126 Days In Philada: A Story of the Constitutional Convention

By Russell J. Rucker

Welcome to the convention! With your credentials, dive into our secret meetings to experience the Constitutional Convention in an entertaining yet informative way. Through engaging first-person dialogues, I've enhanced and condensed the speeches, capturing the ess

• Language: English
• Publisher: ReadersMagnet LLC
• Release date: Jun 18, 2024
• ISBN: 9798890915849

Russell J. Rucker

Mr. Rucker, a seasoned historian with over 40 years of expertise in constitutional theory and America's founding, brings history to life. Through meticulous study of original documents and extensive experience advocating for rights and constitutional liberty, he offers insightful perspectives on the Constitution. With a background in both organizations and government service, Mr. Rucker expertly navigates the intricacies of historical fiction, crafting narratives that vividly depict pivotal moments in history.

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126 Days In Philada: A Story of the Constitutional Convention

Copyright © 2024 by Russell J. Rucker

Published in the United States of America

Library of Congress Control Number: 2024909342

ISBN Paperback: 979-8-89091-583-2

ISBN eBook: 979-8-89091-584-9

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Contents

May 25th The Convention begins - Washington is elected President Jackson elected secretary - the appointment of the rules committee - appointing messengers and door keeper.

May 28th Presentation of the Rules.

May 29th Randolph proposes the Virginia Plan- Pinckney

May 30th Federal vs a national system- follow the order from

May 31st The first branch discussed on an election by the people - the second branch unsettled.

June 1st The executive discussed.

June 4th The Executive being a single man - Council of Revision - Power to negate law.

June 5th The Supreme Court - amending and approving the constitution - guarantees of a republican form of government.

June 6th The first branch chosen by the state’s - joining the executive with the judiciary.

June 7th Senate mode of election - Negate laws.

June 8th Negating laws federal vs. the states.

June 9th Representation in the legislature - elimination of state lines.

June 11th Representation by contributions - oath of office.

June 12th Length of term - Judicial jurisdiction

June 19th The Paterson plan is postponed - work begins based off the Virginia plan-sovereignty of the states or united sovereignty.

June 20th Report of the committee and various plans discussed- equality of the senate is brought up.

June 21st Length of terms.

June 22nd Legislative pay and qualifications.

June 23rd Legislative appointments.

June 25th Proportional representation.

June 26th The Senate.

June 27th The Senate’s length and organization

June 28th The Senate - Doctor Franklin’s proposal for prayer

June 29th The suffrage of the legislature - logjam

June 30th The suffrage of the senate continues.

July 2nd Approved a committee of Eleven to work out a compromise on representation.

July 4th Independence celebration.

July 5th Report from the committee of eleven - Grand Compromise.

July 6th Committee of five established-the population number moved to the committee.

July 7th Library invitation read - debates on the senate’s equality.

July 9th Grand Committee appointed - for representation of wealth and population.

July 10th Report from the grand committee - discussion on the state’s representation.

July 11th Census - three-fifths clause- slavery

July 12th Census - three-fifths clause-taxation on wealth

July 13th State representation and taxation.

July 14th Origination of money bills - equality of the senate.

July 15th Discussion to end the convention and go home.

July 17th Negate laws-executives’ length of term - mode of electing.

July 18th Appointment of judges- republican form of government-insurrections

July 19th Electoral college-electing an executive.

July 20th Electors - Impeachment.

July 21st Independence of the judiciary.

July 23rd Oaths - ratification.

July 24th Electoral College - Committee of detail installed.

July 25th Electoral college sent to the committee of detail.

July 26th Disqualifications for debt - Convention adjourns until Aug. 6 to allow the committee of detail time to finish their work.

August 6th Report from the committee of detail read - copies given out.

August 7th Going through the report - disqualifying of property owners - meetings in lodgings.

August 8th- 17th Continuing discussing the report - arguments over Articles in the report.

August18th Sending Articles to the committee of style - appointing a grand committee.

August 20th Council of advisors - Militia - sent the militia language to the Grand Committee. Various items sent to the grand Committee-continuing the report on the committee of style.

August 21st Report from the committee of 11 given and tabled-continuing from the committee of style.

August 22nd Slavery - set up committee of eleven to deal with slavery question - report from the grand committee read-then the committee of eleven read and discussed.

