15051To George Washington from George Washington, 20 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
From a most distresd Situation, have taken up my Pen to request your Attention, though I have not the least reason to Expect it, owing to my entering myself into a Matrymonial State too soon, & allowing myself to be led astray by the deceitfull Tongue of a Woman, one beyond expression & occasioned through my haveing so great an Attachment to her, that she rul’d me as she thought proper, & made...
15052To John Jay from Edward Rutledge, 20 June 1788 (Jay Papers)
A gentleman for whom I have a considerable share of esteem has informed that he is on the Wing for New York, & tho’ I am much indisposed with a large Share of Fatigue that public & professional Business have oppressed me with from day to day since the 12 th : of the last Month, I could not forgo his requesting being made known to one whose Character he very much respects. He is himself a...
15053From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 20 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Our debates have advanced as far as the Judiciary Department against which a great effort is making. The Appellate connazance of fact, and an extension of the power to causes between Citizens of different States, with some lesser objections are the topics cheifly dwelt on. The retrospection to cases antecedent to the Constitution, such as British debts, and an apprehended revival of the...
15054From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 20 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
No question has been yet taken by which the strength of parties can be determined. The calculations on different sides do not accord; each making them under the bias of their particular wishes. I think however the friends of the Constitution are most confident of superiority; and am inclined myself to think they have at this time the advantage of 3 or 4 or possibly more in point of number. The...
15055Judicial Powers of the National Government, [20 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
On 19 June, Mason charged the judicial powers were bound to adversely affect thousands of Virginians directly and undermine the legal systems of the state governments. Mr. Madison . Mr. Chairman—Permit me to make a few observations which may place this part in a more favorable light than the gentleman placed it in yesterday. It may be proper to remark, that the organization of the general...
15056To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 20 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Mon premier soin a été, de faire et envoyer deux copies des interessantes nouvelles que V.E. m’a bien voulu transmettre dans sa faveur du 9e. courant, l’une pour la Gazette de Leide, pour laquelle même je n’ai pas trouvé un iota à supprimer; l’autre pour nos Amis d’Amst[erda]m . L’émeute du bas-peuple à N. York prouve, que par-tout où bonne Justice n’est déniée à personne, elles sont toujours...
15057To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 20 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter from Amsterdam reach’d me safe three days ago sent by Van Staphorst to Parker. I have received the £30 inclos’d. Our account stands thus Recd. of Mr. Jefferson By Mrs. Adams £ 8. 0. 0. By Herries & Co. 30. 0. 0. £ 38. 0. 0. Paid for do. Polyplasiasmos picture £ 1.11. 6. for Mr. Short at Woodmasons 0. 8. 0. do. for gloves 0.10. 0 Books at Lackington’s...
15058V. Jefferson to Montmorin, 20 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Having had the honor of mentioning to Your Excellency the wish of Congress that certain changes should be made in the articles for a consular convention which had been sent to them, I have now that, conformably to the desire you expressed, of giving a general idea of the alterations to be proposed. The IVth. article gives to consuls the immunities of the law of nations. It has been understood...
15059VI. Observations by Rayneval on Jefferson’s Letter to Montmorin, 20 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Cet article ne donne qu’une légère portion des immunités du droit des gens: il n’exemte les consuls que des choses personnelles, les quelles, s’il y etoit assujetti, l’assimileroient aux nationaux. Le Consul demeure personne privée; il est obligé de reconnoitre la jurisdiction locale. Les seules prerogatives dont il doit jouir sont enoncées dans le 2d. ¶ de l’article 4. Tous les étrangers non...
1506021st. (Adams Papers)
The weather was very warm. I went down to my uncle Quincy’s, and from thence on the shore. One lighter arrived in the afternoon, with part of the goods and furniture, and the other is expected to-morrow.
15061From 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.
15062To 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...
15063From 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...
15064New 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...
15065New 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...
15066New 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...
15067New 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...
15068New 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...
15069New 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...
15070New 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...
15071[Diary entry: 21 June 1788] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 21st. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning—72 at Noon And 71 at Night. Weather clear, Wind at No. Wt. in the forepart of the day & at North the latter part. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck, the Plows were employed in preparing for Pease, & the Harrows putting them—one plow weeding the Potatoes in hills—all the Hoes in the Corn. At Muddy hole—both Plows & Hoes were weeding Irish...
