From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [19 June 1788]
To James Madison
[Poughkeepsie, New York, June 19, 1788]
Yesterday, My Dear Sir, The Convention made a house.1 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 leaders gave indications of a pretty desperate disposition in private conversations previous to the meeting; but I imagine the minor partisans have their scruples and an air of moderation is now assumed. So far the thing is not to be despaired of. A happy issue with you must have considerable influence upon us.
I have time to add nothing more than the assurances of my sincere attachment
A Hamilton
June 19. 1788
ALS, James Madison Papers, Library of Congress.
1. The New York Ratifying Convention assembled on June 17, 1788, and elected George Clinton president. On the first day a committee was appointed to report rules for conducting the business of the Convention. The committee reported on June 18. See “New York Ratifying Convention. Resolution by Robert R. Livingston,” June 19, 1788.