27551New York Ratifying Convention. Notes for a Speech, [20 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I Various Interests Navigating and Non Navigating— Great and Small— Struggle for Commercial point two thirds Struggle for equal power— Some small states non navigating— Hence tendency to combination Necessity of accommodation— Oeconomy— Relate difficulties on this point As to the ratios of representation I Character of slaves mixed persons & property II In many states persons included in census...
27552New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Francis Childs’s Version), [20 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The hon. Mr. Hamilton then rose. Mr. Chairman the honorable Member, who spoke yesterday, went into an explanation of a variety of circumstances to prove the expediency of a change in our national government, and the necessity of a firm union: At the same time he described the great advantages which this State, in particular, receives from the confederacy, and its peculiar weaknesses when...
27553New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (John McKesson’s Version), [20 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Gentleman who spoke yesterday has been treated as having dealt in the flowry Fields of Immagination I agree if this Governt. is dangerous to the Liberties of the People let us reject it— Tho no Considerations of Danger should induce us to adopt a Governmt. radically bad—yet it was prudent to weigh those Moti[v]es which might induce us to attend those Considerations which involve public...
27554New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Melancton Smith’s Version), [20 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Govt. is to be rejected if bad. Not call reasoning, declamation. Radical defect of the Constitution is, that it operates upon individuals not on States. This proved from experience. In the war, patriotism operd. in the room of goverment— On record by Resolutions of both the principle admitted. Several States will be delinqt. at the same time, and therefore will not coerce. Suppose one...
27555From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [21 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My beloved for your letter by the Post. I have time only to tell you that I am well and to request to be remembered to your sister & to Mrs. Mitchell Adieu My beloved. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Letter not found. Ann Venton Mitchell, H’s cousin, had been known to him during his boyhood on St. Croix in the West Indies.
27556To Alexander Hamilton from John Langdon, [21 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
By the Desire of our Mutual Friend Rufus King Esqr. I have the great pleasure and satisfaction of informing you, that this State, has this day Adopted the federal Constitution; this al-important Question, was Carried by a Majority of Eleven 57 Yeas 46 Nays. Excuse hast and Believe me, with the greatest Respect Dr: Sir: Your Mot: Obt: Servant P: S: this letter goes to Springfield by an...
27557From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [21 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you for your letter of the 9th. instant and am glad to learn that you think the chance is in your favour. I hope no disagreeable change may happen. Yet I own I fear something from your indisposition. Our debate here began on the clause respecting the proportion of representation &c. which has taken up two days. Tomorrow I imagine we shall talk about the power over elections. The only...
27558New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of June 21 (Francis Childs’s Version), [21 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton then reassumed his argument. When, said he, I had the honor to address the committee yesterday, I gave a history of the circumstances which attended the Convention, when forming the Plan before you. I endeavored to point out to you the principles of accommodation, on which this arrangement was made; and to shew that the contending interests of the States led them to establish the...
27559New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of June 21 (John McKesson’s Version), [21 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I endeavoured to Shew that the Contending Interests of the States produced that Compromise— That it would finally produce Safety— That all Attempts to vary that Clause will be useless— That it will finally from Circumstances & Cause produce a sufficient Represantation— I Contend that 65 & 24 will [be] sufficient for the Safety of the Country—the [number] will encrease—in 20 or 25 years be 200...
27560New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of June 21 (Melancton Smith’s Version), [21 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton. Agrees with me in the first principle of a broad basis. It resulted from compromise. secure at present. 3 years. fallacy—the body havg. a permt. Int. The Int. not for it. Public opinion governs ye people in France. The Argument from public opinion concludes to any thing. The numbers of the State will be diminishd. It may be the case accordy. to ye States. The State governments...
27561New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of June 21, [21 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton I do contend that this Constitution is a federal Republic. John McKesson MS Notes, New-York Historical Society, New York City. In the McKesson account of Melancton Smith’s second speech of June 21 this statement by H is included. It is preceded by the following statement by Smith: “When the People do chuse their Rulers—must not these rulers in a Republic be a complete...
27562New York Ratifying Convention. Third Speech of June 21 (Francis Childs’s Version), [21 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Hon. Mr. Hamilton . Mr. Chairman I rise to take notice of the observations of the hon. member from Ulster. I imagine the objections he has stated, are susceptible of a complete and satisfactory refutation. But before I proceed to this, I shall attend to the arguments advanced by the gentlemen from Albany and Dutchess. These arguments have been frequently urged, and much confidence has been...
