2751To 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...
2752From 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,...
275321st. (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.
2754From 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.
2755To 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...
2756From 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...
2757New 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...
2758New 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...
2759New 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...
2760New 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...
2761New 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...
2762New 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...
2763New 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...
2764[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...
2765To 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 .
2766From 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...
2767To 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...
2768To 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...
276920th. (Adams Papers)
I was up early in the morning, and mounted my horse at about seven. It was ten when I got into Boston. I went to Mr. Smith’s, and found my father was gone to Braintree but my Mamma was at the Governor’s: I immediately went there and enjoy’d all the satisfaction that can arise from the meeting so near and dear a friend after a long absence. We dined at Deacon Storer’s. Old Mrs. Edwards was...
2770To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 20 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Our debates have advanced as far as the Judiciary Department against which a great effort is making. The appellate congnizance of fact, and an extension of the power to causes between Citizens of different States, with some lesser objections are the topics chiefly dwelt on. The retrospection to cases antecedent to the Constitution, such as British debts, and an apprehended revival of the...
2771New York Ratifying Convention. Notes for a Speech, [20 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I Various Interests Navigating and Non Navigating— Great and Small— Struggle for Commercial point two thirds Struggle for equal power— Some small states non navigating— Hence tendency to combination Necessity of accommodation— Oeconomy— Relate difficulties on this point As to the ratios of representation I Character of slaves mixed persons & property II In many states persons included in census...
2772New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Francis Childs’s Version), [20 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The hon. Mr. Hamilton then rose. Mr. Chairman the honorable Member, who spoke yesterday, went into an explanation of a variety of circumstances to prove the expediency of a change in our national government, and the necessity of a firm union: At the same time he described the great advantages which this State, in particular, receives from the confederacy, and its peculiar weaknesses when...
2773New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (John McKesson’s Version), [20 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Gentleman who spoke yesterday has been treated as having dealt in the flowry Fields of Immagination I agree if this Governt. is dangerous to the Liberties of the People let us reject it— Tho no Considerations of Danger should induce us to adopt a Governmt. radically bad—yet it was prudent to weigh those Moti[v]es which might induce us to attend those Considerations which involve public...
2774New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Melancton Smith’s Version), [20 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Govt. is to be rejected if bad. Not call reasoning, declamation. Radical defect of the Constitution is, that it operates upon individuals not on States. This proved from experience. In the war, patriotism operd. in the room of goverment— On record by Resolutions of both the principle admitted. Several States will be delinqt. at the same time, and therefore will not coerce. Suppose one...
2775[Diary entry: 20 June 1788] (Washington Papers)
Friday 20th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning—72 at Noon And 62 at Night. Wind in the Morning & evening No. W. and at Noon So. Wt. Forenoon clear, Afternoon Cloudy with a heavy shower in the evening. Visited the Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue run, Frenchs & the Ferry. At the first the Plows were in the ground intended for Pease, and the Hoes setting Corn in the New ground at the Mansn....
2776To George Washington from John Hopkins, 20 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
Agreeably to your desire exprest, in your favor of the 27th April last, I have settled with, and paid the Sherif of Green Briar, the amount of your Taxes, and have given to Dr Stewart his receipts. The D[octo]r will pay the balance which is due me as appears, by an account delivered to him, which I presume he will forward to you, for your Satisfaction, before he leaves this City. The Sherif of...
2777From George Washington to Eliza Harriot O’Connor, 20 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have received the letter which you did me the favor to write to me on the 17th instant, and am happy that the acknowledgment of it affords me an occasion of expressing my real satisfaction at the present flourishing state of your Academy and ardent wishes for its future prosperity. Should my avocations (whh have been multiplied by two Journeys I have lately been obliged to make) and my...
2778To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 20 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have this Day been made very happy in the receipt of your favor of the 8th instant. The information you have been so good as to communicate, and the pleasing prospects whih that information has excited in my Mind, have formed such an accession to my common stock of Joys as rarely falls in my Way—The Support which the new Constitution will receive from the State of Virginia must fill every...
2779To 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...
2780To 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...
2781From 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...
2782From 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...
2783Judicial 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...
2784To 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...
2785To 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...
2786V. 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...
2787VI. 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...
