11To George Washington from James Madison, 14 September 1788 (Washington Papers)
The delay in providing for the commencement of the Government was terminated yesterday, by an acquiescence of the minor number, in the persevering demands of the major. The time for chusing the electors is the first Wednesday in Jany, and for chusing the President the first Wednesday in Feby. The meeting of the Govt is to be the first Wednesday in March, and in the City of New York. The times...
12To George Washington from James Madison, 24 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favored with yours of the 17th 18th under the same cover with the papers from Mr Pleasants. The Circular letter from this State is certainly a matter of as much regret, as the unanimity with which it passed is matter of surprize. I find it is every where, and particularly in Virginia, laid hold of as the signal for united exertions in pursuit of early amendments. In Pennsylva....
13To George Washington from James Madison, 11 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with yours of the 3d instant. The length of the interval since my last has proceeded from a daily expectation of being able to communicate the final arrangements for introducing the new Government. The place of meeting has undergone much discussion as you conjectured and still remains to be fixed. Philada was first named, & negatived by a voice from Delaware. N. York...
14To George Washington from James Madison, 27 July 1788 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from James Madison, 27 July 1788. On 3 Aug. GW wrote Madison : “Your favors of the 21st & 27th of last month came duly to hand.”
15To George Washington from James Madison, 21 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have deferred writing since my arrival here in the hourly hope of being enabled to communicate the final news from Poughkepsie. By a letter from Hamilton dated the day before yesterday I find that it is equally uncertain when the business will be closed, and what will be its definitive form. The inclosed gazettes state the form which the depending proposition bears. It is not a little...
16To George Washington from James Madison, 27 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
The Convention came to a final adjournment to day. The inclosed is a copy of their act of ratification with the yeas & nays. A variety of amendments have been since recommended; several of them highly objectionable; but which could not be parried. The Minority are to sign an address this evening which is announced to be of a peace-making complexion. Having not seen it I can give no opinion of...
17To George Washington from James Madison, 25 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
On the question today for previous amendments, the votes stood 80 ays—88 noes—on the final question the ratification passed 89 ays—79 noes. Subsequent amendments will attend the act; but are yet to be settled. The temper of the minority will be better known tomorrow. The proceedings have been without flaw or pretext for it; and there is no doubt that acquiescence if not cordiality will be...
18To 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...
19To George Washington from James Madison, 18 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
No question direct or indirect has yet been taken, by which the state of parties could be determined. of course each is left to enjoy the hopes resulting from its own partial calculations. It is probable the majority on either side will not exceed more than 3, 4, 5 or 6. I indulge a belief that at this time the friends of the Constitution have the advantage in point of number. Great moderation...
20To George Washington from James Madison, 13 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of came to hand by the mail of Wednesday. I did not write by several late returns for two reasons; one the improbability of [your] having got back to Mount Vernon; the other a bilious indisposition which confined me for some days. I am again tolerably well recovered. Appearances at present are less favorable than at the date of my last. Our progress is slow and every advantage is...