Alexander Hamilton Papers

New York Ratifying Convention. Third Speech of July 2 (Melancton Smith’s Version), [2 July 1788]

New York Ratifying Convention. Third Speech of July 2
(Melancton Smith’s Version)1

[Poughkeepsie, New York, July 2, 1788]

Power of Restraint dangerous—we may have a War of defence—therefore dangerous.

The reasoning restri[c]ting just or unjust.

The object to carry on war for defence ill founded as applys.

Contending for corruption of a majority.

They say a Corrupt. to a small part—Improbable the whole, shall be corrupted, and corrupt ye whole.

Republic less likely to go to

Melancton Smith MS Notes, from the original in the New York State Library, Albany.

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