Alexander Hamilton Papers
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New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of July 3, [3 July 1788]

New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of July 31

[Poughkeepsie, New York, July 3, 1788]

Mr. Hamilton—The word Impair an english word and means to weaken or Injure. This gives no Light, how far shall this weakening extend—Is it practicable so to State it as to prevent Litigation hereafter.

John McKesson MS Notes, New-York Historical Society, New York City.

1. H’s remarks were made in reply to Samuel Jones, who asked: “What is the Extent of the word Impair” in the clause of the Constitution providing that no state shall pass any “Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts”?

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    Hamilton Papers
    Title
    New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of July 3, [3 July 1788]
    Authors
    Hamilton, Alexander
    McKesson, John
    Date
    3 July 1788

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    Cite as
    “New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of July 3, [3 July 1788],” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-05-02-0012-0056. [Original source: The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, vol. 5, June 1788 – November 1789, ed. Harold C. Syrett. New York: Columbia University Press, 1962, p. 147.]