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 GEORGE WASHINGTON. |
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 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
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 calculations that had been
made it appeared on a 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 negative. In this critical
state of things, the federalists thought it best
to attempt an adjournment, and having proselyted
some of the members who were positively instructed
agst. the Constitution, the attempt succeeded by a
majority of 57 agst. 47, if my information as to the
numbers be correct. It seems to be fully expected
that some of the instructed members will prevail on
their towns to unfetter them and that in the event
N. Hampshire will be among the adopting States.
The mischief elsewhere will, in the mean time be of
a serious nature. The second meeting is to be in
June. This circumstance will probably be construed
her. It is explained to me however as having reference
merely to the conveniency of the members
whose attendance at their annual elections & courts
would not consist with an earlier period. The opposition
I understand is composed precisely of the
same description of characters with that of Massts.,
and stands contrasted to all the wealth, abilities, and
respectability of the State.
I am preparing to set out for Orange[56]
and promise
myself the pleasure of taking Mount Vernon in the
way.
I remain, yours most respectfully & Affectly.
Alexander Hamilton to Madison, New York, April 3, 1788:
"I think however the principles we talked of, in respect to the
legislative authorities, are not only just but will apply to the other
departments. Nor will the consequences appear so disagreeable, as
they may seem at first sight, when we attend to the true import of the
rule established. The States retain all the authorities they were
before possessed of not alienated in the three modes pointed out; but
this does not include cases which are the creatures of the New Constitution.
For instance, the crime of treason against the United
States immediately, is a crime known only to the New Constitution.
There was no power in the state constitution to pardon that crime—
There will therefore be none under the new &c. This or something
like it seems to me to afford the best solution of the difficulty.
"I send you the Federalist from the beginning to the conclusion of
the commentary on the Executive branch. If our suspicions of the
author be right, he must be too much engaged to make a rapid progress
in what remains.
"—The Court of Chancery & a Circuit Court are now Sitting.
"We are told that your election has succeeded; with which we all
felicitate ourselves. I will thank you for an account of the result
generally.
"In this state our prospects are much as you left them—A moot
point which Side will prevail. Our friends to the northward are
active. I remain &c."—Mad. MSS.
| The writings of James Madison, | |