27331New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 2 (Melancton Smith’s Version), [2 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton—The Gentn. states, the danger of making Loans in extreme—no Instances to prove. A nation will seldom make them unless necessary. Rarely happens that Nations in peace ours ⟨–⟩ singular instance— To prevent Loans, is to give them ye commd. of all their resources. The Gentn. think it necessary to lay checks—he reasons diff—no Checks should be laid, in order to guard against foreign...
27332New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of July 2 (John McKesson’s Version), [2 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Gent says if they are disinclined to a War they will clogg it agreed —but his Amendment is to encrease their Power If the President interposes Objections from Local Views it is an evill which can only be remedied by ⅔ds— The Gent would have 2/3ds in all Cases—This encreases the Evil— The fisheries are claimed by France England & the Eastern States The Navigation of the Mississippi Our...
27333New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of July 2 (Melancton Smith’s Version), [2 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Hamilton sd. If the States are not united, therefore necessary to clog it—concludes the other way. The major Interests, ought always to govern. If it shd. become a steady principle, not to make war for rights, soon have no rights. Melancton Smith MS Notes, from the original in the New York State Library, Albany. See “New York Ratifying Convention. Introductory Note,” June 17–July 26, 1788 .
27334New York Ratifying Convention. Third Speech of July 2 (John McKesson’s Version), [2 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton—I add to enforce the Ideas of the member who spoke last The Gent from Dutchess says it is less dangerous to grant power to restrain an Act than a power to do Here the Power to restrain is as dangerous as to do an Act—The Power to restrain here is to restrain you from your defence— The Gentleman contends that there may be corruption in a Majority or the whole— We contend that there...
27335New York Ratifying Convention. Third Speech of July 2 (Melancton Smith’s Version), [2 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Power of Restraint dangerous—we may have a War of defence—therefore dangerous. The reasoning restri[c]ting just or unjust. The object to carry on war for defence ill founded as applys. Contending for corruption of a majority. They say a Corrupt. to a small part—Improbable the whole, shall be corrupted, and corrupt ye whole. Republic less likely to go to Melancton Smith MS Notes, from the...
27336New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 3, [3 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I suppose It intends that a Vessel bound from one State to another— If she puts into any port in another State [to] which She is bound She shall not there be Obliged [to] enter clear or pay Duties John McKesson MS Notes, New-York Historical Society, New York City. H’s remarks were made in reply to Melancton Smith’s request that H explain the clause in the Constitution which reads: “Nor shall...
27337New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of July 3, [3 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton—The word Impair an english word and means to weaken or Injure . This gives no Light, how far shall this weakening extend—Is it practicable so to State it as to prevent Litigation hereafter. John McKesson MS Notes, New-York Historical Society, New York City. H’s remarks were made in reply to Samuel Jones, who asked: “What is the Extent of the word Impair ” in the clause of the...
27338From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [8 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I felicitate you sincerely on the event in Virginia; but my satisfaction will be allayed, if I discover too much facility in the business of amendment-making. I fear the system will be wounded in some of its vital parts by too general a concurrence in some very injudicious recommendations. I allude more particularly to the power of taxation. The more I consider requisition in any shape the...
27339To Alexander Hamilton from John Sullivan, [10 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Capt Roche who was employed by me in consequence of your directions to forward the news of New Hampshires having adopted the new Constitution, called on me this Day with the Inclosed Account, the Ballance of which I paid him in Cash and have taken the Liberty of drawing on you for the same with the addition of seven shillings more which is the Loss by Discount & postage at 3 1/2 per Cent. His...
27340New York Ratifying Convention. Resolution by John Jay, [11 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Resolved, as the opinion of the 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. D , in writing of H, John McKesson...
27341New York Ratifying Convention. Notes for Speech of July 12, [12 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
A. I. A republic a word used in various senses. Has been applied to aristocracies and monarchies. 1. To Rome under the Kings. 2. To Sparta though a Senate for life. 3. To Carthage though the same. 4. To United Netherlands, though Stadholder, Hereditary nobles: 5. To Poland though aristocracy and monarchy 6. To Great Britain though Monarchy &c II. Again great confusion about the words....
27342New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Newspaper Account), [12 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
On Saturday morning, Mr. Jay opened the business by representing the unfairness of the proceedings in the informal Committee. He complained that when met for mutual discussion, they had been insulted by a complete set of propositions presented in a dictatorial manner for their passive acquiescence. He was soon followed by Mr. Hamilton, who in a most argumentative and impassioned address,...
27343New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (John McKesson’s Version), [12 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I rise with Reluctance It has been industriously circulated that I am a Man of such Talents as to carry any Cause— Insinuations agt. me out of this Hous[e] to shut the Hearts of the House agt. me— John McKesson MS Notes, New-York Historical Society, New York City. See “New York Ratifying Convention. Introductory Note,” June 17–July 26, 1788 . McKesson wrote and then crossed out the word...
27344New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Melancton Smith’s Version), [12 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton—Rises with reluctance. 1. because he wishes to conciliate. 2. That he is plausiable— Beleives it will not answer the purpose—though he thinks the Genn. means it to be so. The impost, acceded to—instanced—shd admonish us. 2 questions arise— 1. Our own powers 2d. The powers of Congress to receive and ye proby. No power except to accept or reject. 1st. Acts. The Resolution of the...
27345To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Chipman, 14 July 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Your character as a federalist, has induced me, altho’ personally unknown to you, to address you on a subject of very great importance to the State of Vermont, of which I am a citizen, and from which, I think, may be derived a considerable advantage to the fœderal Cause. Ten States have now adopted the new fœderal plan of government. That it will now succeed is beyond doubt; what disputes the...