August 23rd Committee of eleven’s report on the militia discussed - continued with report from the committee of style article IX sent to the committee of five.

August 24th Committee of eleven over slavery discussed - continued with report from the committee of style.

August 25th Report from committee of style - report from committee of eleven, on slavery.

August 27th- September 5th Report from the committee of style debated.

September 6th Electoral college debate.

September 7th The presidency and the senate discussed.

September 8th Impeachment - treaties duties of the senate.

September 10th Amendments - ratification and adjourning the convention.

September 12th Bill of Rights - copies distributed.

September 14th - 15th One last go over vote on the constitution taken, engrossed copies ordered.

September 17th Final Speeches and signing.

FOREWORD

This was all meant to allow the reader into the convention itself by use of a fictitious delegate. So much of what’s here is taken from the records of the convention of 1787 by Max Farrand. Speeches have been re-examined, quotes altered to put them in the first person, and I have created text to give a better perspective of what’s happening. Keep in mind, we’re all working off the same notes from the delegation here. There is no tape recorder at the head table. I wish there were, but that isn’t the case, so all such quotes are re-imagined the same as originally done and not in the exact language of the founders, and this is no difference. Some have been condensed and others enlarged. The notes themselves were taken in real time as the speeches were being made so although it might not be exact, it surely is as close to fact as we can get.

But I warn you, while we’re telling a story of what happened here, it’s still a work of fiction backed in fact. So, it’s historical fiction. I have eliminated much of the duplication between different note takers in the convention to avoid redundancy and have put the arguments in first person. I have seriously kept the historical debates accurate in their context, as such it is still a work of fiction. References to weather were taken from records of the time. I have embellished nothing here that would undermine the truth of the proceedings, other than what the delegate I’ve created is doing. I sincerely hope it helps you to achieve a better understanding of the period and events here. So come on in, the weather’s fine, our delegate has already received his credentials and is headed for the convention.

It was early morn when I woke. My wife Sarah was already making my breakfast eggs, sausage, and some good biscuits. I could clearly smell the griddle and hear the simmering. I quickly got dressed, ate a quick breakfast, and tended to my farm chores.

I have a neighbor coming today to take care of my stock while I’m gone. He’s really just a neighbor boy, a young lad he is, but well knowledgeable about my farm. I know Johnny will take care of whatever my good wife needs. It’s such a long trip, but I’ve always known the work we’d have to do in order to govern ourselves would take away from what I really wanted in life. Had we not signed that declaration some years back I would be still here today. Now we must make improvements to the Articles we’re now governed by, as we don’t even have the power to collect monies owed from the states, so there’s no strength in our union of states.

The directions I have from a letter from the governor which accompanied my credentials state, in part, that the purpose of my selection is to submit resolutions to become amendments to the Articles of Confederation.

The fire was burning low this morning, it is a bit chilly outside with the early morning fog hanging low. I threw on a log and I had my last conversations with my sweet Sarah, said my goodbyes to her and my little ones, and headed out to the stable and tended to my horse and got the bay saddled. Anna ran out then to wish me luck then and I briefly spoke with her. She bent her knees, lifted her skirt, and bowed to me the way she always does. With the smell of the early morning and the birds chirping steadily, I tied on my leather duffle. I had some black powder and shot with my best rifle just in case I needed such. I led the bay out of the barn and took one last look up toward the house, my wife came out and waved goodbye as I mounted, turned, and left up the road.

Sarah really wanted to come. After all, the Governor sent me enough script to make it for a month. I have my best clothes packed with me and some grub for the noon meal, and of course my credentials from the state house. Me not knowing what’s to come, I was reluctant about taking her and the little ones with me. Jacob and Ben - ages six and ten respectively - can be a handful at times but Anna is twelve now and she is a dream. Especially with the cooking and this time of year, our outside kitchen is in full use.

Off I went heading along the mountain trail, intending not to stop till nightfall. But the trip being a long one, my horse was exhausted long before I was able to reach my destination. I stopped by a creek, in the shadows of a small bridge, and watered and let my horse feed while I ate my lunch. We were off again, but by nightfall I found a tavern and stayed for the night at The Montesley.

