The Online Library of Liberty

A project of Liberty Fund, Inc.

• Preface to the First Edition.
• Second Edition.
• Notices of This Work.
• Constitution of the United States of America.
• Constitution.
• Amendments.
• Sketch of Ante-revolutionary History.
• Gradual Approaches Towards Independence.
• The Adoption of the Declaration of Independence
• Political Rights and Sovereignty.
• Occurrences Incident to Act of Confederation
• Official Letter Accompanying Act of Confederation.
• Jefferson’s Notes of Debate On Confederation
• Articles of Confederation to All to Whom These Presents Shall Come,
• Ratification.
• Abstract of Proceedings In Congress On Certain Proposed Alterations, Amendments, Or Additions, Proposed By Certain States to the Articles of Confederation.
• Proceedings Which Led to the Adoption of the Constitution of the United States.
• Federal Convention.
• List of the Members of the Federal Convention, Which Formed the Constitution of the United States.
• Credentials of Members of the Federal Convention.
• Journal of the Federal Convention
• The Ratifications of the Twelve States, Reported In the General Convention.
• Amendments Proposed,
• Luther Martin’s Letter On the Federal Convention of 1787.
• The Notes of the Secret Debates of the Federal Convention of 1787, Taken By the Late Hon. Robert Yates, Chief Justice of the State of New York, and One of the Delegates From That State to the Said Convention.
• Letter From the Hon. Robert Yates and the Hon. John Lansing, Jun., Esquires, to the Governor of New York; Containing Their Reasons For Not Subscribing to the Federal Constitution.
• A Letter of His Excellency, Edmund Randolph, Esq., On the Federal Constitution; Addressed to the Honorable the Speaker of the House of Delegates, Virginia.
• Letter From the Hon. Roger Sherman, and the Hon. Oliver Ellsworth, Esquires, Delegates From the State of Connecticut, In the Late Federal Convention, to His Excellency, the Governor of Said State.
• Letter Containing the Reasons of the Hon. Elbridge Gerry, Esq., For Not Signing the Federal Constitution.
• Objections of the Hon. George Mason, One of the Delegates From Virginia In the Late Continental Convention, to the Proposed Federal Constitution; Assigned As His Reasons For Not Signing the Same.
• Address to the People of the State of New York, On the Subject of the Proposed Federal Constitution By the Hon. John Jay, Minister For Foreign Affairs to the United States In Congress Assembled.
• Letter From the Hon. Richard Henry Lee, Esq. One of the Delegates In Congress From the State of Virginia.
• Gouverneur Morris to General Washington
• Gouverneur Morris to Timothy Pickering, In Congress.
• James Madison to Mr. Sparks.

CREDENTIALS OF MEMBERS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.

In the Year of our Lord 1787.

Whereas, in the formation of the federal compact, which frames the bond of union of the American states, it was not possible, in the infant state of our republic, to devise a system which, in the course of time and experience, would not manifest imperfections that it would be necessary to reform:

And whereas the limited powers, which, by the Articles of Confederation, are vested in the Congress of the United States, have been found far inadequate to the enlarged purposes which they were intended to produce; and whereas Congress hath, by repeated and most urgent representations, endeavored to awaken this, and other states of the Union, to a sense of the truly critical and alarming situation in which they may inevitably be involved, unless timely measures be taken to enlarge the powers of Congress, that they may be thereby enabled to avert the dangers which threaten our existence as a free and independent people; and whereas this state hath been ever desirous to act upon the liberal system of the general good of the United States, without circumscribing its views to the narrow and selfish objects of partial convenience; and has been at all times ready to make every concession, to the safety and happiness of the whole, which justice and sound policy could vindicate; —

Be it therefore enacted, by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened, That John Langdon, John Pickering, Nicholas Gilman, and Benjamin West, Esqrs., be, and hereby are, appointed commissioners: they, or any two of them, are hereby authorized and empowered, as deputies from this state, to meet at Philadelphia said Convention, or any other place to which the Convention may be adjourned, for the purposes aforesaid, there to confer with such deputies as are, or may be, appointed by the other states for similar purposes, and with them to discuss and decide upon the most effectual means to remedy the defects of our federal Union, and to procure and secure the enlarged purposes which it was intended to effect, and to report such an act to the United States in Congress, as, when agreed to by them, and duly confirmed by the several states, will effectually provide for the same.

State of New Hampshire. — In the House of Representatives, June 27, 1787. The foregoing bill having been read a third time, — voted that it pass to be enacted. Sent up for concurrence.

JOHN SPARHAWK, Speaker.

In Senate, the same day. This bill having been read a third time, — voted that the same be enacted.

JOHN SULLIVAN, President.

Copy examined, per Joseph Pearson,Secretary.

[l. s.]

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

By his excellency, James Bowdoin, Esq., Governor of the Commonwealth of Massasachusetts.

[l. s.]

To the Hon. Francis Dana, Elbridge Gerry, Nathaniel Gorham, Rufus King, and Caleb Strong, Esqrs., Greeting:

Whereas Congress did, on the 21st day of February, 1787, resolve, “That, in the opinion of Congress, it is expedient that, on the second Monday in May next, a convention of delegates, who shall have been appointed by the several states, be held at Philadelphia, for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation, and reporting to Congress and the several legislatures such alterations and provisions therein as shall, when agreed to in Congress, and confirmed by the states, render the federal constitution adequate to the exigencies of government and the preservation of the Union;” And whereas the General Court have constituted and appointed you their delegates, to attend and represent this commonwealth in the said proposed Convention, and have, by a resolution of theirs of the 10th of March last, requested me to commission you for that purpose; —

Now, therefore, Know ye, That, in pursuance of the resolutions aforesaid, I do, by these presents, commission you, the said Francis Dana, Elbridge Gerry, Nathaniel Gorham, Rufus King, and Caleb Strong, Esqrs., or any three of you, to meet such delegates as may be appointed by the other, or any of the other, states in the Union, to meet in Convention at Philadelphia, at the time and for the purposes aforesaid.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the public seal of the commonwealth aforesaid to be hereunto affixed.

Given at the Council Chamber, in Boston, the ninth day of April, 1787, and in the 11th year of the independence of the United States of America.

JAMES BOWDOIN.

By his excellency’s command.

— John Avery, Jun., Secretary.

STATE OF CONNECTICUT.

At a General Assembly of the State of Connecticut, in America, holden at Hartford, on the second Thursday of May, 1787.

[l. s.]

Whereas the Congress of the United States, by their act of the 21st February, 1787, have recommended that, on the second Monday of May inst., a Convention of delegates, who shall have been appointed by the several states, be held at Philadelphia, for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation, —

Be it enacted by the governor, council, and representatives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That the Hon. William Samuel Johnson, Roger Sherman, and Oliver Ellsworth, Esqrs., be, and they hereby are, appointed delegates to attend the said Convention, and are requested to proceed to the city of Philadelphia, for that purpose, without delay; and the said delegates, and, in case of sickness or accident, such one or more of them as shall attend the said Convention, is and are hereby authorized and empowered to represent this state therein, and to confer with such delegates appointed by the several states, for the purposes mentioned in the said act of Congress, that may be present and duly empowered to sit in said Convention, and to discuss upon such alterations and provisions, agreeably to the general principles of republican government, as they shall think proper to render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of government and the preservation of the Union; and they are further directed, pursuant to the said act of Congress, to report such alterations and provisions as may be agreed to by a majority of the United States represented in Convention, to the Congress of the United States, and to the General Assembly of this state.

A true copy of record. Examined by

GEORGE WILLYS, Secretary.

STATE OF NEW YORK.

By his excellency, George Clinton, governor of the state of New York, general and commander-in-chief of all the militia, and admiral of the navy of the same.

[l. s.]

To all to whom these presents shall come.

It is by these presents certified, that John M’Kesson, who has subscribed the annexed copies of resolutions, is clerk of the Assembly of this state.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the privy seal of the said state to be hereunto affixed, this 9th day of May, in the 11th year of the independence of the said state.

GEO. CLINTON.

State of New York. — In Assembly,February 28, 1787.— A copy of a resolution of the honorable the Senate, delivered by Mr. Williams, was read, and is in the words following, viz.:—

Resolved, If the honorable the Assembly concur therein, that three delegates be appointed, on the part of this state, to meet such delegates as may be appointed on the part of the other states, respectively, on the second Monday in May next, at Philadelphia, for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation, and reporting to Congress, and to the several legislatures, such alterations and provisions therein as shall, when agreed to in Congress, and confirmed by the several states, render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of government and the preservation of the Union; and that in case of such concurrence, the two houses of the legislature will, on Tuesday next, proceed to nominate and appoint the said delegates, in like manner as is directed by the Constitution of this state for nominating and appointing delegates to Congress.

Resolved, That this house do concur with the honorable the Senate in the said resolution.

