prisoners. That the claim is substantially just is certain, but at the same time it is one which I cannot urge. You know it is established in practice with us not to give an account once settled and discharged, merely on a claim of...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Burrill Carnes, 17 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Tours, 17 Sep. 1787 . Has communicated the information in TJ’s letter of 9 Sep. only to those interested in U.S. commerce; asks to be informed how far America would be involved in the event of a general European war. Before leaving Nantes he forwarded the case containing the musket, bayonet, and sabre for the treasury commissioners to L’Orient to be shipped on the first vessel bound for New...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 17 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
The Estate of the Purchases of Tobacco is ready. I had it in my hands this morning for a moment, and has been Brought to the Commity of the Farmers, where they have sent it I believe to the Minister; it is inside exactly as you desire, but you will observe that it begins, the 1st. of January 1786 and the treaty of Berni is of the 24th. May. You will observe also, of the larger parcels bought...
16From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Donald, 17 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 28th. of July, when appearan[ces] rather threatened a war in Europe from the quarter of Holland. Since that the affairs of that country have continued to become more and more incapable of reconciliation. In the mean time a war has actually broken out between the Turks and Russians. It has been formally declared by the former against the latter, and...
17From Thomas Jefferson to Nicholas Lewis, 17 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last on the 29th. of July. It appeared probable at that time that the affairs of Holland would involve Europe in war. They have become more difficult since, and to render this issue still more inevitable war has been actually declared by the Turks against the Russians, and that under such circumstances as render all accomodation hopeless. How the powers of Europe will arrange...
18From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 17 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you were of Aug. 2. and 15. Since that I have sent to Havre to be forwarded to you by the present packet 3. boxes marked I.M. G.W. and A.D. The two last are for Mr. Wythe in Williamsburgh, and Mr. Alexr. Donald merchant in Richmond. The first contains the books for yourself which shall be noted at the close of my letter, together with the following for Mr. Rittenhouse; viz. la...
19To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 17 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Several days ago I had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 30th. Augt. by which I suppose you had not at that time mine of the 25th. in which I acquainted you that I had fulfill’d your commission respecting the Harpsichord. It was put on board a ship for Rouen the 22d. (the first which saild after I had your request) and a bill of Lading was enclos’d in the Letter. I now send a duplicate...