I tended to my horse, feeding, and brushing him down before I strolled over to the tavern. It really wasn’t much to look at, an old cabin-like structure, although there were some flowers planted up by the building and lining a walkway. In full bloom too this time of year. It was rather busy here, the wench running from table to table. I had soup here, and some bread and meat. The pretty maid brought me my meal and I got a room for the night. Met with a couple fellow travelers over ale and they advised me to sell my horse and take the coach down the stage road.

Apparently, one leaves about nine in the morn and goes all the way to Philly. I went up to my room for a night’s rest and my head barely hit the pillow before I was out. I barely had time to jot a few words down in my journal for the day.

Woke this morning to the smell of cooking below, and prepared myself and went down for breakfast. I wrote a letter to Sarah to post while I waited for the coach, so you see I did take their advice and I did get quite a bit for the horse. I hated to part with the horse, it’s been mine since it was born, but I said goodbye to the animal. I was in the stable when the coach pulled in. The clouds were dark as we left, a storm is certainly brewing, the smell of rain in the air. We had two fellow travelers, a young couple just married, and still certainly enjoying each other. They are heading west for a visit. I am greatly enjoying their company, visiting with them as they share their life story - really their love story and how they met. They asked me what advice I could give them. I had none other than the obvious.

Most of the countryside is farmland, with some areas of wilderness in between. Some of the deer that were eating would look up every once in a while, we’d sometimes spot them along the way. We stopped twice today to change horses and get a bite to eat. At the stage stop we got a quick bite and proceeded on. It started raining softly this morning and continued all day. It’s quite hilly here, but the road seems good. At the last stop of the day, I got a room, had my supper, and drank quite a bit of rum and ale while visiting with men coming in.

We’ll be going through areas of rough frontier from time to time, and especially tonight there are trappers coming east from the hills. Thankfully, no savages were abound, only rumors from the trappers of an uprising. I think that’s coming from a long way up in the hills.

Iwas up early today, anxious to get going. Had flapjacks for breakfast and biscuits here. The sun was bright against the morning dew as we headed out. We had new companions today as soldiers destined for Fort Pitt joined us. The newlyweds were not going on from here. This forenoon we crossed the Delaware and arrived in Philadelphia. Stepping out of the coach, I brushed off the dust from my long coat and made my way to the state house, where years earlier they wrote up the Declaration during the second Continental Congress. It had been quite a few years since I’d been here, and the city had grown to nearly thirty-thousand souls. I found lodging at the Indian Queen and set down to write my Sarah a letter to let her know how things are going, that I’m here, and the whereabouts to correspond with me. Mr. Mason and another delegate are also staying here.

Dear Sarah: I hope all is well the trip was not too difficult, really rather exciting. How have you been? Myself’ s fine...

Although I’m early, there are a number of other delegates already in the city. James Madison is here, greeting those as they arrive, trying to feel out where we all stand on the issues he plans to bring. James Madison has gotten a list of all the delegates and has been organizing them as to how they felt about a whole new system of government. Those from Virginia are meeting with themselves several hours every day. Washington’s here too staying with Robert Morris, he has a fine home outside of the city. People like Benjamin Franklin, Dickinson, and others who live in the city are here. Philadelphia is a bustling city with commerce going on almost everywhere. Washington arrived on a Sunday evening in mid-May.

We were supposed to start the meeting of the convention on May 15 th , but few were in attendance, not enough to have a quorum that’s for sure. But we met and adjourned to the next day. Some of us who were here met over ale and rum in the city, not sure what our purpose would be or what to propose at all. Our job is to propose amendments to the Articles of Confederation.

Adjournment did provide us with enough time to enjoy the city. The next and the next and the next and so on, we would meet in the morning to go through the credentials of those present waiting until we had enough states in attendance which would finally give us a quorum. Then, going out and discussing the events of the day over dinner and spirits.

We do have what the French would call a convention composed of some of the principal people from the several states.

Tonight, some of us dined with Dr. Franklin at his fine home off Market Street. Thomas Jordan had sent Dr. Franklin a cask which was broached tonight, and we had the most cordial reception - the port was some of the best I’d ever tasted. Well hopped and brewed with its dark malt, it was wonderful being given such fine beer. After dinner I made my way back to my room, hoping we could start our formal meetings soon.

Dr. Franklin is such a good host. I have known him for some time now, and of him for many years through his writings which are shared throughout the colonies. His scientific experiments are legendary, and he sure has the gift of talk.