In Assembly,March 6, 1787. — Resolved, That the Hon. Robert Yates, Esq., Alexander Hamilton, and John Lansing, Jun., Esqrs., be, and they are hereby, nominated by this house delegates on the part of this state, to meet such delegates as may be appointed on the part of the other states, respectively, on the second Monday in May next, at Philadelphia, pursuant to concurrent resolutions of both houses of the legislature, on the 28th ultimo.

Ordered, That Mr. N. Smith deliver a copy of the last preceding resolution to the honorable the Senate.

A copy of a resolution of the honorable the Senate was delivered by Mr. Vanderbilt, that the Senate will immediately meet this house in the Assembly Chamber, to compare the list of persons nominated by the Senate and Assembly, respectively, as delegates, pursuant to the resolutions before mentioned.

The honorable the Senate accordingly attended in the Assembly Chamber, to compare the lists of persons nominated for delegates, as above mentioned.

The list of persons nominated by the honorable the Senate were the Hon. Robert Yates, John Lansing, Jun., and Alexander Hamilton, Esqrs.; and, on comparing the lists of the persons nominated by the Senate and Assembly respectively, it appeared that the same persons were nominated in both lists; thereupon, Resolved, that the Hon. Robert Yates, John Lansing, Jun., and Alexander Hamilton, Esqrs., be, and they are hereby, declared duly nominated and appointed delegates, on the part of this state, to meet such delegates as may be appointed on the part of the other states, respectively, on the second Monday in May next, at Philadelphia, for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation, and reporting to Congress, and to the several legislatures, such alterations and provisions therein as shall, when agreed to in Congress, and confirmed by the several states, render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of government and the preservation of the Union.

True extracts from the journals of the Assembly.

JOHN M’KESSON, Clerk.

STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

To the Hon. David Brearly, William Churchill Houston, William Patterson, and John Neilson, Esqrs., Greeting.

The Council and Assembly, reposing especial trust and confidence in your integrity, prudence, and ability, have, at a joint meeting, appointed you, the said David Brearly, William Churchill Houston, William Patterson, and John Neilson, Esqrs., or any three of you, commissioners, to meet such commissioners as have been, or may be, appointed by the other states in the Union, at the city of Philadelphia, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on the second Monday in May next, for the purpose of taking into consideration the state of the Union as to trade and other important objects, and of devising such other provisions as shall appear to be necessary to render the Constitution of the federal government adequate to the exigencies thereof.

In testimony whereof, the great seal of the state is hereunto affixed. Witness, William Livingston, Esq., governor, captain-general, and commander-in-chief in and over the state of New Jersey, and territories thereunto belonging, chancellor and ordinary in the same, at Trenton, the 23d day of November, in the year of our Lord 1786, and of our sovereignty and independence the eleventh.

WILLIAM LIVINGSTON

By his excellency’s command. — Bowes Reed,Secretary.

STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

To his excellency, William Livingston, and the Hon. Abraham Clark, Esqrs., Greeting.

[l. s.]

The Council and Assembly, reposing especial trust and confidence in your integrity, prudence, and ability, have, at a joint meeting, appointed you, the said William Livingston and Abraham Clark, Esqrs., in conjunction with the Hon. David Brearly, William Churchill Houston, and William Patterson, Esqrs., or any three of you, commissioners, to meet such commissioners as have been appointed by the other states in the Union, at the city of Philadelphia, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on the second Monday in this present month, for the purpose of taking into consideration the state of the Union, as to trade and other important objects, and of devising such other provisions as shall appear to be necessary to render the constitution of the federal government adequate to the exigencies thereof.

In testimony whereof, the great seal of the state is hereunto affixed. Witness, William Livingston, Esq., governor, captain-general, and commander-in-chief, in and over the state of New Jersey, and territories thereunto belonging, chancellor and ordinary in the same, at Burlington, the 18th day of May, in the year of our Lord 1787, and of our sovereignty and independence the eleventh.

WIL. LIVINGSTON.

By his excellency’s command. — Bowes Reed,Secretary.

STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

To the Hon. J. Dayton, Esq.

The Council and Assembly, reposing especial trust and confidence in your integrity, prudence, and ability, have, at a joint meeting, appointed you, the said Jonathan Dayton, Esq., in conjunction with his excellency, William Livingston, the Hon. David Brearly, William Churchill Houston, William Patterson, and Abraham Clark, Esqrs., or any three of you, commissioners, to meet such commissioners as have been appointed by the other states in the Union, at the city of Philadelphia, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the purpose of taking into consideration the state of the Union as to trade and other important objects, and of devising such other provisions as shall appear to be necessary to render the constitution of the federal government adequate to the exigencies thereof.

In testimony whereof, the great seal of the state is hereunto affixed. Witness, Robert Lettice Hooper, Esq., vice-president, captain-general, and commander-in-chief in and over the state of New Jersey, and territories thereunto belonging, chancellor and ordinary in the same, at Burlington, the fifth day of June, in the year of our Lord 1787, and of our sovereignty and independence the eleventh.

ROBERT L. HOOPER.

By his honor’s command. — Bowes Reed,Secretary.

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA.

Sec. 1. Whereas the General Assembly of this commonwealth, taking into their serious consideration the representations heretofore made to the legislatures of the several states in the Union, by the United States in Congress assembled, and also weighing the difficulties under which the confederated states now labor, are fully convinced of the necessity of revising the Federal Constitution, for the purpose of making such alterations and amendments as the exigencies of our public affairs require: And whereas the legislature of the state of Virginia have already passed an act of that commonwealth, empowering certain commissioners to meet at the city of Philadelphia, in May next, a convention of commissioners or deputies from the different states; and the legislature of this state are fully sensible of the important advantages which may be derived to the United States, and every of them, from coöperating with the commonwealth of Virginia and the other states to the Confederation, in the said design.

Sec. 2. Be it enacted, and it is hereby enacted, by the representatives of the freemen of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met, and by the authority of the same, That Thomas Mifflin, Robert Morris, George Clymer, Jared Ingersoll, Thomas Fitzsimons, James Wilson, and Gouverneur Morris, Esqrs., are hereby appointed deputies from this state, to meet in the Convention of the deputies of the respective states of North America, to be held at the city of Philadelphia, on the 2d day in the month of May next; and the said Thomas Mifflin, Robert Morris, George Clymer, Jared Ingersoll, Thomas Fitzsimons, James Wilson, and Gouverneur Morris, Esqrs., or any four of them, are hereby constituted and appointed deputies from this state, with powers to meet such deputies as may be appointed and authorized by the other states, to assemble in the said Convention, at the city aforesaid, and join with them in devising, deliberating on, and discussing, all such alterations and further provisions as may be necessary to render the Federal Constitution fully adequate to the exigencies of the Union, and in reporting such act or acts, for that purpose, to the United States in Congress assembled, as, when agreed to by them, and duly confirmed by the several states, will effectually provide for the same.

Sec. 3. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That, in case any of the said deputies hereby nominated shall happen to die, or to resign his or their said adpointment or appointments, the supreme executive council shall be, and hereby are, empowered and required to nominate and appoint other person or persons, in lieu of him or them so deceased, or who has or have so resigned, which person or persons, from and after such nomination and appointment, shall be, and hereby are, declared to be vested with the same powers respectively as any of the deputies nominated and appointed by this act is vested with by the same: Provided always, that the council are not hereby authorized, nor shall they make any such nomination or appointment, except in vacation and during the recess of the General Assembly of this state. Signed by order of the house,

[l. s.]

THOMAS MIFFLIN, Speaker.

Enacted into a law at Philadelphia, on Saturday, December 30, in the year of our Lord 1786.

PETER ZACHARY LLOYD,
Clerk of the General Assembly.

I, Matthew Irwine, Esq., master of the rolls for the state of Pennsylvania, do certify the preceding writing to be a true copy (or exemplification) of a certain act of Assembly lodged in my office.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, the 15th May, 1787.

[l. s.]

MATTHEW IRWINE, M. R.

A Supplement to the Act entitled “An Act appointing Deputies to the Convention intended to be held in the City of Philadelphia, for the Purpose of revising the Federal Constitution.

Sec. 1. Whereas, by the act to which this act is a supplement, certain persons were appointed as deputies from this state to sit in the said Convention; And whereas it is the desire of the General Assembly, that his excellency, Benjamin Franklin, Esq., president of this state, should also sit in the said Convention, as deputy from this state; therefore,

Sec. 2. Be it enacted, and it is hereby enacted, by the representatives of the freemen of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met, and by the authority of the same, That his excellency, Benjamin Franklin, Esq., be, and he is hereby, appointed and authorized to sit in the said Convention as a deputy from this state, in addition to the persons heretofore appointed; and that he be, and he hereby is, invested with like powers and authorities as are invested in the said deputies, or any of them.

Signed by order of the House,

THOMAS MIFFLIN, Speaker.

Enacted into a law at Philadelphia, on Wednesday, the 28th day of March, in the year of our Lord 1787.

PETER ZACHARY LLOYD,
Clerk of the General Assembly.

