Alexander Hamilton Papers

Constitutional Convention. Remarks on Signing the Constitution, [17 September 1787]

Constitutional Convention. Remarks on
Signing the Constitution1

[Philadelphia, September 17, 1787]

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 deliberate between anarchy and Convulsion on one side, and the chance of good to be expected from the plan on the other.

Hunt and Scott, Debates description begins Gaillard Hunt and James Brown Scott, eds., The Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787 Which Framed the Constitution of the United States of America. Reported by James Madison (New York, 1920). description ends , 580.

1On September 17, 1787, the final day of the Constitutional Convention, the engrossed Constitution was read. Before it was signed, several members addressed the Convention urging that all delegates sign it.

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