[On 10 July Lansing proposed a threefold scheme of amendments: 1) explanatory; 2) conditional; and 3) recommendatory, and followed with a proposal that an informal committee of both parties make accommodations to reach a quick decision. JJ was named to a committee of fourteen, but since Antifederalist members insisted on conditional amendments and he would not accept a form of ratification containing the word “condition,” no consensus proved possible despite De Witt Clinton’s assertion that Congress would find Lansing’s conditions “acceptable.”1

On 11 July, JJ introduced a counter-resolution, proposing ratification with explanatory interpretations and recommending amendments deemed useful or expedient. In the ensuing debate, JJ urged unanimity so that “We will have our Constitution you will have your A[men]dments”.]

Mr. Jay moved the following resolutions.—

“Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the constitution under consideration, ought to be ratified by this convention.[”]

“Resolved further, as the opinion of this committee, that such parts of the said constitution as may be thought doubtful, ought to be explained, and that whatever amendments may be deemed useful, or expedient, ought to be recommended.”

Mr. Jay was supported by Mr. Chancellor Livingston, Mr. Chief Justice Morris, and opposed by Mr. Malancton Smith.