I, Matthew Irwine, Esq., master of the rolls for the state of Pennsylvania, do certify the above to be a true copy (or exemplification) of a supplement to a certain act of Assembly, which supplement is lodged in my office.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, the 15th May, 1787.

[l. s.]

MATTHEW IRWINE, M. R.

DELAWARE STATE.

His excellency, Thomas Collins, Esq., president, captain-general, and commander-in-chief, of the Delaware state,

To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:

Know ye, that, among the laws of the said state, passed by the General Assembly of the same, on the 3d day of February, in the year of our Lord 1787, it is thus enrolled: —

[l. s.]

“In the eleventh year of the independence of the Delaware state.

“An Act appointing Deputies from this State to the Convention proposed to be held in the City of Philadelphia, for the Purpose of revising the Federal Constitution.”

Whereas the General Assembly of this state are fully convinced of the necessity of revising the Federal Constitution, and adding thereto such further provisions as may render the same more adequate to the exigencies of the Union; And whereas the legislature of Virginia have already passed an act of that commonwealth, appointing and authorizing certain commissioners to meet, at the city of Philadelphia, in May next, a Convention of commissioners or deputies from the different states; and this state being willing and desirous of coöperating with the commonwealth of Virginia, and the other states in the Confederation, in so useful a design: —

Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly of Delaware, that George Read, Gunning Bedford, John Dickinson, Richard Basset, and Jacob Broom, Esqrs., are hereby appointed deputies from this state to meet in the Convention of the deputies of other states, to be held at the city of Philadelphia, on the 2d day of May next; and the said George Read, Gunning Bedford, John Dickinson, Richard Basset, and Jacob Broom, Esqrs., or any three of them, are hereby constituted and appointed deputies from this state, with powers to meet such deputies as may be appointed and authorized by the other states to assemble in the said Convention at the city aforesaid, and to join with them in devising, deliberating on, and discussing, such alterations and further provisions as may be necessary to render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of the Union; and in reporting such act or acts, for that purpose, to the United States in Congress assembled, as, when agreed to by them, and duly confirmed by the several states, may effectually provide for the same. So always and provided, that such alterations or further provisions, or any of them, do not extend to that part of the 5th article of the Confederation of the said states, finally ratified on the 1st day of March, in the year 1781, which declares that, “In determining questions in the United States in Congress assembled, each state shall have one vote.”

And be it enacted, That in case any of the said deputies hereby nominated shall happen to die, or resign his or their appointment, the president or commander-in-chief, with the advice of the privy council, in the recess of the General Assembly, is hereby authorized to supply such vacancies.

All and singular which premises, by the tenor of these presents, I have caused to be exemplified. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the great seal of the said state to be affixed to these presents, at New Castle, the 2d day of April, in the year of our Lord 1787, and in the 11th year of the independence of the United States of America.

Attest, James Booth,Secretary.

THOMAS COLLINS.

STATE OF MARYLAND.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the Hon. James M’Henry, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Daniel Carroll, John Francis Mercer, and Luther Martin, Esqrs., be appointed and authorized, on behalf of this state, to meet such deputies as may be appointed and authorized, by any other of the United States, to assemble in Convention at Philadelphia, for the purpose of revising the federal system, and to join with them in considering such alterations and further provisions as may be necessary to render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of the Union; and in reporting such an act for that purpose, to the United States in Congress assembled, as, when agreed to by them, and duly confirmed by the several states, will effectually provide for the same; and the said deputies, or such of them as shall attend the said Convention, shall have full power to represent this state for the purposes aforesaid; and the said deputies are hereby directed to report the proceedings of the said Convention, and any act agreed to therein, to the next session of the General Assembly of this state.

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA.

General Assembly begun and held at the Public Buildings in the city of Richmond, on Monday, the 16th day of October, in the year of our Lord 1786.

An Act for appointing Deputies from this Commonwealth to a Convention proposed to be held in the City of Philadelphia, in May next, for the Purpose of revising the Federal Constitution.

Whereas the commissioners who assembled at Annapolis, on the 14th day of September last, for the purpose of devising and reporting the means of enabling Congress to provide effectually for the commercial interests of the United States, have represented the necessity of extending the revision of the federal system to all its defects, and have recommended that deputies for that purpose be appointed by the several legislatures, to meet in Convention, in the city of Philadelphia, on the 2d day of May next, — a provision which was preferable to a discussion of the subject in Congress, where it might be too much interrupted by the ordinary business before them, and where it would, besides, be deprived of the valuable counsels of sundry individuals who are disqualified by the constitution or laws of particular states, or restrained by peculiar circumstances from a seat in that assembly: And whereas the General Assembly of this commonwealth, taking into view the actual situation of the confederacy, as well as reflecting on the alarming representations made, from time to time, by the United States in Congress, particularly in their act of the 15th day of February last, can no longer doubt that the crisis is arrived at which the good people of America are to decide the solemn question — whether they will, by wise and magnanimous efforts, reap the just fruits of that independence which they have so gloriously acquired, and of that union which they have cemented with so much of their common blood — or whether, by giving way to uninanly jealousies and prejudices, or to partial and transitory interests, they will renounce the auspicious blessings prepared for them by the revolution, and furnish to its enemies an eventful triumph over those by whose virtue and valor it has been accomplished: And whereas the same noble and extended policy, and the same fraternal and affectionate sentiments, which originally determined the citizens of this commonwealth to unite with their brethren of the other states in establishing a federal government, cannot but be felt with equal force now as motives to lay aside every inferior consideration, and to concur in such further concessions and provisions as may be necessary to secure the great objects for which that government was instituted, and to render the United States as happy in peace as they have been glorious in war: —

Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly of the commonwealth of Virginia, That seven commissioners be appointed, by joint ballot of both houses of Assembly, who, or any three of them, are hereby authorized, as deputies from this commonwealth, to meet such deputies as may be appointed and authorized by other states, to assemble in Convention at Philadelphia, as above recommended, and to join with them in devising and discussing all such alterations and further provisions as may be necessary to render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of the Union; and in reporting such an act, for that purpose, to the United States in Congress, as, when agreed to by them, and duly confirmed by the several states, will effectually provide for the same.

And be it further enacted, That, in case of the death of any of the said deputies, or of their declining their appointments, the executive are hereby authorized to supply such vacancies; and the governor is requested to transmit forthwith a copy of this act to the United States in Congress, and to the executives of each of the states in the Union.

[Signed] JOHN JONES, Speaker of the Senate.

JOSEPH PRENTIS, Speaker of the House of Delegates.

A true copy from the enrolment. — John Beckley,Clerk H. D.

In the House of Delegates.

Monday,the 4th of December, 1786.

The house, according to the order of the day, proceeded, by joint ballot with the Senate, to the appointment of seven deputies, from this commonwealth, to a Convention proposed to be held in the city of Philadelphia, in May next, for the purpose of revising the Federal Constitution; and the members having prepared tickets with the names of the persons to be appointed, and deposited the same in the ballot-boxes, Mr. Corbin, Mr. Mathews, Mr. David Stuart, Mr. George Nicholas, Mr. Richard Lee, Mr. Wills, Mr. Thomas Smith, Mr. Goodall, and Mr. Turberville, were nominated a committee to meet a committee from the Senate, in the conference chamber, and jointly with them to examine the ballot-boxes, and report to the house on whom the majority of the votes should fall. The committee then withdrew, and, after some time, returned into the house, and reported that the committee had, according to order, met a committee from the Senate, in the conference chamber, and jointly with them examined the ballot-boxes, and found a majority of votes in favor of George Washington, Patrick Henry, Edmund Randolph, John Blair, James Madison, George Mason, and George Wythe, Esqrs.

Extract from the journal.
Attest, John Beckley,Clerk H. D.

JOHN BECKLEY, Clerk H. Delegates

In the House of Senators.

Monday,the 4th of December, 1786.

The Senate, according to the order of the day, proceeded, by joint ballot with the House of Delegates, to the appointment of seven deputies, from this commonwealth, to a Convention proposed to be held in the city of Philadelphia, in May next, for the purpose of revising the Federal Constitution; and the members having prepared tickets, with the names of the persons to be appointed, and deposited the same in the ballot-boxes, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Nelson, and Mr. Lee, were nominated a committee to meet a committee from the House of Delegates, in the conference chamber, and jointly with them to examine the ballot-boxes, and report to the house on whom the majority of votes should fall. The committee then withdrew, and, after some time, returned into the house, and reported that the committee had, according to order, met a committee from the House of Delegates, in the conference chamber, and jointly with them examined the ballot-boxes, and found a majority of votes in favor of George Washington, Patrick Henry, Edmund Randolph, John Blair, James Madison, George Mason, and George Wythe, Esqrs.

Extract from the journal.
Attest, H. Brook,Clerk S.

JOHN BECKLEY, Clerk H. D.

Virginia, to wit:

[l. s.]