27563New York Ratifying Convention. Third Speech of June 21 (John McKesson’s Version), [21 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Under the present Confederation 26 Men may do every thing that the proposed Governmt. may do—and 18 of these may form a Majority— Under the new Governmt. the proportionate Streng[t]h in the Legislature is gain[e]d because the Vote per Capite— —Members will attend as their State Constitutents will require it—As to the Albany Member The Representation ought to be small because you will more...
27564New York Ratifying Convention. Fourth Speech of June 21, [21 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton . I only rise to observe that the gentleman has misunderstood me. What I meant to express was this; that if we argued from possibilities only; if we reasoned from chances, or an ungovernable propensity to evil, instead of taking into view the controul, which the nature of things, or the form of the constitution provided; the argument would lead us to withdraw all confidence from...
27565To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 22 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
The Judiciary Department has been on the anvil for several days; and I presume will still be a further subject of disquisition. The attacks on it have apparently made less impression than was feared. But they may be secretly felt by particular interests that would not make the acknowledgement, and wd. chuse to ground their vote agst. the Constitution on other motives. In the course of this...
27566New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of June 23 (Francis Childs’s Version), [23 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The honorable Mr. Hamilton . It is not my design, Mr. Chairman, to extend this debate by any new arguments on the general subject. I have delivered my sentiments so fully on what has been advanced by the gentlemen this morning, that any further reasonings from me will be easily dispensed with. I only rise to state a fact, with respect to the motives which operated in the general convention. I...
27567New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of June 23 (John McKesson’s Version), [23 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
It is true the great object of the Smaller States was an equal Suffrage in Senate—but some of them also wished to retain what advantages in Suffrage the[y] Could in the other House. I was absent 10 days—found on Return the plan as it now is—A Motion was made to encrease the Numbers—It was declared that the Number was the Effect of Compromise—New Hampshire & the South declared the difficulty of...
27568New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of June 23, [23 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton . I recollect well the alteration which the gentleman alludes to; but, it by no means militates against my idea of the principles on which the convention acted at the time the report of the committee was under deliberation. This alteration did not take place till the convention was near rising, and the business compleated; when his excellency the president expressing a wish that...
27569New York Ratifying Convention. Notes on Debates, [24 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Lansing … mode of appointment duration in office means of controul— Chancellor— Senators equally interested in preserving the residuary powers— Senate intended as representation of the sovereignties of the states— Therefore ought to be dependent. { States have never exercised power of rotation— Rotation in Congress has been valuable— Parties have been extinguished— Will not have less...
27570New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Francis Childs’s Version), [24 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Honorable Mr. Hamilton . I am persuaded, Mr. Chairman, that I in my turn, shall be indulged, in addressing the committee. We all, with equal sincerity, profess to be anxious for the establishment of a republican government, on a safe and solid basis. It is the object of the wishes of every honest man in the United States, and I presume I shall not be disbelieved, when I declare, that it is an...
27571New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (John McKesson’s Version), [24 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
We all Aim at the best Govt. We should mix the Happy Ingredients, and not go into Extremes or we shall build Utopia upon Utopia— It was a time of Jealo[u]sy—We seemed to have attended only to tie the Representat Another Prin. To have in our Govt. some Stable Body that will pursue a System— Guard agt. Innovations and know and direct public Affairs— The People of every Country desire the...
27572New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Melancton Smith’s Version), [24 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The mind at ye Revolution run into extremes—the extreme was, we consulted nothing but to tie the Representative to ye people. A Stable body wh. oppurtunty. to know guard ags. instability The people of every country desire its prosperity but want information. Frequently misled by artful Men. Concilliate two objects. One Body who shall be closely united to the people, this in the Representative....
27573From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [25 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I am very sorry to find by your letter of the 13th that your prospects are so critical. Our chance of success here is infinitely slender, and none at all if you go wrong. The leaders of the Antifederalists finding their part seems somewhat squeamish about rejection, are obliged at present to recur to the project of conditional amendments. We are going on very deliberately in the discussion and...
27574New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of June 25 (Francis Childs’s Version), [25 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Hon. Mr. Hamilton . Mr. Chairman, in debates of this kind it is extremely easy, on either side, to say a great number of plausible things. It is to be acknowledged, that there is even a certain degree of truth in the reasonings on both sides. In this situation, it is the province of judgment and good sense to determine their force and application, and how far the arguments advanced on one...
27575New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of June 25 (John McKesson’s Version), [25 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Principles laid down on both Sides may be true to a certain Extent— Each appears plausible and have a certain degree of force We must then determine where one principle must give way to another— We Should combine the Principles which will [give] Stability on one Side—and Safety to the Interests of the People on the other Side The Argumts. applied here to the Senate should be applied to the...