15072To George Washington from John Langdon, 21 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have the great pleasure of informing your Excellency that this State has this day Adopted the Federal Constitution, 57 yeas 46 Nays—thereby placeing the Key Stone in the great Arch, this I hope will Apologize in some measure, for our heretofore Missdoings—please to Excuse haste, and Beleive me with the highest Sense of Esteem and Respect your Excellencys most Obt Servt ALS , DLC:GW .
15073From John Jay to Sarah Livingston Jay, 21 June 1788 (Jay Papers)
A Gentleman now in Town, and who will set out for New York in about an Hour, gives me an opportunity of writing you a few Lines. The Convention assembled with unusual Punctuality. There ^are^ not more than two Members, that I recollect, absent, and the ^House^ have entered on the Business with great assiduity & Regularity. As yet their Proceedings and Debates have been temperate, and...
15074To James Madison from Alexander Hamilton, 21 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for your letter of the 9h. 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...
15075To Thomas Jefferson from Etienne Clavière, 21 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Je fais travailler aux comptes que je dois mettre sous vos yeux avant de les envoyer à mon ami de Warville; j’ai été retardé par mille Causes involontaires. Mes chiffres sont prettes, il ne faut plus que les ranger. Mandez moi, s. v. p. s’il partira bientot un Paquetbot pour New Yorck afin que je connoisse le tems que j’ai devant moi. J’ay l’honneur d’etre avec une haute estime Monsieur...
1507622d. (Adams Papers)
Parson Wibird preached in his usual dull unanimated strain. Of late indeed he has lost it is said his only claim to merit by declining wholly to change with the neighbouring ministers. After meeting this evening, I went with W. Cranch down to Mrs. Quincy’s and drank tea. Mrs. Quincy of Boston was there, and very agreeable: I had never been in company with her before. Abigail Phillips Quincy...
15077Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 22 June 1788 (Adams Papers)
Thanks be to an ever watchful & kind Providence that has conducted my dear Brother, & Sister safely to their native Shore— With all the tender affections that ever warmed a Sisters Heart, I bid you welcome—welcome once more to America—welcome my dear Brother to a Land for which you have for many years toil’d & laboured— I have my dear Sister been exceedingly axious for these three weeks about...
15078Abigail Adams Smith to William Smith, 22 June 1788 (Adams Papers)
we were made very happy this morning by the receipt of your Letter, informing us of the arrival of my Parents— be pleased to accept our sincere thanks for this early Proof of your attention— I am anxious to hear particularly respecting their Healths— I hope the Lameness of my Mammas Hand which you mention, is not to be of long continueance— I hope you will excuse the Liberty I have taken of...
15079To 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...
15080[Diary entry: 22 June 1788] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 22d. Thermometer at 67 in the Morning—78 at Noon And 76 at Night. Clear all day with the Wind at So. Wt. Mr. Fendall, and Mr. Willm. Craik came to dinner and went away afterwards—the latter to Alexandria and the former to Westmoreland.
15081From George Washington to John Lathrop, 22 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your acceptable favour of the 16th of May, covering a recent publication of the proceedings of the Humane Society, has, within a few days past, been put into my hands. I observe, with singular satisfaction, the cases in which your benevolent Institution has been instrumental in recalling some of our fellow creatures (as it were) from beyond the gates of Eternity, and has given occasion for the...
15082To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 22 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that the Constitution was yesterday adopted by the Convention of this State after a Session of four days; the number in favor of the adoption was 57—against it 46. The majority, tho’ small, is very respectable, as it is pretty well ascertained that at least ¾ of the property, & a larger proportion of the abilities in the State are friendly to the proposed...
15083From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 22 June 1788 (Madison 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 acknowledgment, and wd. chuse to ground their vote agst. the Constitution on other motives. In the course of this week...
15084From 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...
15085From Thomas Jefferson to ——, 22 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of introducing to your acquaintance the Marquis de Valadie, bearer of this letter, a gentleman of distinguished family in this country. A genuine love of liberty, a desire of freeing himself from the shackles which the laws and manners of Europe impose, and a predilection for our country, tempt him to pay it a visit. You will find him well informed, sensible, honest and...
15086To Thomas Jefferson from Chamillard, 22 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ay raporté à M. Le Comte de Montmorin, ainsy qu’à M. le Comte de la Luzerne, les dispositions où vous Etiés de suivre auprès de M. le Baron de Blome les Intérêts des Equipages des deux frégates que les Danois ont rendu au Gouvernement Anglois, et le dezir que vous aviéz que le ministere françois secondât vos demarches à cêt égard. Ces deux Ministres m’ont autorizé, à agir de concêrt avec...