278819th. (Adams Papers)
The Stage was full from Portsmouth and consequently I could not obtain a seat. I could not think of waiting till Saturday with a chance of being again disappointed. So I sent forward my little trunk by the Stage, and engaged a horse; at about ten in the forenoon, I left Town, and arrived at Ipswich just before noon. The Supreme Court are sitting there, and I went to the Court house where I saw...
2789From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [19 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Yesterday, My Dear Sir, The Convention made a house. That day and this have been spent in preliminary arrangements. Tomorrow we go into a Committee of the whole on the Constitution. There is every appearance that a full discussion will take place, which will keep us together at least a fortnight. It is not easy to conjecture what will be the result. Our adversaries greatly outnumber us. The...
2790New York Ratifying Convention. Resolution by Robert R. Livingston, [19 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved That no question general or particular shall be [put] in this [Committee] upon the proposed constitution of Government for the United States or upon any clause or article thereof nor upon any amendment which may be proposed thereto until after the said constitution [& Amendments] shall have been [considered Clause by Clause]. D , in the writings of Robert R. Livingston and H, John...
2791[Diary entry: 19 June 1788] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 19th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning—73 at Noon And 70 at Night. Wind in the Morning and evening No. Et.—at Noon So. Raining in the Morning and evening with Showers between. Rid to the Ferry, French’s, Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations. At the three first, Work the same as yesterday. At the last, I had a piece of ground, containing 500 hills four feet a part, spaded up the depth of...
2792To George Washington from Mathew Carey, 19 June 1788 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Mathew Carey, 19 June 1788. On 25 June GW wrote Carey about his “favor of the 19th.”
2793From George Washington to Richard Henderson, 19 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 5th instant was lodged at my house, while I was absent on a visit to my Mother. I am now taking the earliest opportunity of noticing its contents and those of its Enclosure. Willing as I am to give satisfaction so far as I am able, to every reasonable enquire (and this is certainly not only so, but may be highly important and interesting) I must however, rather deal in...
2794To John Jay from Sarah Livingston Jay, 19 June 1788 (Jay Papers)
The morning we left you, we arriv’d at Eliz. Town after a pleasant passage and found our Parents in good health—the Children continue very well and I am myself much better than when I left N: York. By this time I suppose you have arrived at Poughkeepsie & arranged your affairs so as to be tollerably settled—the ride I flatter myself has been beneficial to you & hope to find from your letters...
2795To James Madison from Alexander Hamilton, 19 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Yesterday, My Dear Sir, The Convention made a house. That day and this have been spent in preliminary arrangements. Tomorrow we go into a Committee of the whole on the Constitution. There is every appearance that a full discussion will take place, which will keep us together at least a fortnight. It is not easy to conjecture what will be the result. Our adversaries greatly outnumber us. The...
2796From Thomas Jefferson to William Frederick Ast, with Enclosure, 19 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 1st. instant , and in answer can only observe that I am not authorized to settle your account, to decide on the balance due to you nor to order paiment in consequence. Mr. Barclay desired me to pay you specific sums, which you will see detailed on the back of the inclosed order which is for two thousand nine hundred and fifty three livres. I state them on...
2797Enclosure: To Willink & Van Staphorst, 19 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to pay to Mr. William Frederic Ast or order two thousand nine hundred and fifty three livres tournois arrears of salary due to him as clerk to Mr. Barclay Consul general of the United states of America, as stated on the back of this order for the information of the person who may at any time hereafter be appointed to settle your account with the United states. I am gentlemen Your...
2798From Thomas Jefferson to Bernstorff, 19 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of addressing Your Excellency by Admiral Paul Jones on the 21st. of January, on the subject of the prizes taken under his command during the late war, and sent into Bergen. I communicated at the same time a copy of the powers which the Congress of the United states of America had been pleased to confide to me therein, having previously shewn the original to the Baron de Blome...
2799From Thomas Jefferson to Cambray, 19 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The assembly of Carolina requiring that you should renew on oath an account of the paiments you have received, the oath is necessary. There is in this country some officer of justice in every town authorized to administer an oath and make out a proces verbal of [fact]. I know because I once had occasion to take depositions here, and an officer (whose appellation I forgot) administered the...
2800From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Digges, 19 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of May 12. as well as that of the person who desires information on the state of Cotton manufactures in America, and for his interest and safety, I beg leave to address to you the answer to his queries, without naming him. In general it is impossible that manufactures should succeed in America from the high price of labour. This is occasioned by the great demand...