21From James Madison to George Washington, 20 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Count de Moustier arrived here a few days ago as Successor to the Chevr. de la Luzerne. His passage has been so tedious that I am not sure that the despatches from Mr. Jefferson make any considerable addition to former intelligence. I have not yet seen them, but am told that this is the case. In general it appears that the affairs of Holland are put into pacific train. The Prussian troops...
22From James Madison to George Washington, 8 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
The prospect in Massts. seems to brighten, if I view in the true light the following representation of it. “This day, (Jany. 30) for the first our President Mr. Handcock took his seat in Convention, and we shall probably terminate our business on saturday or tuesday next. I can not predict the issue, but our hopes are increasing. If Mr. Hancock does not disappoint our present expectations, our...
23To George Washington from James Madison, 3 March 1788 (Washington Papers)
The Convention of N. Hampshire has afforded a very disagreeable subject of communication. It has not rejected the Constitution, but it has failed to adopt it. Contrary to all the calculations that had been made it appeared on the meeting of the members that a majority of 3 or four was adverse to the object before them, and that on a final question on the merits, the decision would be in the...
24To 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...
25From James Madison to George Washington, 11 August 1788 (Madison 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...
26From James Madison to George Washington, 3 March 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Convention of N. Hampshire has afforded a very disagreeable subject of communication. It has not rejected the Constitution; but it has failed to adopt it. Contrary to all the calculations that had been made it appeared on the meeting of the members that a majority of 3 or four was adverse to the object before them, and that on a final question on the merits, the decision would be in the...
27To George Washington from James Madison, 7 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
My last inclosed a continuation of the Fœderalist to number 14 inclusive. I now add the numbers which have succeeded. No authentic information has yet arrived concerning the posture of Europe. Reports, with some less doubtful symtoms, countenance the suspicions of war. I understand that the Constitution will certainly be adopted in Connecticut; the returns of the deputies being now known, and...
28From James Madison to George Washington, 2 July 1784 (Madison Papers)
The sanction given by your favor of the 12th. inst: to my desire of remunerating the genius which produced Common Sense , led to a trial for the purpose. The gift first proposed was a moiety of the tract on the Eastern Shore, known by the name of “the Secretary’s land.” The easy reception it found induced the friends of the measure to add the other moiety to the proposition which would have...
29From James Madison to George Washington, 26 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
I subjoin two resolutions lately taken by Congress in relation the Mississippi, which I hope may have a critical and salutary effect on the temper of our western Brethren. On report of the Committee &c to whom was referred the Report of the Secy. for For. Affairs on a motion of the Delegates of North Carolina, stating the uneasiness produced by a Report “that Congress are disposed to treat...
30To George Washington from James Madison, 28 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
The information which I have by the Eastern mail rather increases than removes the anxiety produced by the last. I give it to you as I have recd it in the words of Mr King. Boston 20 Jany 88 “Our Convention proceeds slowly. An apprehension that the liberties of the people are in danger, and a distrust of men of property or education have a more powerful effect upon the minds of our opponents...