The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
TO AMBROSE MADISON.
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 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO AMBROSE MADISON.[26]
Dear brother,—Having mislaid your last favor,
I cannot acknowledge it by reference to its date. It
contained two requests, the one relating to Mr. House's
rule of calculating the weight of Tobacco: the other
to my being a candidate in Orange for the Convention.[27]
In answer to the first point I inclose the rule
you a calculation in detail for the whole account.
In answer to the second point, I am to observe that
it was not my wish to have followed the act of the
general convention into the convention of the State;
supposing that it would be as well that the final decision
thereon should proceed from men who had no
hand in preparing and proposing it. As I find however
that in all the States the members of the Genl.
Convention are becoming members of the State Conventions,
as I have been applied to on the subject
by sundry very respectable friends, as I have reason
to believe that many objections in Virginia proceed
which produced the objectionable parts of it, and as
my attendance at Philadelphia may enable me to
contribute some explanations and informations which
may be of use, I shall not decline the representation
of the County if I should be honored with the appointment.
You may let this be known in such way
as my father or yourself may judge best. I shall be
glad to hear from you on the subject, and to know
what competition there will probably be and by
whom.
As far as present appearances denote, the N. England
States R. Island excepted, will all adopt the
new Constitution. N. Jersey certainly will. So will
majority. I have favorable information also
from Maryland; though it is not improbable that the
opposition likely to be made in Virginia will have
some effect on that side, as well as on the side of N.
Carolina, which in general has been said to be well
disposed. Like information has been recd. from the
two more Southern States; but it is too early to pronounce
on their disposition. This State (N. York)
is much divided. The party in power are willing
to surrender any portion of it. The other party
is composed of the more respectable citizens, and
is warmly attached to the proposed constitution.
Whatever may be the sense of the Majority the
State will scarcely have a will of its own, if New
England on one side and N. Jersey & Pena. on the
other come heartily into the measure.[28] . . .
Archibald Stuart wrote to Madison, Richmond, Va., November 2:
"Inclosed are ye Resolutions of Virginia on the subject of ye federal
Government—It is generally considered necessary that you should be
of the convention, not only that y Constitution may be adopted but
with as much unanimity as possible.
"For God's sake do not disappoint the anxious expectations of yr
friends & let me add of yr Country—The Govr. on his return here was
coolly received, upon which it is said he discovd. much anxiety, since
ye opposition to ye Constitution has been heard of from Different parts
of ye State he speaks with more confidence against what he calls ye
objectionable parts—He is a candidate for ye. convention, Wilkinson &
Southall having cleared ye. coast for him the former of whom is inimical
to ye Govt. proposed." . . .—Mad. MSS. The resolutions were
passed October 31. Madison's copy is not among his papers, but the
copy sent by George Mason to Washington is among the Washington
MSS. and is as follows:
"In the House of Delegates, Thursday, the 25th of October, 1787.
"Resolved, unanimously, that the proceedings of the Federal Convention
transmitted to the General Assembly through the medium of Congress,
be submitted to a Convention of the people for their full and
free investigation, discussion, and decision.
"Resolved, That every citizen being a freeholder in this commonwealth
be eligible to a seat in the convention, and that the people
therefore be not restrained in their choice of Delegates by any of
those legal or constitutional restrictions which confine them in their
choice of members of the Legislature.
"Resolved, That it be recommended to each county to elect two
Delegates, and to each city, town, or corporation entitled or which
may be entitled by law to representation in the Legislature, to elect
one Delegate to the said Convention.
"Resolved, That the qualifications of the Electors be the same with
those now established by law, for the choice of representatives to the
General Assembly.
"Resolved, That the elections for Delegates as aforesaid be held at
the several places appointed by law for holding the elections for Delegates
to the General Assembly, and that the same be conducted by the
officers who conduct the Elections for Delegates, and conformably to
the rules and regulations thereof.
"Resolved, That the election for Delegates be held in the month of
March next, on the first day of the court to be held for each county,
city, or corporation respectively, and that the persons so chosen shall
assemble at the state-house in the city of Richmond on the first Monday
in June next.
"Resolved, That two thousand copies of these resolutions be forthwith
printed, and dispersed by the members of the General Assembly
among their constituents, and that the Executive transmit a copy of
them to Congress, and to the Legislatures and Executives of the
respective states.
"Teste, John Beckley, C.H.D.
1787, October 31st, Agreed to by the Senate,
"H. Brooke, C.S."—Wash. MSS.
| The writings of James Madison, | |