I do hereby certify and make known, to all whom it may concern, That John Beckley, Esq., is clerk of the House of Delegates for this commonwealth, and the proper officer for attesting the proceedings of the General Assembly of the said commonwealth, and that full fiath and credit ought to be given to all things attested by the said John Beckley, Esq., by virtue of his office as aforesaid.

Given under my hand, as governor of the commonwealth of Virginia, and under the seal thereof, at Richmond, this 4th day of May, 1787.

EDM. RANDOLPH.

Virginia, to wit:

[l. s.]

I do hereby certify, That Patrick Henry, Esq., one of the seven commissioners appointed by joint ballot of both houses of Assembly of the commonwealth of Virginia, authorized as a deputy therefrom to meet such deputies as might be appointed and authorized by other states to assemble in Philadelphia, and to join with them in devising and discussing all such alterations and further provisions as might be necessary to render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of the Union, and in reporting such an act for that purpose to the United States in Congress as, when agreed to by them, and duly confirmed by the several states, might effectually provide for the same, did decline his appointment aforesaid; and thereupon, in pursuance of an act of the General Assembly of the said commonwealth, entitled “An Act for appointing deputies from this commonwealth to a Convention proposed to be held in the city of Philadelphia, in May next, for the purpose of revising the Federal Constitution,” I do hereby, with the advice of the council of state, supply the said vacancy by nominating James M’Clurg, Esq. a deputy for the purposes aforesaid.

Given under my hand, as governor of the said commonwealth, and under the seal thereof, this 2d day of May, in the year of our Lord 1787.

EDM. RANDOLPH.

THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

To the Hon. Alexander Martin, Esq., Greeting.

Whereas our General Assembly, in their late session, holden at Fayetteville, by adjournment, in the month of January last, did, by joint ballot of the Senate and House of Commons, elect Richard Caswell, Alexander Martin, William Richardson Davie, Richard Dobbs Spaight, and Willie Jones, Esqrs., deputies to attend a Convention of delegates from the several United States of America, proposed to be held at the city of Philadelphia, in May next, for the purpose of revising the Federal Constitution, —

We do therefore, by these presents, nominate, commissionate, and appoint you, the said Alexander Martin, one of the deputies for and in behalf, to meet with our other deputies at Philadelphia, on the 1st of May next, and with them, or any two of them, to confer with such deputies as may have been, or shall be, appointed by the other states, for the purpose aforesaid: To hold, exercise, and enjoy, the appointment aforesaid, with all powers, authorities, and emoluments, to the same belonging, or in any wise appertaining — you conforming, in every instance, to the act of our said Assembly, under which you are appointed.

Witness, Richard Caswell, Esq., our governor, captain-general, and commander-in-chief, under his hand and our seal, at Kinston, the 24th day of February, in the eleventh year of our independence, 1787.

RICH. CASWELL.

By his excellency’s command. — Winston Caswell,P. Secretary.

[l. s.]

THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

To the Hon. William Richardson Davie, Esq., Greeting.

Whereas our General Assembly, in their late session, holden at Fayetteville, by adjournment, in the month of January last, did, by joint ballot of the Senate and House of Commons, elect Richard Caswell, Alexander Martin, William Richardson Davie, Richard Dobbs Spaight, and Willie Jones, Esqrs., deputies to attend a Convention of delegates from the several United States of America, proposed to be held in the city of Philadelphia, in May next, for the purpose of revising the Federal Constitution, —

We do therefore, by these presents, nominate, commissionate, and appoint you, the said William Richardson Davie, one of the deputies for and in our behalf, to meet with other deputies at Philadelphia, on the 1st day of May next, and with them, or any two of them, to confer with such deputies as may have been, or shall be, appointed by the other states, for the purpose aforesaid: To hold, exercise, and enjoy, the said appointment, with all powers, authorities, and emoluments, to the same belonging, or in any wise appertaining — you conforming, in every instance, to the act of our said Assembly, under which you are appointed.

Witness, Richard Caswell, Esq., our governor, captain-general, and commander-in-chief, under his hand and our great seal, at Kinston, the 24th day of February, in the eleventh year of our independence, 1787.

RICH. CASWELL.

By his excellency’s command. — Winston Caswell,P. Secretary.

[l. s.]

THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

To the Hon. Richard Dobbs Spaight, Esq., Greeting.

Whereas our General Assembly, in their late session, holden at Fayetteville, by adjournment, in the month of January last, did by joint ballot of the Senate and House of Commons, elect Richard Caswell, Alexander Martin, William Richardson Davie, Richard Dobbs Spaight, and Willie Jones, Esqrs., deputies to attend a Convention of delegates from the several United States of America, proposed to be held in the city of Philadelphia, in May next, for the purpose of revising the Federal Constitution, —

We do therefore, by these presents, nominate, commissionate, and appoint you, the said Richard Dobbs Spaight, one of the deputies for and in behalf of us, to meet with our other deputies at Philadelphia, on the 1st day of May next, and with them, or any two of them, to confer with such deputies as may have been, or shall be, appointed by the other states, for the purposes aforesaid: To hold, exercise, and enjoy, the said appointment, with all powers, authorities, and emoluments, to the same incident and belonging, or in any wise appertaining — you conforming, in every instance, to the act of our said Assembly, under which you are appointed.

Witness, Richard Caswell, Esq., our governor, captain-general, and commander-in-chief, under his hand and our great seal, at Kinston, the 14th day of April, in the eleventh year of our independence, 1787.

RICH. CASWELL.

By his excellency’s command. — Winston Caswell,P. Secretary.

[l. s.]

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

His excellency, Richard Caswell, Esq., governor, captain-general, and commander-in-chief, in and over the state aforesaid,

To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting.

Whereas, by an act of the General Assembly of the said state, passed the 6th day of January last, entitled “An Act for appointing deputies from this state to a Convention proposed to be held in the city of Philadelphia, in May next, for the purpose of revising the Federal Constitution,” among other things it is enacted, “that five commissioners be appointed by joint ballot of both houses of Assembly, who, or any three of them, are hereby authorized, “as deputies from this state, to meet at Philadelphia, on the 1st day of May next, then and there to meet and confer with such deputies as may be appointed by the other states for similar purposes, and with them to discuss and decide upon the most effectual means to remove the defects of our federal union, and to procure the enlarged purposes which it was intended to effect; and that they report such an act to the General Assembly of this state as, when agreed to by them, will effectually provide for the same:” And it is by the said act further enacted, “That, in case of the death or resignation of any of the deputies, or of their declining their appointments, his excellency, the governor for the time being, is hereby authorized to supply such vacancies:” And whereas, in consequence of the said act, Richard Caswell, Alexander Martin, William Richardson Davie, Richard Dobbs Spaight, and Willie Jones, Esqrs., were, by joint ballot of the two houses of Assembly, elected deputies for the purposes aforesaid; And whereas the said Richard Caswell hath resigned his said appointment, as one of the deputies aforesaid; —

Now, know ye, That I have appointed, and by these presents do appoint, the Hon. William Blount, Esq., one of the deputies to represent this state in the Convention aforesaid, in the room and stead of the aforesaid Richard Caswell, hereby giving and granting to the said William Blount the said powers, privileges, and emoluments, which the said Richard Caswell would have been vested with, or entitled to, had he continued in the appointment aforesaid.

Given under my hand, and the great seal of the state, at Kinston, the 23d day of April, Anno Domini 1787, and in the 11th year of American independence.

RICH. CASWELL.

By his excellency’s command. — Winston Caswell,P. Secretary.

[l. s.]

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

His excellency, Richard Caswell, Esq., governor, captain-general, and commander-in-chief, in and over the state aforesaid,

To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting.

Whereas, by an act of the General Assembly of the said state, passed the 6th day of January last, entitled “An Act for appointing deputies from this state to a Convention proposed to be held in the city of Philadelphia, in May next, for the purpose of revising the Federal Constitution,” among other things it is enacted, “That five commissioners be appointed by joint ballot of both houses of Assembly, who, or any three of them, are hereby authorized, as deputies from this state, to meet at Philadelphia, on the 1st day of May next, then and there to meet and confer with such deputies as may be appointed by the other states for similar purposes, and with them to discuss and decide upon the most effectual means to remove the defects of our federal union, and to procure the enlarged purposes which it was intended to effect and that they report such an act to the General Assembly of this state as, when agreed to by them, will effectually provide for the same;” And it is by the said act further enacted, “That, in case of the death or resignation of any of the deputies, or their declining their appointments, his excellency, the governor for the time being, is hereby authorized to supply such vacancies;” —

And whereas, in consequence of the said act, Richard Caswell, Alexander Martin, William Richardson Davie, Richard Dobbs Spaight, and Willie Jones, Esqrs., were, by joint ballot of the two houses of Assembly, elected deputies for the purpose aforesaid; And whereas the said Willie Jones hath declined his appointment as one of the deputies aforesaid; —

Now, know ye, That I have appointed, and by these presents do appoint, the Hon. Hugh Williamson, Esq., one of the deputies to represent this state in the Convention aforesaid in the room and stead of the aforesaid Willie Jones, hereby giving and granting to the said Hugh Williamson the same powers, privileges, and emoluments, which the said W. Jones would have been vested with and entitled to, had he acted under the appointment aforesaid.

