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.
Dear Sir,—Along with this are inclosed a few
copies of the latest Gazettes containing the additional
papers in favor of the federal Constitution.
I find by letters from Richmond that the proceedings
of the Assembly, are as usual, rapidly
particularly that the force opposed to the Act of the
Convention has gained the ascendance. There is still
nevertheless a hope left that different characters and
a different spirit may prevail in their successors who
are to make the final decision. In one point of view
the present Assembly may perhaps be regarded as
pleading most powerfully the cause of the new government,
for it is impossible for stronger proofs to be
found than in their conduct, of the necessity of some
such anchor against the fluctuations which threaten
to shipwreck our liberty.
I am dear Sir with the most sincere & perfect
esteem. Your affecte. & obedt humble servant.
Archibald Stuart wrote from Richmond Dec. 2, 1787: "A Resolution
was brought forward the day before yesterday for paying the members
to Convention in June their Wages & securing to them Certain
privileges &c. seconded by P. H. & Mason which after making Provision
for ye purposes aforesaid goes farther & sais that should ye convention
think proper to propose Amendments to ye Constitution this
state will make provision for carrying the same into effect & that
Money shall be advanced for ye support of Deputies to the Neighbouring
States &c.—This many of us opposed as improper & proposed that
the same provision should be made in General terms which should not
discover the sense of the house on ye Subject but after a Long Debate
the point was carried against us by a Majority of sixteen—In the Course
of ye Debate P. Hy. Observed that if this Idea was not held forth our
southern neighbours might be driven to despair seeing no door open to
safety should they disapprove the new Constitution—Mason on the
subject was less candid than ever I knew him to be—from the above
mentioned Vote there appears to be a Majority vs ye [new] Govt. as it
now Stands & I fear since they have discovered their Strength they
will adopt other measures tending to its prejudice from this circumstance
I am happy to find most of ye States will have decided on ye
question before Virginia for I now have my doubts whether She would
afford them as usual a good Example."
Henry Lee wrote Dec. 7, 1787, from Stratford: "It is with real grief
I inform you that by a late vote of the Assembly of Virga. on a collateral
question, they have manifested hostility to the new constitution—
Henry whose art is equal to his talents for declamation, conducted
this business & gained a majority on the vote of sixteen.
"We are told by gentlemen from Richmond, that the whole district
South of the James river are in the opposition—In this corner the people
are warmly attached to the new system, but we are small in size,
being only four or five countys.
"I saw Genl. Washington on my return, he continues firm as a rock,
the Pages are all zealous abettors of the constitution so is R. Wormely
& F. Lightfoot Lee—Both of these gentlemen are candidates for the
convention—the last is an important acquisition & breaks the influence
of the Stratford Lees—It becomes you to return in time to secure
your election. If possible let me see you—I have offered myself for
Westmoreland, but such is the number who contend for this distinction,
it is not probable that I may succeed. God bless you."
From Rose Hill, Dec. 16, Lawrence Taliaferro wrote:
"I am sorry to inform you that the Federal system is deeply [?]
slandered by some very able men in this State tho we have some very
good & able men that are Friends of that & their Country & wish it
to be adopted as speedily as Posable. . . . It is the sincere Wish
& desire of myself & a Great many others that you will also represent
the People of this County in the Spring Convention & we Earnestly
beg that you will be here some time before the election . . . I
dare say you will be greatly suppd. to hear that it is report'd that you
are oposd. to the Sistem & I was told the other day that you were
actually writing a peice against it."—Mad. MSS.
| The writings of James Madison, | |