1171New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Gilbert Livingston’s Version), [14 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton] wishes the questin may not be put as it will now be a decision of the comparitive view betwn the two propositions. True it has been largely discussed; on saturday said he supposed it would amount to a rejection, yet would suggest same Ideas. Recappitulates the argts of saturday; is willing to agree that the constitution was Advisory; it has now become obligatory by the will of the...
1172New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Melancton Smith’s Version), [14 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton. 1st. our powers—agreed yt. the Constitution, was advisory—suppose the Constitution advice, we must refer to the instrument—it is impossible that the Convenn. or the people shd. have had in view, such alterations because until they had assented, there was no body to submit amendments to—there being no common body to determine. Therefore it must of necessity been their view that...
1173New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 15, [15 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—They were ready to go as far as they thought safe, in recommendatory & explanatory Amend[ment]s —& secure the Constitu[tio]n—& that Many of the Amend[ment]s we have proposed—they suppose wrong—yet they will bring forward Amend[ment]s & will be pledged for to obtain those which they bring forward—as far as they can—Reads a form of adoption —Reads a list of amend[ment]s which they...
1174New York Ratifying Convention. Amendments to the Constitution, [15 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Amendments to the Constitution to be recommended I That there shall be one representative for every thirty thousand according to the enumeration or census mentioned in the constitution until the whole number of representatives amounts to two hundred; after which that number shall be continued or increased, but not diminished, as Congress shall direct, and according to such ratio as Congress...
1175New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of July 15, [15 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—hopes the quest[io]n will not be pressed —as the Amend[ment]s expressly contemplate a condition—hopes time will be taken to consider of the New propositions—and not pass the revision by hastily taking this quest[io]n—which must be binding finally— Gilbert Livingston MS Notes, MS Division, New York Public Library. As in his first remarks on this date, H is referring to a vote on an...
1176New York Ratifying Convention. Third Speech of July 15, [15 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—extremely sorry Lan[sing] cannot see the matter as he does —has this consolation, that they have done all they could to conciliate—heartily wishes the matter may be postponed till tomorrow—gent[lemen] have men[tione]d the breach of the Confed[eratio]n —considers the clause of amend[ment]s in it only going to the mode of govt—people may alter their govt—Mot[io]n that the committee...
1177New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 17, [17 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton] Scarce any new reasons to be offered; they are short—& must have their force it may do good—cannot do evil. While men hope , they never became enraged. Both parties hope to succeed, therefore will not heat. Things have changed since we came here—therefore decent we should consult our constituents. Good may come—& no evil can come. Takes notice of an objectn by gent We are to take no...
1178New York Ratifying Convention. Notes for Second Speech of July 17, [17 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I 1 not permitted to be out of union 2 Self preservation—West Point 3 Interest to consolidate II Discontented minorities 1 Examine story of expediency 2 history of minorities. Rhode Island N Carolina III Unequal contest 1 Government organized 2 Ruling parties in each state Fœderal 3
1179New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of July 17, [17 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—gave reasons why we would be out of the Union— Amend[ment]s have been proposed—with a desire to conciliate and assuage—therefore not adopted on expedience—but the amend[ment]s proposed for expedience—in Massachusetts—now a fed[era]l representation this not fav[orabl]e to amend[ment]s Connecticut—an election—Antis—left out— N. Ham. adopted—after an ad[journmen]t Pennsylvania—2/3ds...
1180From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, 18 July 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Poughkeepsie, New York, July 18, 1788. On July 19, 1788, Hamilton wrote to James Madison: “Yesterday I communicated to Duer our situation which I presume he will have communicated to you.” Letter not found ]. Duer was a financier and merchant who was appointed Secretary of the Board of Treasury in 1786 and in the same year became a member of the New York Assembly.