Given under my hand and the great seal of the state, at Kinston, the 3d day of April, Anno Domini 1787, and in the 11th year of American independence.

RICH. CASWELL.

By his excellency’s command. — Dallam Caswell,Pro. Secretary

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

By his excellency, Thomas Pinckney, Esq., governor and commander-in-chief, in and over the state aforesaid.

To the Hon. John Rutledge, Esq., Greeting.

By virtue of the power and authority in me vested by the legislature of this state, in their act passed the 8th day of March last, I do hereby commission you, the said John Rutledge, as one of the deputies appointed from this state, to meet such deputies or commissioners as may be appointed and authorized by other of the United States to assemble in Convention, at the city of Philadelphia, in the month of May next, or as soon thereafter as may be, and to join with such deputies or commissioners (they being duly authorized and empowered) in devising and discussing all such alterations, clauses, articles, and provisions, as may be thought necessary to render the Federal Constitution entirely adequate to the actual situation and future good government of the confederated states; and that you, together with the said deputies or commissioners, or a majority of them, who shall be present, (provided the state be not represented by less than two,) do join in reporting such an act to the United States in Congress assembled, as, when approved and agreed to by them, and duly ratified and confirmed by the several states, will effectually provide for the exigencies of the Union.

Given under my hand and the great seal of the state, in the city of Charleston, this 10th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1787, and of the sovereignty and independence of the United States of America the eleventh.

THOMAS PINCKNEY.

By his excellency’s command. — Peter Freneau,Secretary.

[l. s.]

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

By his excellency, Thomas Pinckney, Esq., governor and commander-in-chief in and over the state aforesaid.

To the Hon. Charles Pinckney, Esq., Greeting.

By virtue of power and authority in me vested by the legislature of this state, in their act passed the 8th day of March last, I do hereby commission you, the said Charles Pinckney, as one of the deputies appointed from this state to meet such deputies or commissioners as may be appointed and authorized by other of the United States, to assemble in Convention at the city of Philadelphia, in the month of May next, or as soon thereafter as may be, and to join with such deputies or commissioners (they being duly authorized and empowered) in devising and discussing all such alterations, clauses, articles, and provisions, as may be thought necessary to render the Federal Constitution entirely adequate to the actual situation and future good government of the confederated states; and that you, together with the said deputies or commissioners, or a majority of them who shall be present, (provided the state be not represented by less than two,) do join in reporting such an act to the United States in Congress assembled, as, when approved and agreed to by them, and duly ratified and confirmed by the several states, will effectually provide for the exigencies of the Union.

Given under my hand and the great seal of the state, in the city of Charleston, this 10th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1787, and of the sovereignty and independence of the United States of America the eleventh.

THOMAS PINCKNEY.

By his excellency’s command. — Peter Freneau,Secretary.

[l. s.]

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

By his excellency, Thomas Pinckney, Esq., governor and commander-in-chief in and over the state aforesaid.

To the Hon. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Esq., Greeting.

By virtue of the power and authority in me vested by the legislature of this state, in their act passed the 8th day of March last, I do hereby commission you, the said Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, as one of the deputies appointed from this state, to meet such deputies or commissioners as may be appointed and authorized by other of the United States, to assemble in Convention at the city of Philadelphia, in the month of May next, or as soon thereafter as may be, and join with such deputies or commissioners (they being duly authorized and empowered) in devising and discussing all such alterations, clauses, articles, and provisions, as may be thought necessary to render the Federal Constitution entirely adequate to the actual situation and future good government of the confederated states; together with the said deputies or commissioners, or a majority of them who shall be present, (provided the state be not represented by less than two,) to join in reporting such an act to the United States in Congress assembled, as, when approved and agreed to by them, and duly ratified and confirmed by the several states, will effectually provide for the exigencies of the Union.

Given under my hand and the great seal of the state, in the city of Charleston, this 10th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1787, and of the sovereignty and independence of the United States of America the eleventh.

THOMAS PINCKNEY.

By his excellency’s command. — Peter Freneau,Secretary.

[l. s.]

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

By his excellency, Thomas Pinckney, Esq., governor and commander-in-chief over the state aforesaid.

To the Hon. Pierce Butler, Esq., Greeting

By virtue of the power and authority in me vested by the legislature of this state, in their act passed the 8th day of March last, I do hereby commission you, the said Pierce Butler, as one of the deputies appointed from this state, to meet such deputies or commissioners as may be appointed or authorized by other of the United States, to assemble in Convention at the city of Philadelphia, in the month of May next, or as soon thereafter as may be, and to join with such deputies or commissioners (they being duly authorized and empowered) in devising and discussing all such alterations, clauses, articles, and provisions, as may be thought necessary to render the Federal Constitution entirely adequate to the actual situation and future good government of the confederated states; and that you, together with the said deputies and commissioners, or a majority of them who shall be present, (provided the state be not represented by less than two,) do join in reporting such an act to the United States in Congress assembled, as, when approved and agreed to by them, and duly ratified and confirmed by the several states, will effectually provide for the exigencies of the Union.

Given under my hand and the great seal of the state, in the city of Charleston, this 10th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1787, and of the sovereignty and independence of the United States of America the eleventh.

THOMAS PINCKNEY.

By his excellency’s command. — Peter Freneau,Secretary.

[l. s.]

STATE OF GEORGIA.

By the Hon. George Mathews, Esq., captain-general, governor, and commander-in-chief, in and over the state aforesaid.

To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting.

Know ye, That John Milton, Esq., who hath certified the annexed copy of an ordinance, entitled “An Ordinance for the Appointment of Deputies from this State, for the Purpose of revising the Federal Constitution,” is secretary of the said state, in whose office the archives of the same are deposited; — Therefore, all due faith, credit, and authority, are, and ought to be, had and given the same.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the great seal of the said state to be put and affixed, at Augusta, the 24th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1787, and of our sovereignty and independence the eleventh.

GEO. MATHEWS, [l. s.]

By his honor’s command. — J. Milton.

An Ordinance for the Appointment of Deputies from this State, for the Purpose of revising the Federal Constitution.

Be it ordained by the representatives of the freemen of the state of Georgia, in General Assembly met, and by authority of the same, that William Few, Abraham Baldwin, William Pierce, George Walton, William Houston, and Nathaniel Pendleton, Esqrs., be, and they are hereby, appointed commissioners, who, or any two or more of them, are hereby authorized, as deputies from this state, to meet such deputies as may be appointed and authorized by other states, to assemble in Convention at Philadelphia, and to join with them in devising and discussing all such alterations and further provisions as may be necessary to render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of the Union, and in reporting such an act for that purpose to the United States in Congress assembled as, when agreed to by them, and duly confirmed by the several states, will effectually provide for the same. In case of the death of any of the said deputies, or of their declining their appointments, the executive are hereby authorized to supply such vacancies.

Signed, WM. GIBBONS, Speaker.

By order of the house.

Augusta, the 10th February, 1787.

Georgia.Secretary’s Office.

The above is a true copy from the original ordinance deposited in my office.

Augusta, 24th April, 1787.

J. MILTON, Secretary.

The State of Georgia, by the grace of God, free, sovereign, and independent, To the Hon. William Few, Esq.

Whereas you, the said William Few, are, in and by an ordinance of the General Assembly of our said state, nominated and appointed a deputy to represent the same in a Convention of the United States, to be assembled at Philadelphia, for the purposes of devising and discussing all such alterations and further provisions as may be necessary to render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of the Union, —

You are therefore hereby commissioned to proceed on the duties required of you in virtue of the said ordinance.

Witness our trusty and well-beloved George Mathews, Esq., our captain-general, governor, and commander-in-chief, under his hand and our great seal, this 17th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1787, and of our sovereignty and independence the eleventh.

GEO. MATHEWS, [l. s.]

By his honor’s command. — J. Milton,Secretary.

The State of Georgia, by the grace of God, free, sovereign, and independent, To the Hon. William Pierce, Esq.

Whereas you, the said William Pierce, are, in and by an ordinance of the General Assembly of our said state, nominated and appointed a deputy to represent the same in Convention of the United States, to be assembled at Philadelphia, for the purpose of devising and discussing all such alterations and further provisions as may be necessary to render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of the Union, — You are therefore hereby commissioned to proceed on the duties required of you in virtue of the said ordinance.

Witness our trusty and well-beloved George Mathews, Esq., our captain-general, governor, and commander-in-chief, under his hand and our great seal, at Augusta, this 17th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1787, and of our sovereignty and independence the eleventh.

GEO. MATHEWS, [l. s.]

By his honor’s command. — J. Milton,Secretary.

The State of Georgia, by the grace of God, free, sovereign, and independent, To the Hon. William Houston, Esq.

