TO EDMUND RANDOLPH.
CHIC. HIST. SOC. MSS.
New York, March 3, 1788.
Dear Sir,
The Convention of New Hampshire have disappointed
the general expectation. They have not
rejected the Constitution, but they have adjourned
without adopting it. It was found that, on a final
question, there would be a majority of three or four
in the negative; but in this number were included
some who, with instructions from their towns
against the Constitution, had been proselyted by
the discussions. These concurring with the Federalists
in the adjournment, carried it by fifty-seven
against forty-seven, if I am rightly informed as to
the numbers. The second meeting is not to be till
the last week in June. I have inquired of the gentlemen
from that quarter, what particularly recommended
so late a day, supposing it might refer to
the times fixed by New York and Virginia. They
tell me it was governed by the intermediate annual
elections and courts. If the Opposition in that
State be such as they are described, it is not probable
that they pursue any sort of plan, more than that of
Massachusetts. This event, whatever cause may
have produced it, or whatever consequences it may
have in New Hampshire, is no small check to the
progress of the business. The Opposition here,
which is unquestionably hostile to every thing beyond
the federal principle, will take new spirits.
The event in Massachusetts had almost extinguished
their hopes. That in Pennsylvania will probably
be equally encouraged.
Col. Heth arrived a day or so ago with the proceedings
of the Commissioners. They will be laid
before Congress to-day. I have been detained from
setting out for Virginia by this circumstance, having
fixed on yesterday for the purpose. I shall probably
get away to-morrow and possibly this afternoon.