27346To Alexander Hamilton from John Kelly, 14 July 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Tinmouth, Vermont, July 14, 1788. On this date Nathaniel Chipman wrote Hamilton that Kelly “writes by the same opportunity.” Letter not found. ]
27347New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Gilbert Livingston’s Version), [14 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton] wishes the questin may not be put as it will now be a decision of the comparitive view betwn the two propositions. True it has been largely discussed; on saturday said he supposed it would amount to a rejection, yet would suggest same Ideas. Recappitulates the argts of saturday; is willing to agree that the constitution was Advisory; it has now become obligatory by the will of the...
27348New York Ratifying Convention. Remarks (Melancton Smith’s Version), [14 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton. 1st. our powers—agreed yt. the Constitution, was advisory—suppose the Constitution advice, we must refer to the instrument—it is impossible that the Convenn. or the people shd. have had in view, such alterations because until they had assented, there was no body to submit amendments to—there being no common body to determine. Therefore it must of necessity been their view that...
27349New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 15, [15 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—They were ready to go as far as they thought safe, in recommendatory & explanatory Amend[ment]s —& secure the Constitu[tio]n—& that Many of the Amend[ment]s we have proposed—they suppose wrong—yet they will bring forward Amend[ment]s & will be pledged for to obtain those which they bring forward—as far as they can—Reads a form of adoption —Reads a list of amend[ment]s which they...
27350New York Ratifying Convention. Amendments to the Constitution, [15 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Amendments to the Constitution to be recommended I That there shall be one representative for every thirty thousand according to the enumeration or census mentioned in the constitution until the whole number of representatives amounts to two hundred; after which that number shall be continued or increased, but not diminished, as Congress shall direct, and according to such ratio as Congress...
27351New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of July 15, [15 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—hopes the quest[io]n will not be pressed —as the Amend[ment]s expressly contemplate a condition—hopes time will be taken to consider of the New propositions—and not pass the revision by hastily taking this quest[io]n—which must be binding finally— Gilbert Livingston MS Notes, MS Division, New York Public Library. As in his first remarks on this date, H is referring to a vote on an...
27352New York Ratifying Convention. Third Speech of July 15, [15 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—extremely sorry Lan[sing] cannot see the matter as he does —has this consolation, that they have done all they could to conciliate—heartily wishes the matter may be postponed till tomorrow—gent[lemen] have men[tione]d the breach of the Confed[eratio]n —considers the clause of amend[ment]s in it only going to the mode of govt—people may alter their govt—Mot[io]n that the committee...
27353New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 17, [17 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton] Scarce any new reasons to be offered; they are short—& must have their force it may do good—cannot do evil. While men hope , they never became enraged. Both parties hope to succeed, therefore will not heat. Things have changed since we came here—therefore decent we should consult our constituents. Good may come—& no evil can come. Takes notice of an objectn by gent We are to take no...
27354New York Ratifying Convention. Notes for Second Speech of July 17, [17 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I 1 not permitted to be out of union 2 Self preservation—West Point 3 Interest to consolidate II Discontented minorities 1 Examine story of expediency 2 history of minorities. Rhode Island N Carolina III Unequal contest 1 Government organized 2 Ruling parties in each state Fœderal 3
27355New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of July 17, [17 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—gave reasons why we would be out of the Union— Amend[ment]s have been proposed—with a desire to conciliate and assuage—therefore not adopted on expedience—but the amend[ment]s proposed for expedience—in Massachusetts—now a fed[era]l representation this not fav[orabl]e to amend[ment]s Connecticut—an election—Antis—left out— N. Ham. adopted—after an ad[journmen]t Pennsylvania—2/3ds...
27356From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, 18 July 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Poughkeepsie, New York, July 18, 1788. On July 19, 1788, Hamilton wrote to James Madison: “Yesterday I communicated to Duer our situation which I presume he will have communicated to you.” Letter not found ]. Duer was a financier and merchant who was appointed Secretary of the Board of Treasury in 1786 and in the same year became a member of the New York Assembly.
27357From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [19 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My Dear Sir for yours by the post. Yesterday I communicated to Duer our situation which I presume he will have communicated to you. It remains exactly the same, no further question having been taken. I fear the footing mentioned in my letter to Duer is the best upon which it can be placed; but every thing possible will yet be attempted to bring the party from that stand to an...
27358New York Ratifying Convention. First Speech of July 19, [19 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—the spirit of the 2d clause he agrees with —& will agree in—the jury of the vicinage in some cases cannot be good—however will not insist on it—a jury—is security sufficient—without saying of the County—moves to strike out “ of the county .” Govr [George Clinton]—wishes it should stand. [Samuel] Jones—do—who shall designate whence the jury should be called—the prosecutor may lay his...
27359New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of July 19, [19 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—this article he thinks includes more than gent intend—in the Admiralty—& Chancery there is no Jury—“ to remain ” may be intended to qualify this—in some states—the trial by jury in both the Courts above ment[ione]d are in use—On treaties & Laws of nations—the supreme Judicial ought to be the last resort—difficult to remedy this—so as to agree to it—& not clash with other states—...
27360New York Ratifying Convention. Third Speech of July 19, [19 July 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
Ham[ilton]—opposed to the leading idea of this clause —it tends to render the Militia of no service—in swi[tzerland] & england—there must be select corps—the whole people can never be fully trained if we agree to this, you oblidge the gov[ernmen]t to have a standing army—does not depend on regulations on paper for safety—but on the Genius of our country—was mistaken as to the clause—objects...