Whereas you, the said William Houston, are, in and by an ordinance of the General Assembly of our said state, nominated and appointed a delegate to represent the same in a Convention of the United States, to be assembled at Philadelphia, for the purpose of devising and discussing all such alterations and further provisions as may be necessary to render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of the Union, —

You are therefore hereby commissioned to proceed on the duties required of you in virtue of the same ordinance.

Witness our trusty and well-beloved George Mathews, Esq., our captain-general, governor, and commander-in-chief, under his hand and our great seal, at Augusta, this 17th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1787, and of our sovereignty and independence the eleventh.

GEO. MATHEWS, [l. s.]

By his honor’s command. — J. Milton,Secretary.

JOURNAL OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION

On Monday,the 14th of May, 1787, and in the eleventh year of the independence of the United States of America, at the State-House in the city of Philadelphia, in virtue of appointments from their respective states, sundry deputies to the Federal Convention appeared; but a majority of the states not being represented, the members present adjourned, from day to day, until Friday, the 25th of the said month, when, in virtue of the said appointments, appeared, from the states of

It was moved by the Hon. Robert Morris, Esq., one of the deputies from Pennsylvania, that a president be elected by ballot, which was agreed to; and thereupon he nominated, on the part of the said state, his excellency, George Washington, Esq.

The members then proceeded to ballot on behalf of their respective states; and, the ballots being taken, it appeared that the said George Washington was unanimously elected; and he was conducted to the chair by the Hon. Robert Morris and John Rutledge, Esqrs.

The president then proposed to the house that they should proceed to the election of a secretary; and the ballots being taken, it appeared that William Jackson, Esq., was elected.

The following credentials were produced and read. [See Credentials.]

The house then appointed Nicholas Weaver messenger, and Joseph Frye door-keeper.

On motion of Mr. C. Pinckney,

A committee, by ballot, was appointed of Mr. Wythe, Mr. Hamilton, and Mr. C. Pinckney.

And then the house adjourned till Monday next, at 10 o’clock.

In the Federal Convention,Monday,May 28, 1787.

The Convention met agreeably to adjournment.

The Hon. Nathaniel Gorham, and Caleb Strong, Esqrs., deputies from the state of Massachusetts; the Hon. Oliver Ellsworth, Esq., a deputy from the state of Connecticut; the Hon. Gunning Bedford, Esq., a deputy from the state of Delaware; and the Hon. James M’Henry, Esq., a deputy from the state of Maryland, — attended and took their seats.

The following credentials were produced and read. [See Credentials.]

His excellency, Benjamin Franklin, Esq., and the Hon. George Clymer, Thomas Mifflin, and Jared Ingersoll, Esqrs., four of the deputies of the state of Pennsylvania, attended and took their seats.

Mr. Wythe reported from the committee, (to whom the drawing up rules proper, in their opinion, to be observed by the Convention in their proceedings, as standing orders, was referred,) that the committee had drawn up the rules accordingly, and had directed him to report them to the house. And he read the report in his place, and afterwards delivered it in at the secretary’s table, where the said rules were once read throughout, and then a second time, one by one; and upon the question, severally put thereupon, two of them were disagreed to; and the rest, with amendments to some of them, were agreed to by the house; which rules, so agreed to, are as follow: —

“RULES TO BE OBSERVED AS 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 states 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 preceding 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 choose 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, be the committee. When two or more members have an equal number of votes, the member standing first on the list, in the order of taking down 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 without a 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.”

A letter from sundry persons of the state of Rhode Island, addressed to the honorable the chairman of the General Convention, was presented to the chair by Mr. G. Morris; and, being read, —

A motion was made by Mr. Butler, one of the deputies of South Carolina, that the house provide against interruption of business by absence of members, and against licentious publication of their proceedings.

Also, a motion was made by Mr. Spaight, one of the deputies of North Carolina, 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 mature discussion.

Adjourned till to-morrow at 10 o’clock, A. M.

Tuesday,May 29, 1787.

Mr. Wythe reported, from the committee to whom the motions made by Mr. Butler and Mr. Spaight were referred, that the committee had examined matters of the said motions, and had come to the following resolutions thereupon: —

And the said rules were once read throughout, and then, a second time, one by one; and on the question, severally put thereupon, were, with amendments to some of them, agreed to by the house; which rules, so agreed to, are as follow: —

“RULES.

“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.

“That a motion to reconsider a matter which had been determined by a majority, may be made, with leave unanimously given, on the same day on which the vote passed; but otherwise not without one day’s previous notice; in which last case, if the house agree to the reconsideration, some future day shall be assigned for that purpose.

“Resolved, That the said rules be added to the standing orders of the house.”

The Hon. John Dickinson, Esq., a deputy of the state of Delaware, and the Hon. Elbridge Gerry, Esq., a deputy from the state of Massachusetts, attended and took their seats.

Mr. Randolph, one of the deputies of Virginia, laid before the house, for their consideration, sundry propositions, in writing, concerning the American Confederation, and the establishment of a national government.

RESOLUTIONS OFFERED BY MR. EDMUND RANDOLPH TO THE CONVENTION, MAY 29, 1787.

“1. Resolved, That the Articles of the Confederation ought to be so corrected and enlarged as to accomplish the objects proposed by their institution; namely, common defence, security of liberty, and general welfare.

“2. Resolved, therefore, That the right of suffrage, in the national legislature, ought to be proportioned to the quotas of contribution, or to the number of free inhabitants, as the one or the other may seem best, in different cases.

“3. Resolved, That the national legislature ought to consist of two branches.

“4. Resolved, That the members of the first branch of national legislature ought to be elected by the people of the several states, every , for the term of , to be of the age of years, at least; to receive liberal stipends, by which they may be compensated for the devotion of their time to the public service; to be ineligible to any office established by a particular state, or under the authority of the United States, (except those peculiarly belonging to the functions of the first branch,) during the term of service and for the space of after its expiration; to be incapable of reëlection for the space of after the expiration of their term of service; and to be subject to recall.

“5. Resolved, That the members of the second branch of the national legislature ought to be elected by those of the first, out of a proper number of persons nominated by the individual legislatures, to be of the age of years, at least; to hold their offices for a term sufficient to insure their independency; to receive liberal stipends, by which they may be compensated for the devotion of their time to the public service; and to be ineligible to any office established by a particular state, or under the authority of the United States, (except those particularly belonging to the functions of the second branch,) during the term of service; and for the space of after the expiration thereof.

“6. Resolved, That each branch ought to possess the right of originating acts; that the national legislature ought to be empowered to enjoy the legislative right vested in Congress by the Confederation; and, moreover, to legislate in all cases to which the separate states are incompetent, or in which the harmony of the United States may be interrupted by the exercise of individual legislation; to negative all laws passed by the several states, contravening, in the opinion of the national legislature, the articles of union, or any treaty subsisting under the authority of the Union; and to call forth the force of the Union against any member of the Union failing to fulfil its duty under the articles thereof.

“7. Resolved, That a national executive be instituted, to be chosen by the national legislature for the term of years, to receive punctually, at stated times, a fixed compensation for the services rendered, in which no increase or diminution shall be made, so as to affect the magistracy existing at the time of the increase or diminution; to be ineligible a second time; and that, besides a general authority to execute the national laws, it ought to enjoy the executive rights vested in Congress by the Confederation.

“8. Resolved, That the executive, and a convenient number of the national judiciary, ought to compose a council of revision, with authority to examine every act of the national legislature, before it shall operate, and every act of a particular legislature, before a negative thereon shall be final; and that the dissent of the said council shall amount to a rejection, unless the act of the national legislature be again passed, or that of a particular legislature be again negatived by of the members of each branch.

“9. Resolved, That a national judiciary be established to hold their offices during good behavior, and to receive punctually, at stated times, a fixed compensation for their services, in which no increase or diminution shall be made, so as to affect the persons actually in office at the time of such increase or diminution. That the jurisdiction of the inferior tribunals shall be to hear and determine in the first instance, and of the supreme tribunal to hear and determine in the dernier ressort, all piracies and felonies on the seas; captures from an enemy; cases in which foreigners, or citizens of other states, applying to such jurisdictions, may be interested, or which respect the collection of the national revenue; impeachments of any national officer; and questions which involve the national peace or harmony.

“10. Resolved, That provision ought to be made for the admission of states, lawfully arising within the limits of the United States, whether from a voluntary junction of government or territory, or otherwise, with the consent of a number of voices in the national legislature less than the whole.

“11. Resolved, That a republican government, and the territory of each state, (except in the instance of a voluntary junction of government and territory,) ought to be guarantied by the United States to each state.

“12. Resolved, That provision ought to be made for the continuance of Congress, and their authorities and privileges, until a given day, after the reform of the articles of union shall be adopted, and for the completion of all their engagements.

“13. Resolved, That provision ought to be made for the amendment of the articles of union, whensoever it shall seem necessary; and that the assent of the national legislature ought not to be required thereto.