May 25th

The Convention begins - Washington is elected President Jackson elected secretary - the appointment of the rules committee - appointing messengers and door keeper.

M ay 25 th , Friday, it’s quite rainy today. I had to grab my umbrella, so I was really glad when I got to the door. We finally have a quorum with seven states present, those being New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, and both North and South Carolina. There’s been so much scuttlebutt lately about who shall be elected President of our auspicious gathering. My fellow delegates are much divided between Morris and Washington, but today Robert Morris’ delegate from Pennsylvania rose and nominated his friend Washington for the post.

Robert Morris had worked tirelessly for the revolution, personally giving money, ships, and was known as the financier of the revolution. While of course, Washington had served as our General in the late war.

Robert Morris took to the floor and said, By the instruction and on behalf of the deputation of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I propose that George Washington Esquire, late commander in chief, be elected to the post of President of the convention. It was quite a surprise, but certainly well received as it avoided a big floor fight over the issue the vote was called, and it was unanimous. He was escorted to the chair by Robert Morris and Edmond Randolph of Virginia, and the gavel was handed to him. At which time General Washington declared, I would like to thank you for the honour you have conferred upon me. I have never been in such a situation, and it certainly embarrasses me. I wish I had better qualifications. Please I beg forgive me, and the indulgence of the house for the many errors I may make and for the inexperience that might occur, for that please excuse me.

Next, the discussion followed over who would be appointed secretary. James Wilson moved that a secretary be appointed.

James Wilson of course, had studied law with John Dickinson and, like him, had written pamphlets opposing British taxation. Hamilton was a member of the ‘Heart of Oak’ working with ‘The Sons of Liberty’. He fought in the great war, then attended the Annapolis Convention and was a member of the Congress of the Confederation. So, you could say he’s well knowledgeable.

Mr. Washington called on Alexander Hamilton, delegate of New York, and he began On behalf of the state of New York I move that Major William. Jackson be appointed secretary. He had been Gen. Washington’s private secretary during the late war. Mr. Washington asked if there were any others, and a delegate from Pennsylvania moved for Temple Franklin to be placed in the ballot. Temple is a nephew to Benjamin Franklin, delegate and resident of this very city. Benjamin Franklin was absent today due to being sick in bed suffering from gout. Franklin suffered from gout for years, it is a disease of the wealthy brought on by eating too much rich foods and it generally affects the overweight. A vote was taken, and 5-2 Jackson was seated as secretary. The credentials were read, and it was found that Delaware was objecting to Article Five of the Articles of Confederation which gives equality of the votes between the states.

Upon this it was moved by Charles Pinckney to prepare for a committee of standing rules & orders. To establish rules for the convention, those nominated were George Wythe of Virginia, Alexander Hamilton of New York, and Charles Pinckney of South Carolina. They were approved, and that set the committee in place. Following the appointments of messengers and a door keeper, the house adjourned to Monday, the 28th of May, at ten o’clock.

With the adjournment, most left the hall. It’s still raining and a bit chilly. The members of the committee of rules are meeting to establish rules which would govern us. The Virginia delegation is still privately meeting; I suppose it’s to discuss their one vote, as each state will be voting with one vote, but I really don’t know. We will have to wait and see. I left the hall. I was happy to have some progress and, back at the Indian Queen, we met for dinner with the delegates staying there. We talked ad nauseam of the events of the day. This evening, I wrote a letter home; I feel a little embarrassed to tell Sarah that many of the delegates brought their families to stay here. It seems it will be quite a siege. I also wrote a letter to the governor letting him know what was occurring and asking him for enough stipends to last an additional month. Already I’ve been here two weeks. The city is abuzz with all of us delegates from various states wandering about this city.

May 26th- Saturday. I woke up this morning quite late. It’s clear today, cool with some wind. I was glad to have some warm clothes with me. I had my breakfast and did some window shopping trying to get my bearings about the city. Really, I’m just trying to kill time. Tonight, I dined at a small tavern at the edge of the city. Potatoes, gravy, biscuits, and venison were served. By dusk I was back home trying to study ideas I had written up to propose to the convention.

