Alexander Hamilton Papers

New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of June 21, [21 June 1788]

New York Ratifying Convention
Second Speech of June 21

[Poughkeepsie, New York, June 21, 1788]

Mr. Hamilton   I do contend that this Constitution is a federal Republic.1

John McKesson MS Notes, New-York Historical Society, New York City.

1. 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 Representation of the Electors—I said the Confederation would operated better if it had not been traduced—”

After H’s statement Smith continued as follows:

“I observed that the Representation should be numerous to be acquainted with the Community and should have men of the midling Class—

It is necessary that they should descend to a knowledge of such things as men in the midling Class of Life do Know.”

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    Hamilton Papers
    Title
    New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of June 21, [21 June 1788]
    Authors
    Hamilton, Alexander
    McKesson, John
    Date
    21 June 1788

    Reference

    Cite as
    “New York Ratifying Convention. Second Speech of June 21, [21 June 1788],” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-05-02-0012-0014. [Original source: The Papers of Alexander Hamilton, vol. 5, June 1788 – November 1789, ed. Harold C. Syrett. New York: Columbia University Press, 1962, p. 52.]