27576New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of June 25, [25 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton—The Genl. Intent of the Clause is Suppose what is expressed in the Resolution proposed— Mr. Hamilton If that is the opinion of the Committee—there will be no debate on the Question— John McKesson MS Notes, New-York Historical Society, New York City. There is no record of these statements by H in any of the other accounts of the debates of June 25. H’s statements followed these...
27577New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks, [26 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Hamilton—This matter was fully debated in the Convention and left ⟨–⟩. It will not be strenuously insisted on either side. John McKesson MS Notes, New-York Historical Society, New York City. There is no record of this statement by H in any of the other accounts of the debates of June 26. H’s statement followed these remarks by John Lansing, Jr.: “It appears that this Clause was intended to...
27578From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [27 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
A day or two ago General Schuyler at my request sent forward to you an express with an account of the adoption of the Constitution by New Hampshire. We eagerly wait for further intelligence from you, as our only chance of success depends on you. There are some slight symptoms of relaxation in some of the leaders; which authorises a gleam of hope, if you do well; but certainly I think not...
27579To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 27 June [1788] (Hamilton Papers)
This day put an end to the existence of our Convention. The inclosed is a copy of the Act of Ratification. It has been followed by a number of recomendatory alterations; many of them highly objectionable. One of the most so is an article prohibiting direct taxes where effectual laws shall be passed by the States for the purpose. It was impossible to prevent this error. The minority will sign...
27580New York Ratifying Convention. Notes on Debates, [27 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mel Smith Powers ought to be precisely defined— Peculiarly so in a government of the particular kind. Ought to rest as well for operation as organisation— Harmony . Money necessary to existence of both— Interference or clashing of power— And one must fall a sacrifice to the other. No limitation to discretion of legislature— State Governments & G Government have concurrent jurisdiction in all...
27581New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Francis Childs’s Version), [27 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The hon. Mr. Hamilton . This is one of those subjects, Mr. Chairman, on which objections very naturally arise, and assume the most plausible shape. Its address is to the passions, and its first impressions create a prejudice, before cool examination has an opportunity for exertion. It is more easy for the human mind to calculate the evils, than the advantages of a measure; and vastly more...
27582New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (John McKesson’s Version), [27 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
It is more natural to the Mind of man to examine the Powers by which money is to be taken from him—than the necessity or reasons of those powers— In Regard to the Safety and Liberty of the People you are to constitute it to preserve Liberty with Power to preserve it self and with sufficient Checks— 1. This Govt. has represents elected only for two years—this the peoples Govt. 2d. A Senate for...
27583New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Melancton Smith’s Version), [27 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
It is natural to suspect such a power—of money—more than necessity of govt. Men predjudiced. Have read govt.—wrong Ideas—his Ideas to give a safe and equal repr—no danger to entrust rulers in Republics. Owes it origin to the present times. This a Republic Govt— One part to be chosen by ye. people for two years. The next chosen for 6 years by peoples Repre. The presid. chosen imediately by ye...
27584New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of June 28 (Francis Childs’s Version), [28 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The hon. Mr. Hamilton . Mr. Chairman, in the course of these debates, it has been suggested, that the state of New-York has sustained peculiar misfortunes, from the mode of raising revenues by requisitions. I believe we shall now be able to prove, that this state, in the course of the late revolution, suffered the extremes of distress on account of this delusive system. To establish these...
27585New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of June 28 (John McKesson’s Version), [28 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton—Requests several Resolutions & reports from the Journal of the Senate be read— 7 Septr. 1780—part of the Governors message— 9 Septr. part of the Answer of the Senate 10 Octr. Resolution of assembly page 33 5th Feby 1781—and a Letter from Rivingtons Paper 19 March 29 March 1781 21 Novr 1781 20 July 1782 Resolutions John McKesson MS Notes, New-York Historical Society, New York City....
27586New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of June 28, [28 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton . We shall make the same reservation. By the indisputable construction of these resolutions, we shall prove that this state was once on the verge of destruction, for want of an energetic government. To this point we shall confine ourselves. Childs, Debates and Proceedings of the Convention of the State of New-York The Debates and Proceedings of the State of New-York, Assembled at...
27587New York Ratifying Convention. Third Speech of June 28 (Francis Childs’s Version), [28 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton . The honorable gentleman from Ulster has given a turn to the introduction of those papers, which was never in our contemplation. He seems to insinuate that they were brought forward, with a view of shewing an inconsistency in the conduct of some gentlemen—perhaps of himself. Sir, the exhibition of them had a very different object. It was to prove that this state once experienced...
27588New York Ratifying Convention. Third Speech of June 28 (John McKesson’s Version), [28 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
These Resolutions were introduced to shew that it was the settled opinion of the Legislature as well before as after the Confederation that the Powers of Congress were inadequate— Mentioning the Subject of a Dictator was not necessary— The Gent. says he is for an energetic fœderal Govt —what is it If what we Contend for by this System A Measure of Impost was once passed in this State—but...
