1New York Ratifying Convention. Eighth Speech of July 19, [19 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—this [amendment] cannot be by way of explanation—but may be by recommendation. Gilbert Livingston MS Notes, MS Division, New York Public Library. See “New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 19,” note 1 . The proposed amendment reads as follows: “That the Judicial p⟨ower⟩ of ⟨the⟩ United States as to Controversies between Citizens of different States is not to be...
[A committee discusses the draft of Melancton Smith’s conditional ratification proposal that included a bill of rights and other proposed amendments. JJ regarded Smith’s proposal limiting Congress’s exercise of certain powers until a convention was held to consider amendments as “less evil than the former” and as providing a basis to proceed. On the 19th, entering the debate on the bill of...
3To James Madison from Alexander Hamilton, [19 July] 1788 (Madison Papers)
I thank you My Dear Sir for yours by the post. Yesterday I communicated to Duer our situation which I presume he will have communicated to you. It remains exactly the same, no further question having been taken. I fear the footing mentioned in my letter to Duer is the best upon which it can be placed; but every thing possible will yet be attempted to bring the party from that stand to an...
4From Thomas Jefferson to the Rev. James Madison, 19 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letter to you was of the 13th. of August last. As you seem willing to accept of the crums of science on which we are subsisting here, it is with pleasure I continue to hand them on to you in proportion as they are dealt out. Herschel’s volcano in the moon you have doubtless heard of, and placed among the other vagaries of a head which seems not organised for sound induction. The...
5New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 19, [19 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—the spirit of the 2d clause he agrees with —& will agree in—the jury of the vicinage in some cases cannot be good—however will not insist on it—a jury—is security sufficient—without saying of the County—moves to strike out “ of the county .” Govr [George Clinton]—wishes it should stand. [Samuel] Jones—do—who shall designate whence the jury should be called—the prosecutor may lay his...
6New York Ratifying Convention. Fifth Speech of July 19, [19 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—an explanatory clause ought to explain, not to affix a new Idea— the dividing the state into districts is explanatory but the qualifying part is not— Gilbert Livingston MS Notes, MS Division, New York Public Library. See “New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 19,” note 1 . At this point in the proceedings the Convention took up the second part of the “Bill of Rights”...
7To George Washington from Thomas Newton, 19 July 1788 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Thomas Newton, 19 July 1788. On 1 Aug. GW wrote Newton : “Your letters of the 14th & 19 Ulto came duly to hand.”
8New York Ratifying Convention. Third Speech of July 19, [19 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—opposed to the leading idea of this clause —it tends to render the Militia of no service—in swi[tzerland] & england—there must be select corps—the whole people can never be fully trained if we agree to this, you oblidge the gov[ernmen]t to have a standing army—does not depend on regulations on paper for safety—but on the Genius of our country—was mistaken as to the clause—objects...
9New York Ratifying Convention. Seventh Speech of July 19, [19 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—would not object to the Idea—recommends this amend[men]t— Gilbert Livingston MS Notes, MS Division, New York Public Library. See “New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 19,” note 1 . H is referring to the following explanatory amendment suggested to the Convention by John Lansing, Jr.: “That all appeals from any Court proceeding according to the Course of the common Law...
10New York Ratifying Convention. Ninth Speech of July 19, [19 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—this not an explanitory amend[men]t— may be recommendatory—which he would wish—in regulating commerce—this power seems to be incident—thinks that it may be possible that it will be useful—therefore thinks it ought to be left out. [Samuel] Jones—it cannot be an explanation— [John] Lansing—Congress have no power about the business except a regulation of commerce—...