May 27th- Early Sunday morning. I left my room and quickly made my way down the street. It’s cold, thundering, and rainy. I went to Christ’s Church to attend their services. The pastor had quite a talk which greatly interested me. It fascinates me to listen to a good talk. He said, God is the only reason we exist, and it’s our duty to thank the lord for all we have, and our many blessings on liberty. One has to wonder if this sermon was meant just for us delegates or if this was his normal ruse. On the way out I greeted the pastor, as many do, and thanked him for the service. I told him where I was from and the reason I was in the city. The weather was starting to clear but it was still quite cool. After Sunday worship, I met up with Washington who was in attendance, and we chatted for some time. He had come with Robert Morris and Betsy. The former Mrs. Ross was here also; quite a few of us will probably attend services here on Sundays. The rest of the day being my own, I studied ideas on government and my own proposals. I read quite a bit until it was time for supper and then bed.

May 28th

Presentation of the Rules.

M onday the 28 th . I arrived at city hall a little before ten in the morning. Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maryland delegations joined us to today, and Franklin is back in the building from his illness. James Madison has chosen a seat up front in the center so he can keep notes. It is a bit cool today, and servants have the fire going so it was nice, and I took my seat. The credentials of the new members who arrived today were produced and read.

Washington asked for the report of the rules committee, and Mr. Wythe rose and took to the floor. The rules committee has written up the rules accordingly and directed me to report them to the house he said, then he started to read the report they had all worked on. "The rules to be observed are the standing orders of the Convention. A House to do business shall consist of the Deputies of not less than seven states; and all questions shall be decided by the greater number of these which shall be fully represented: but a less number than seven may adjourn from day to day. Immediately after the President shall have taken the chair and the members their seats, the minutes of the previous day shall be read by the secretary.

Every member, rising to speak, shall address the President; and, whilst he shall be speaking, none shall pass between them, or hold discourse with another, or read a book, pamphlet, or paper, printed or manuscript- and of two members, rising at the same time, the President shall name him who shall be first heard. A member shall not speak oftener than twice, without special leave, upon the same question; and not the second time, before every other, who had been silent, shall have been heard, if he chooses to speak, upon the subject.

A motion made and seconded, shall be repeated, and if written, as it shall be when any member shall so require, read aloud by the Secretary, before it shall be debated; and may be withdrawn at any time before the vote upon it shall have been declared. Orders of the day shall be read next after the minutes, and either discussed or postponed, before any other business shall be introduced. When a debate shall arise upon a question, no motion, other than to amend the question, to commit it, or to postpone the debate shall be received.

A question which is complicated shall, at the request of any member, be divided, and put separately upon the propositions, of which it is compounded. The determination of a question, although fully debated, shall be postponed, if the deputies of any State desire it until the next day. A writing which contains any matter brought on to be considered, shall be read once throughout for information, then by paragraphs, to be debated and again, with the amendments, if any, made on the second reading; and afterwards the question shall be put upon the whole, amended, or approved in its original form, as the case shall be.

That committees shall be appointed by ballot; and that the members who have the greatest number of ballots, although not a majority of the votes present, by the committee. When two or more members have an equal number of votes, the member standing first on the list in order of taking down the ballots shall be preferred.

A member may be called to order by any other member, as well as by the President; and may be allowed to explain his conduct or expressions supposed to be reprehensible. And all questions of order shall be decided by the President without appeal or debate. Upon a question to adjourn for the day, which may be made at any time, if it be seconded, the question shall be put forth without debate.

When the house shall adjourn, every member shall stand in his place, until the President pass him. Resolved that the said rules be observed as standing Orders of the House. When he finished, he walked over to the secretaries’ table and laid them down. He had read the rules all the way through without stopping and then went through them again one by one.

Mr. King objected to one of the rules in the report authorizing any member to call for the yeas and nays and have them entered into the minutes. I urge that as the acts of this Convention, we’re not to bind the Constituents. It is unnecessary to exhibit the evidence of the votes; and improper as changes of opinion would be frequent during the business and would fill the minutes with contradictions. The objection was seconded by Col. Mason who stated, Such a record of the opinion of members would be an obstacle to a change of their conviction, and in case of its being hereafter promulgated must furnish a handle to the adversaries of the result to the meeting. Following this, the proposed rule was rejected.

Rufus King who objected served in the Congress of the Confederation. It was he that wrote up the resolution that called for this meeting to propose amendments to the Articles of Confederation. Mr. Mason had served in the House of Burgess before it was dissolved by Britain.

