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 EDMUND RANDOLPH.
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 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO EDMUND RANDOLPH.[4]
. . . . . . . . .
We hear nothing decisive as yet concerning the
general reception given to the act of the Convention.
The advocates for it come forward more promptly
than the adversaries. The sea coast seems every
where fond of it. The party in Boston which was
thought most likely to make opposition, are warm
in espousing it. It is said that Mr. S. Adams objects
to one point only, viz. the prohibition of a religious
test. Mr. Bowdoin 's objections are said to be
against the great number of members composing the
Legislature, and the intricate election of the President.
in the Assembly of Pennsylvania.[5]
. . . . . . . . .
From The Madison Papers (1840).
Edmund Pendleton wrote Madison October 8, 1787, describing Ran
dolph and George Mason as deserters from the Constitution (Chicago
Hist. Soc. MSS.); but it was not really known whether Randolph was
for or against the Constitution till a later period. when he came out as
one of its warmest advocates. Washington wrote Madison October 10:
"From circumstances, which have been related, it is conjectured that
the Governor [Randolph] wishes he had been among the subscribing
members."—(Ford's Writings of Washington, xi., 170.)
September 28 the Pennsylvania House of Assembly took up the
question of calling a convention to consider the Constitution, as
recommended by the Constitutional Convention. Considerable opposition
developed, and finally, in order to prevent the question being
carried, the opponents absented themselves and broke a quorum. On
the following day two of the absentees were forcibly brought into the
House, thus making a quorum, and the House ordered the calling of
the convention. The proceedings and debate are humorous reading.
See McMaster and Stone's Pennsylvania and The Federal Constitution,
Chapter ii., p. 27.
| The writings of James Madison, | |