1From James Madison to Rufus King, 25 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
The final question in our Convention has just been decided in the affirmative by 89 ays 79 noes. Recommendatory amendments will attend the act of ratification; but are yet to be settled. The business was closed with due decorum & solemnity; and an acquiescence of the minority can not be in the least doubted. Some of the leaders as might be imagined have however a keen feeling of their...
2To James Madison from Rufus King, 23 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
Our prospects are gloomy, but hope is not entirely extinguished. Gerry has not returned to the Convention, & I think will not again be invited. We are now thinking of amendments to be submitted not as a condition of our assent & Ratification; but as the opinion of the Convention subjoined to their Ratification. This scheme may gain a few members, but the issue is doubtful. Farewel RC ( DLC );...
3From James Madison to Rufus King, 9 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have been for two days & still am laid up with a bilious attack. Writing is scarcely practicable & very injurious to me. I can only say to you therefore appearances have not changed sensibly since my last. I think we have a majority as yet; but the other party are ingenious & indefatigable. I wish you all happiness & am Yrs. RC ( NHi ). Addressed in an unidentified hand. Docketed by King.
4To James Madison from Rufus King, 30 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
This day for the first our President Mr. Hancock took his Seat in convention, and we shall probably terminate our business on Saturday or Tuesday next. I cannot predict the issue, but our Hopes are increasing—if Mr. Hancock does not disappoint our present Expectations our wishes will be gratified. But his character is not entirely free from a portion of caprice—this however is confidential....
5From James Madison to Rufus King, 22 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
We are at length approaching the close of our deliberations on the several parts of the Constitution. The Judiciary Department has been gone over; though perhaps it may receive some additional disquisitions. The attack has apparently been less formidable than I had apprehended. Independently of some particular interests, the objections against it have not been calculated in my opinion to make...
6To James Madison from Rufus King, 16 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
We may have 360 members in our Convention, not more than 330 have yet taken their Seats. Immediately after the settlement of Elections the Convention resolved that they would consider and freely deliberate on each paragraph without taking a [question on any of them individually,] & that on the question whether they wd. ratify, each [member] shd. be at liberty [to disc]uss the plan at large....
7To James Madison from Rufus King, 3 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
I inclose a newspaper of yesterday containing the propositions communicated by Mr. Hancock to the Convention, on Thursday last. Mr. Adams who contrary to his own Sentiments has been hitherto silent in convention, has given his public & explicit approbation of Mr. Hancock’s propositions. We flatter ourselves that the weight of these two characters will insure our success, but the Event is not...
8To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
Our convention proceeds slowly. An apprehension that the liberties of the people are in danger, and a distrust of men of property or Education have a more powerful Effect upon the minds of our Opponents than any specific Objections against the constitution. If the Opposition was grounded on any precise Points, I am persuaded that it might be weakened if not entirely overcome. But every Attempt...
9From James Madison to Rufus King, 13 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
I am tolerably well over the bilious indisposition which confined me at the date of my last. The progress of the Convention is extremely slow; though from the impatience of the members, I think the Session will not be long. The issue of it is more doubtful than was apprehended when I last wrote. The ostensible points of opposition are direct taxation, the imperfect representation in the H. of...
10To James Madison from Rufus King, 6 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have the satisfaction to inform you that on the final Question of assinting to & ratifying the constitution our convention divided, and 187. were in the affirmative & 168 in the negative: the majority although small is extremely respectable, and the minority are in good Temper; they have the magnanimity to declare that they will devote their Lives & property to support the Government, and I...