Then Gouverneur Morris presented a letter to Washington from the Persons of the State of Rhode Island, addressed to the honorable Chairman of the General Convention.

In it, they asked for regulations of commerce both foreign and domestic to be included, but more importantly that Rhode Island will not be sending a delegation, but that which is resolved shall be worked upon for adaptation. It was read and ordered that the letter do lie upon the table for further consideration.

My immediate thought that ran to me was that if they wanted things presented, they should be here, but in the back of my mind I understood the problems of funding a delegation. Gouverneur Morris had been a member of the Continental Congress, even while his family supported the loyalist positions, and he was the youngest signor of the Articles of Confederation. Here he is called to make changes to the very document he signed.

At this point Mr. Butler, a deputy of South Carolina, rose and made a motion that the House provide against interruption of business by absence of members, and against licentious publication of their proceedings; Mr. Spaight, a deputy from North Carolina moved to provide, that, On the one hand, the house may not be precluded by a vote upon any question from revising the subject matter of it when they see cause, nor on the other hand, be led too hastily to rescind a decision which was the result of a mature discussion.

Pierce Butler had given greatly to the cause for independence, he even had his plantation burned. As Spaight served as aide de camp back then, in the Congress of the Confederation, his opinion then as here is greatly respected. Discussion went back and forth and finally Washington asked, Does anyone else wish to speak on the issue?

After the discussion it was ordered that these motions be considered by the rules committee appointed last Friday and asked that they examine the matters thereof, and report thereupon to the house. At this point there was a call to adjourn the meeting till eleven o’clock tomorrow. The gavel went down, and all stood up.

Gouverneur Morris, who was favored by Robert Morris and the delegation of Pennsylvania, believed that the large States should unite in firmly refusing to the small states an equal representation in voting. Members from Virginia opposed the move, feeling that such an attempt would beget fatal altercations between the large and smaller states; they thought that it would be akin to disarming the lessor states and throwing themselves on the mercy of the larger ones. Thankfully I thought anyway that this wouldn’t take place.

After Washington filed past me, I made my way out of the hall quite relieved of the direction of the rules committee. I spent the night alone in quandary over the debates over the rules and hoping we could get through this with so many differing opinions.

May 29th

Randolph proposes the Virginia Plan- Pinckney

M ay 29 th . I got up, had breakfast, and stepped outside. It’s quite foggy today. In the meeting I took my seat. There was a little chatter as the members gathered. After the credentials of the new members arriving were read and the previous minutes read, newly seated John Dickinson Esq. of the state of Delaware, and the Honorable Eldridge Gerry Esq. a deputy from the state of Massachusetts then took their seats. Washington stated, Can we have the report from the rules committee on their considerations from yesterday meeting?

I remember Dickinson the most from his letters from a farmer in Pennsylvania, a series of letters calling for an end to the intolerable acts, published in the paper. Back to Washington’s request for the report of the rules committee.

Mr. Wythe rose and stated, With the motions made by Mr. Butler and Mr. Spaight, the committee has examined the matter of the said motion and has come to the following resolution thereupon ... Resolved that it is the opinion of this Committee that a provision be made for the purposes mentioned in the said motion - and to that end. ... The committee leaves to propose that the rules be written under their resolution to be added to the standing orders of the house.

Mr. Wythe had served in the House of Burgess and when it was to be dissolved, they fled and met in the Raleigh Tavern to finish up things prior to its end. So, you can see the commitment to our cause.

Washington asked for the secretary to read the rules. Mr. Jackson began, and the rules were read in their entirety and then again one by one. "With the question severally put there upon they were, with amendments to some of them, agreed to by the House which rules so agreed to are as follows:

That no member be absent from the House so as to interrupt the representation of the state without leave.

That committees do not sit whilst the house shall be, or ought to be, sitting. That no copy be taken of any entry on the journal during the sitting of the House without the leave of the house.

That members only be permitted to inspect the journal that nothing spoken in the House be printed, or otherwise published, or communicated without leave...."

All this was meant to enforce the secrecy of the proceedings.

Mr. Charles Pinckney moved that a committee be appointed to superintend the minutes. Mr. Gouverneur Morris’s objected stating, The entry of the proceedings of the Convention belong to the secretary as their impartial officer. A committee might have an interest and bias in molding the entry according to their opinions and wishes. Washington called for the vote and the motion failed.

