Alexander Hamilton Papers

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

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

[Poughkeepsie, New York, July 2, 1788]

Mr. Hamilton—The Gentn. states, the danger of making Loans in extreme—no Instances to prove.

A nation will seldom make them unless necessary.

Rarely happens that Nations in peace

ours ⟨–⟩ singular instance—

To prevent Loans, is to give them ye commd. of all their resources. The Gentn. think it necessary to lay checks—he reasons diff—no Checks should be laid, in order to guard against foreign Enemies.

One third will have it in their power, to retard operations.

The Gentn. have laboured to prove Corrup. Foreign corruption most dangerous in Reps. This cannot be wise, cannot be proper.

On all quest. some truth much error.

The question is to the facility of gaining the Resolution of the governments.

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

1. See “New York Ratifying Convention. Introductory Note,” June 17–July 26, 1788.

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    Hamilton Papers
    Title
    New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 2 (Melancton Smith’s Version), [2 July 1788]
    Authors
    Smith, Melancton
    Hamilton, Alexander
    Date
    2 July 1788

    Reference

    Cite as
    “New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 2 (Melancton Smith’s Version), [2 July 1788],” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-05-02-0012-0050. [Original source: The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, vol. 5, June 1788 – November 1789, ed. Harold C. Syrett. New York: Columbia University Press, 1962, p. 143.]