“14. Resolved, That the legislative, executive, and judiciary powers within the several states ought to be bound by oath to support the articles of union.

“15. Resolved, That the amendments, which shall be offered to the Confederation by the Convention, ought, at a proper time or times, after the approbation of Congress, to be submitted to an assembly or assemblies of representatives, recommended by the several legislatures, to be expressly chosen by the people to consider and decide thereon.

“16. Resolved, That the house will to-morrow resolve itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the state of the American Union.

“Ordered, That the propositions this day laid before the house, for their consideration, by Mr. Randolph, be referred to the said committee.”

Mr. Charles Pinckney, one of the deputies of South Carolina, laid before the house, for their consideration, the draft of a federal government, to be agreed upon between the free and independent states of America.

MR. CHARLES PINCKNEY’S DRAFT OF A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

[Paper furnished by Mr. Pinckney.]

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock.

Wednesday,May 30, 1787.

The Hon. Roger Sherman, Esq., a deputy of the state of Connecticut, attended and took his seat. The order of the day being read, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house to consider of the state of the American Union. The president left the chair.

In Committee of the whole House.

Mr. Gorham, chosen by ballot, took the chair of the committee.

The propositions offered yesterday to the consideration of the house, by Mr. Randolph, were read; and, on motion of Mr. Randolph, seconded by Mr. G. Morris, “That the consideration of the 1st resolution contained in the said propositions be postponed,” it was passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved by Mr. Randolph, and seconded by Mr. G. Morris, to substitute the following resolution in the place of the 1st resolution: —

It was now moved by Mr. Butler, seconded by Mr. Randolph, to postpone the consideration of the said resolution, in order to take up the following resolution, submitted by Mr. Randolph, viz.: —

It was moved by Mr. Read, seconded by Mr. C. C. Pinckney, to postpone the consideration of the last resolution, in order to take up the following: —

On the question to postpone, in order to take up the last resolution, the question was lost.

On motion to agree to the said resolution, moved by Mr. Butler, it passed in the affirmative; and the resolution, as agreed to, is as follows: —

The following resolution was then moved by Mr. Randolph: —

It was moved by Mr. Hamilton, seconded by Mr. Spaight, that the resolution be altered so as to read, —

It was moved and seconded, that the resolution be postponed; and on the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

The following resolution was moved by Mr. Randolph, seconded by Mr. Madison: —

It was moved and seconded to add the words, “and not according to the present system.”

On the question to agree to the amendment, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded so to alter the resolution that it should read, —

It was then moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the last resolution.

And on the question to postpone, it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

The following resolution was then moved by Mr. Madison, seconded by Mr. G. Morris: —

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the last resolution.

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded that the committee do now rise.

In the House.

Mr. President resumed the chair.

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee had made a progress in the matter to them referred, and had directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 10 o’clock, A. M.

Thursday,May 31, 1787.

The Hon. William Pierce, Esq., a deputy of the state of Georgia, attended and took his seat.

The following credentials were produced and read. [See Georgia Credentials.]

The order of the day being read, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the state of the American Union. Mr. President in the chair.

In the Committee of the whole House.

Mr. Gorham in the chair.

It was moved and seconded that the committee proceed to the consideration of the following resolution, submitted by Mr. Randolph: —

And on the question to agree to the said resolution, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to proceed to the consideration of the following clause of the 4th resolution, submitted by Mr. Randolph: —

And on the question to agree to the said clause of the 4th resolution, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the remaining clauses in the said 4th resolution.

And on the question to postpone the remaining clauses of the said 4th resolution, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to proceed to the consideration of the following resolution, being the 5th submitted by Mr. Randolph: —

And on the question to agree to the said 5th resolution, it passed in the negative.

It was then moved and seconded to proceed to the consideration of the following resolution, being the 6th submitted by Mr. Randolph: —

The following words were added to this clause on motion of Mr. Franklin: “or any treaties subsisting under the authority of the Union.”

Questions being taken separately on the foregoing clauses of the 6th resolution, they were agreed to.

It was then moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the last clause of the 6th resolution, namely, —

On the question to postpone the consideration of said clause, it passed in the affirmative.

In the House.

Mr. President resumed the chair.

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee had made a further progress in the matter to them referred, and had directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 10 o’clock, A. M.

Friday,June 1, 1787.

The Hon. William Houstoun, Esq., a deputy of the state of Georgia, attended and took his seat.

The following credential was produced and read. [See Georgia Credentials.]

The order of the day being read, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the state of the American Union. Mr. President in the chair.

In the Committee of the whole House.

Mr. Gorham in the chair.

It was moved and seconded to proceed to the consideration of the 7th resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph, namely, —

On motion of Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. C. Pinckney, to amend the 1st clause of the resolution, by adding, after the word “instituted,” the words “to consist of a single person,” so as to read, —

it was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the amendment.

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to agree to the 1st clause of the resolution, namely, —

And on the question to agree to the said clause, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved by Mr. Madison, seconded by Mr. Wilson, after the word “instituted,” to add the words, “with power to carry into execution the national laws; to appoint to offices in cases not otherwise provided for; and to execute such other powers, not legislative or judiciary in their nature, as may from time to time be delegated by the national legislature.”

And on a division of the amendment, the following clauses were agreed to, namely, —

On the motion to continue the last clause of the amendment, namely, —

it passed in the negative.

It was then moved and seconded to fill up the blank with the word “seven,” so as to read, “for the term of seven years.”

And on the question to fill up the blank with the word “seven,” it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the following words, namely, “to be chosen by the national legislature.”

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded, that the committee do now rise, and report a further progress. The committee then rose.

In the House.

Mr. President resumed the chair.

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee had made a further progress in the matter to them referred, and had directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 10 o’clock, A. M.

Saturday,June 2, 1787

The Hon. William Samuel Johnson, Esq., a deputy of the state of Connecticut, and the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, a deputy of the state of Maryland, and the Hon. John Lansing, Jun., a deputy from the state of New York, attended and took their seats.

The following credentials were produced and read. [See Credentials.]

The order of the day being read, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the state of the American Union. Mr. President left the chair.

In Committee of the whole House.

Mr. Gorham in the chair.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the further consideration of the resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph, which respects the executive, in order to take up the consideration of the resolution respecting the second branch of the legislature.

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

It was then moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of these words, namely, “to be chosen by the national legislature,” in order to take up the following resolution submitted by Mr. Wilson, namely, —

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

It was then moved and seconded to agree to the words in the resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph, so as to read, “to be chosen by the national legislature for the term of seven years.”

On the question to agree to these words, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of that part of the resolution, as submitted by Mr. Randolph, which respects the stipend of the executive, in order to introduce the following motion made by Dr. Franklin, namely, —

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the said motion offered by Dr. Franklin.

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved by Mr. Dickinson, and seconded by Mr. Bedford, to amend the resolution before the committee, by adding, after the words “to be chosen by the national legislature for the term of seven years,” the following words: “to be removable by the national legislature upon request by a majority of the legislatures of the individual states.”

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “upon request by a majority of the legislatures of the individual states.”

On the question to strike out, it passed in the negative.

The question being taken to agree to the amendment offered by Mr. Dickinson, it passed in the negative.

The question being then taken on the words contained in the resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph, namely, “to be ineligible a second time,” it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved by Mr. Williamson, seconded by Mr. Davie, to add the following words to the last clause of the resolution respecting the executive, namely: “and to be removable on impeachment and conviction of malpractice or neglect of duty.”

On the motion to add the words, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved by Mr. Rutledge, seconded by Mr. C. Pinckney, to fill up the blank after the words “executive to consist of” with the words “one person.”

It was then moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the last motion.

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded, that the committee do now rise, report a further progress, and request leave to sit again. The committee then rose.

In the House.

Mr. President resumed the chair.

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee had made a further progress in the matter to them referred, and had directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again.

And then the house adjourned till Monday next, at 11 o’clock.

Monday,June 4, 1787.

The order of the day being read, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the state of the American Union. Mr. President left the chair.

In Committee of the whole House.

Mr. Gorham in the chair.

It was moved and seconded to proceed to the further consideration of the propositions submitted to the committee by Mr. Randolph, when it was moved by Mr. C. Pinckney, seconded by Mr. Wilson, to fill up the blank after the words “that a national executive be instituted, to consist of,” with the words “a single person.”

On the question to fill up the blank with the words “a single person,” it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to take into consideration the 1st clause of the 8th resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph, namely, —

It was then moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the said clause, in order to introduce the following resolution, submitted by Mr. Gerry, namely, —

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Hamilton, to strike out the words “shall not be afterwards passed but by parts of each branch of the national legislature.”

And on the question to strike out the words, it passed unanimously in the negative.

It was moved by Mr. Butler, seconded by Dr. Franklin, that the resolution be altered so as to read, —

And on the question to agree to the alteration, it passed unanimously in the negative.