Mr. Randolph of Virginia rose. I regret that it should fall to me rather than those who are of longer standing in life and political experience than myself on the great subject of our mission. But the convention originated from Virginia, and my colleagues supposed that some proposition is expected of them that has imposed a task on me. There is such difficulty of the crises and necessity of preventing the fulfillment of the prophecies of the American downfall. In revising the Federal system, we might enquire into the properties which such a government ought to possess. The defects of the Confederation, the danger of our situation, and the remedy. Mr. Randolph had served in the Congress of the Confederation and as Virginia’s governor.

He went through a lengthy explanation of a proposed plan that the delegates from Virginia were working on. He concluded by stating that, With an exhortation, not to suffer the present opportunity of establishing general peace, harmony, happiness, and liberty in the U.S. to pass away unimproved. Mr. Randolph, after his long-winded speech, moved that it be resolved that tomorrow the house resolve itself into the committee of the whole for the purpose of considering the state of the American union. And he submitted his fifteen-point plan.

At this point, Charles Pinckney rose with a draught of a federal government which he had prepared to be agreed upon between the free and independent states of America. He added, That I reduced my ideas of a new government to a system, I confess that it is grounded on the same principle as of Mr. Randolph’s proposal. and this plan too was agreed to be sent to the committee of the whole to be laid side by side for comparison. Both plans were brought to the secretary and turned in.

Mr. Hamilton of New York stated, Before we adjourn for the day, it has struck me as a necessary and preliminary inquiry to the propositions from Virginia whether the United States was susceptible on one government or required a separate existence connected only by leagues offensive and defensive, and for treaties of commerce. With that, a motion to adjourn to the next day at 11:00 am was approved.

We rose then and entered the street. I’m sure that as it does for me that this weighed heavy on the minds of the other delegates as well. Going back to the Indian Queen, I stopped in a small tavern along the way, got some food and drink, and sat by myself, thinking about all the events discussed today. We sure have a lot to consider when one considers what Randolph of Virginia said today, a presentation of a whole new government. But also, Hamilton expressing a very limited role. It’s clear to me anyway that Pinckney too has spent a lot of time preparing for this meeting. I’m almost ashamed of myself in my lack of preparedness.

May 30th

Federal vs a national system- follow the order from

M ay 30 th arrived, and I rose, realizing the time. I’d slept well with it raining all night, and I hurried off to the hall only to find I had barely made it. I hurriedly took my seat. Just then Washington called the meeting to order. The credentials for the Honorable Roger Sherman Esq., a deputy of the state of Connecticut, attended and took his seat.

The order of the day was read, asking that we consider the state of the American Union. At this time, Washington vacated the chair. Mr. Gorham was chosen by ballot to be chair and he took the seat as chair of the committee of the whole. Mr. Gorham then spoke Mr. Secretary, would you please read the proposition offered yesterday for consideration of the house by Mr. Randolph? Secretary Jackson read the said proposal. And then Randolph stood. Mr. Randolph motioned that the consideration of the first resolution be postponed" Mr. Gouverneur Morris seconded the motion and it passed.

Mr. Randolph spoke, I propose that a union of the states, merely federal, will not accomplish the objects proposed by the Articles of Confederation, so it should be corrected and enlarged as to accomplish namely: ‘Common defense, security of liberty, and general welfare.’ And that no treaty or treaties among the whole or part of the states, as individual sovereignties, would be sufficient. Gouverneur Morris seconded the motion.

Mr. Gorham, the chair, asked for discussion. Charles Pinckney asked, Does Mr. Randolph mean to abolish the state governments altogether? Mr. Randolph responded, I just wish to explain the outlines of the system we have in view.

At which point, Mr. Butler rose and said, I have not yet made up my mind on the subject. I am open to the light which discussion might throw on it...but I oppose the grant of powers to congress heretofore because the whole power is vested in one body, but a distribution of power in multiple bodies changed the case and would induce me to go to great lengths. He then motioned and seconded by Mr. Randolph, I propose that we postpone the consideration of the said resolution in order to take up the following resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph, namely: that it be resolved that a national government ought to be established consisting of a supreme, legislative, judiciary, and executive.

General Pinckney then said,