15087To Thomas Jefferson from André Limozin, 22 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Havre, 22 June 1788 . Articles mentioned in TJ’s of 18 June not yet arrived from Amsterdam; Limozin has delivered TJ’s letter to Montgomery and called on Mrs. Montgomery. “I have taken the freedom to present her My Son and to invite her to take tomorrow at my house with her Children a Family’s Dinner.” She has accepted, and Limozin regrets he cannot be of the company “because some very...
15088To Thomas Jefferson from John Rutledge, Jr., 22 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I trust you will have received, before this reac[h]es you, my letter from Amsterdam , dated, if I mistake not, the 13th. inst.; since that time we have not had any thing new in this Country. The attentions of People have been very much turned towards france and engaged in contemplating the issue of her actual Situation. The account of the late revolt in Dauphiny has occasioned very great joy...
15089From Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas & Jacob van Staphorst, 22 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 22d. May and will take care of your indemnification for the 100 guineas furnished Admiral Paul Jones, should he not otherwise reimburse you which I would beg you to press on him, as may be convenient and decent. I note the disbursement of f18 on account of the stoves from Cologne. As there are already several small advances for which. I have troubled you,...
1509023d. (Adams Papers)
A second lighter came up this day with things from the ship. We were very busy in unpacking during the whole day. A bed was set up in the house in which I lodg’d, but we have done sufficient to make a great deal of work before we get at rights. There is yet a great deal to be done to the house. When I came from Newbury-Port, I intended to have studied as much here as I should have done there;...
15091New 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...
15092New 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...
15093New 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...
15094[Diary entry: 23 June 1788] (Washington Papers)
Monday 23d. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning—88 at Noon And 78 at Night. Clear forenoon and very warm, the Wind being Southerly; About 3 Oclk. a cloud arose to the Westward which about 4 Oclock produced much rain and wind and entangled the flax that was rank very much. Visited all the Plantations. In the Neck, all the Hoes were weeding & setting Carrots where they were missing. Set two plows...
15095From George Washington to James Madison, 23 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
Since my last, acknowledging the first letter you did me the favor to write to me after your arrival in Richmond, I have received your subsequent ones of the 13th & 18th instant; which, tho’ less favourable than the former, are more pleasing than suspence. I will yet hope that the good sense of this Country, maugre all the arts of opposition, will ultimately decide right on the important...
15096To George Washington from James Madison, 23 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
We got through the constitution by paragraphs today. Tomorrow some proposition for closing the business will be made. On our side a ratification involving a few declaratory truths not affecting its validity will be tendered. The opposition will urge previous amendments. Their conversation to day seemed to betray despair. Col. Mason in particular talked in a style which no other sentiment could...
15097From George Washington to David Stuart, 23 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
Upon the receipt of your favor of the 13th instt I caused enquiry to be made into the foundation for the report which you said was industriously circulated in Richmond, respecting the notice taken of the proposed Constitution by the Assembly of Maryland; and am told that it is a time serving falsehood; as you will be particularly informed by an enclosure from Colo. Fitzgerald. The hopes &...
15098To George Washington from David Stuart, 23 June 1788 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from David Stuart, 23 June 1788. On 27 June GW wrote that his “letter of the 23d . . . came duly to hand.”
15099Extract from Francis Childs’s Debates, 23 June 1788 (Jay Papers)
[Below is the initial convention speech by John Jay on Art. I, sec. 2, cl. 3, supporting the ratio of one representative to 30,000 persons. JJ stresses areas of agreement, such as the need for a strong, energetic federal government, and distinguishes between state and federal concerns.] The honorable Mr. Jay. I will make a few observations on this article, Mr. Chairman, though I am sensible it...
15100Extract from John McKesson’s Notes of Debates, 23 June 1788 (Jay Papers)
M r . Jay— One or two Remarks have not been mentioned— It is agreed that a Strong energetic Fœderal Gov t . is necessary— Hence we are [to] believe that it believed such a Gov t . is practicable. Yet a Gent[leman] has given us to understand that a Strong energetic federal Gov t . extending so far as this does is impracticable and the Country inadequate for it— If this Gov t . must have the...