27589New York Ratifying Convention. Third Speech of June 28 (Melancton Smith’s Version), [28 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Gent. of Ulster seems to suspect ⟨ags.⟩ were intrd. to shew inconsisty. The papers read, to prove the distress ys. State suffered. The inefficacy of Requisn.—the sentt. of ye Legislar—Dictator ye ebullition of ardent What is energetic fedl. govt—one operatg. on States or individs. Impost once passed—then repeald, afterwds. defeated—his opn. always for it—takes it for granted—but opposed in...
27590New York Ratifying Convention. Fourth Speech of June 28 (Newspaper Account), [28 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
A letter of the 1st inst. says, “That on Saturday the 28th ult. the Convention were still discussing the 1st clause of the 8th section of the 1st article, respecting the powers of Congress. Objections were at large stated, and amendments proposed by Mr. Williams, Mr. Smith and Mr. Lansing, who were answered by Mr. Hamilton in a most animated and powerful defence of the clause. Mr. Lansing in...
27591New York Ratifying Convention. Fourth Speech of June 28 (John McKesson’s Version), [28 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton—There would be a rivalship of Power—That the danger was that the State Govts. would Subvert the National Government It was not the prevailing opinion that the State Govts would be subverted. —He says that I tho’t the Subversion of the State Govt necessary— I wished to have an Extensive State Govt. but advanced as a reason Reason that the State Governmts. should carry Govts. Home...
27592To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, [30 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is the final result of our conventional deliberations. The intended address of the minority proved to be of a nature apprehended by me. It was rejected by the party themselves when proposed to them, and produced an auspicious conclusion to the business. As I shall set out in a few days for N. York, I postpone further explanations. I have this instant the communications from N....
27593New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Newspaper Account), [30 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
On Monday Mr. Yates was again called upon by Mr. Lansing for his evidence; to which Mr. Hamilton freely submitted. Mr. Yates made an apology for the possible mistakes of his minutes, and said that in the General Convention, Mr. Hamilton had urged strongly for giving the most compleat sovereignty to Congress, and that in order to prevent the encroachments which he feared the State governments...
27594New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (John McKesson’s Version), [30 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Lansing stated the differences between him & Mr. Hamilton on Saturday— Mr. Hamilton stated the sentimts. he had held forth— And denied that he ever was for Subverting the State Govts. or reducing them to the State of Corporations— Mr. Lansing—The Question is what were the Sentimts. the Honoble. Gent maintained. The Idea he held up was it necessary to reduce the State Govts. to the...
27595From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [2 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 20th. came to hand two days since. I regret that your prospects were not yet reduced to greater certainty. There is more and more reason to believe that our conduct will be influenced by yours. Our discussions have not yet travelled beyond the power of taxation. To day we shall probably quit this ground to pass to another. Our arguments confound, but do not convince. Some of...
27596New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 2 (John McKesson’s Version), [2 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Loans in Time of Peace peculiar to our Govt. because made thro Necessity— The Inconvenience of being in Debt is a sufficient restriction— If I was reason I would The Only Method of preventing Loans to an improper Degree [is to] give them all the Resources of the Country that they may be able by their Own Efforts to avoid the Necessity of Loans— Neither should their Power be restrained— When...
27597New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 2 (Melancton Smith’s Version), [2 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
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...
27598New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of July 2 (John McKesson’s Version), [2 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Gent says if they are disinclined to a War they will clogg it agreed —but his Amendment is to encrease their Power If the President interposes Objections from Local Views it is an evill which can only be remedied by ⅔ds— The Gent would have 2/3ds in all Cases—This encreases the Evil— The fisheries are claimed by France England & the Eastern States The Navigation of the Mississippi Our...
27599New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of July 2 (Melancton Smith’s Version), [2 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Hamilton sd. If the States are not united, therefore necessary to clog it—concludes the other way. The major Interests, ought always to govern. If it shd. become a steady principle, not to make war for rights, soon have no rights. Melancton Smith MS Notes, from the original in the New York State Library, Albany. See “New York Ratifying Convention. Introductory Note,” June 17–July 26, 1788 .
27600New York Ratifying Convention. Third Speech of July 2 (John McKesson’s Version), [2 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton—I add to enforce the Ideas of the member who spoke last The Gent from Dutchess says it is less dangerous to grant power to restrain an Act than a power to do Here the Power to restrain is as dangerous as to do an Act—The Power to restrain here is to restrain you from your defence— The Gentleman contends that there may be corruption in a Majority or the whole— We contend that there...