A question was then taken on the resolution submitted by Mr. Gerry, namely, —

And on the question to agree to the same, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved by Mr. Wilson, and seconded by Mr. Madison, that the following amendment be made to the last resolution — after the words “national executive,” to add the words “a convenient number of the national judiciary.”

An objection of order being taken, by Mr. Hamilton, to the introduction of the last amendment at this time, — notice was given by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Madison, that the same would be moved to-morrow. Wednesday assigned to reconsider.

It was then moved and seconded to proceed to the consideration of the 9th resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph, — when, on motion to agree to the first clause, namely, —

it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to add these words to the 1st clause of the 9th resolution, namely, —

And on the question to agree to the same, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded that the committee do now rise, and report a further progress, and request leave to sit again. The committee then rose.

In the House.

Mr. President resumed the chair.

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee had made a further progress in the matter to them referred, and directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Tuesday,June 5, 1787.

His excellency, William Livingston, Esq., a deputy of the state of New Jersey, attended and took his seat.

The following credentials were then produced and read. [See Credentials, p. 163.]

The order of the day being read, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the state of the American Union. Mr. President left the chair.

In Committee of the whole House.

Mr. Gorham in the chair.

It was moved and seconded to proceed to the further consideration of the 9th resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph.

It was then moved and seconded to amend the last clause by striking out the words “once more,” so as to read, “and of inferior tribunals.”

And on the question to strike out, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to strike out the words “the national legislature,” so as to read, “to be appointed by.”

On the question to strike out, it passed in the affirmative.

Notice was given by Mr. Wilson, that he should, at a future day, move for a reconsideration of that clause which respects “inferior tribunals.”

Mr. C. Pinckney gave notice that, when the clause which respects the appointment of the judiciary came before the committee, he should move to restore the words “the national legislature.”

It was then moved and seconded to agree to the following part of the 9th resolution, namely, —

And on the question to agree to the same, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to postpone the remaining clause of the 9th resolution.

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 10th resolution, as submitted by Mr. Randolph, namely, —

it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 11th resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph.

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 12th resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph, namely, —

it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 13th resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph.

On the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 14th resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph.

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 15th resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph.

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved by Mr. C. Pinckney, seconded by Mr. Rutledge, that to-morrow be assigned to reconsider that clause of the 4th resolution, which respects the election of the first branch of the national legislature.

And on the question to reconsider the same to-morrow, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved by Mr. Rutledge, seconded by Mr. Sherman, to strike out the following words in the 9th resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph, namely: “and of inferior tribunals.”

And on the question to strike out, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded that the following clause be added to the 9th resolution, namely: “that the national legislature be empowered to appoint inferior tribunals.”

And on the question to agree to the same, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded that the committee do now rise, report a further progress, and request leave to sit again. The committee then rose.

In the House.

Mr. President resumed the chair.

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee had made a further progress in the matter to them referred, and had directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Wednesday,June 6, 1787.

The order of the day being read, the house resolved it self into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the state of the American Union. Mr. President left the chair.

In Committee of the whole House.

Mr. Gorham in the chair.

It was moved by Mr. C. Pinckney, seconded by Mr. Rutledge, to strike the word “people” out of the 4th resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph, and to insert in its place the word “legislatures,” so as to read, —

And on the question to strike out, it passed in the negative.

On motion of Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Madison, to amend the 8th resolution, which respects the negative to be vested in the national executive, by adding, after the words “national executive,” the words “with a convenient number of the national judiciary.”

On the question to agree to the addition of these words, it passed in the negative.

Mr. C. Pinckney gave notice, that to-morrow he should move for the reconsideration of that clause in the resolution, adopted by the committee, which vests a negative in the national legislature on the laws of the several states. Friday assigned to reconsider.

It was then moved and seconded, that the committee do now rise, report a further progress, and request leave to sit again. The committee then rose.

In the House.

Mr. President in the chair.

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee had made a further progress in the matter to them referred, and had directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow at 11 o’clock, A. M.

In the House.

Mr. President resumed the chair.

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee had made a further progress, in the matter to them referred, and had directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Thursday,June 7, 1787.

The order of the day being read, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the state of the American Union. Mr. President left the chair.

In Committee of the whole House.

Mr. Gorham in the chair.

The following resolution was submitted by Mr. Dickinson, seconded by Mr. Sherman, namely: —

It was moved and seconded to postpone the last resolution, in order to introduce the following, submitted by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Morris, namely: —

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

A question was then taken on the resolution submitted by Mr. Dickinson, namely: —

And on the question to agree to the same, it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

Mr. Gerry gave notice that he would to-morrow move for the reconsideration of the resolution, which respects the appointment of the national executive, — when he should offer to substitute the following mode of appointing the national executive, namely: “by the executives of the several states.”

The committee then rose.

In the House.

Mr. President resumed the chair.

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee had made a further progress in the matter to them referred, and had directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 10 o’clock, A. M.

Friday,June 8, 1787.

The order of the day being read, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the state of the American Union. — Mr. President left the chair.

In Committee of the whole House.

Mr. Gorham in the chair.

It was moved by Mr. Pinckney, seconded by Mr. Madison, to strike out the following words in the 6th resolution, adopted by the committee, namely, —

and to insert the following words in their place, namely, —

And on the question to strike out, it passed in the negative.

It was moved by Mr. Gerry, seconded by Mr. King, to reconsider that clause of the 7th resolution adopted by the committee, which respects the appointment of the national executive.

On the question to reconsider, it passed in the affirmative.

And to-morrow was assigned for the reconsideration.

It was then moved by Mr. C. Pinckney, seconded by Mr. Rutledge, that the following resolution be added after the 4th resolution, adopted by the committee, namely: —

Before any debate was had, or determination taken on Mr. Pinckney’s proposition, it was moved and seconded that the committee do now rise, report a further progress, and request leave to sit again. The committee then rose.

In the House.

Mr. President resumed the chair.

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee had made a further progress in the matter to them referred; and had directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Saturday,June 9, 1787.

The Hon. Luther Martin, Esq., one of the deputies of the state of Maryland, attended and took his seat.

The order of the day being read, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the state of the American Union. Mr. President left the chair.

In Committee of the whole House.

Mr. Gorham in the chair.

A question being taken on Mr. Gerry’s motion to strike out the following words, in that clause of the 7th resolution, adopted by the committee, which respects the appointment of the national executive, namely, “to be chosen by the national legislature,” and to insert “to be chosen by the executives of the individual states,” it passed in the negative.

It was moved by Mr. Patterson, seconded by Mr. Brearly, to enter on the consideration of the resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph.

After some time passed in debate, it was moved and seconded, that the committee do now rise, report a further progress, and request leave to sit again. The committee then rose.

In the House.

Mr. President resumed the chair.

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee had made a further progress in the matter to them referred, and had directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again.

And then the house adjourned till Monday next, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Monday,June 11, 1787

The Hon. Abraham Baldwin, Esq., one of the deputies of the state of Georgia, attended and took his seat.

The order of the day being read, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the state of the American Union. Mr. President left the chair.

In Committee of the whole House.

Mr. Gorham in the chair.

It was moved by Mr. King, seconded by Mr. Rutledge, to agree to the following resolution, namely: —

And on the question to agree to the same, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved by Mr. Rutledge, seconded by Mr. Butler, to add the following words to the last resolution, namely, “according to the quotas of contribution.”

It was moved by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. C. Pinckney, to postpone the consideration of the last motion, in order to introduce the following words after the words “equitable ratio of representation,” namely,—

On the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to Mr. Wilson’s motion, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved by Mr. Sherman, seconded by Mr. Ellsworth, “that in the second branch of the national legislature each state have a vote.”

On the question to agree to the same, it passed in the negative.

It was then moved by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Hamilton, to adopt the following resolution, namely: —

On the question to agree to the same, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 11th resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph, by adding the words “voluntary junction, or partition.” Passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the resolution, by adding the words “national government” after the words —

It was moved and seconded to agree to the 11th resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph, amended to read as follows: —

And on the question to agree to the same, it passed unammously in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to agree to the following resolution: —

On the question to agree to the same, it passed in the affirmative.

It was agreed to postpone the following clause in the 13th resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph, namely: —

It was then moved and seconded to agree to the 14th resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph, namely: —

It was then moved by Mr. Martin, seconded by —, to strike out the words “within the several states.”

And on the question to strike out, it passed in the negative.

It was then moved and seconded to agree to the 14th resolution, as submitted by Mr. Randolph.

And on the question to agree to the same, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the 15th resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph.

And on the question to agree to the same, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded, that the committee do now rise, report a further progress, and request leave to sit again. The committee then rose.

In the House.

Mr. President resumed the chair.

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee had made a further progress in the matter to them referred, and had directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Tuesday,June 12, 1787.

The order of the day being read, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider the state of the American Union. Mr. President left the chair.

In Committee of the whole House.

Mr. Gorham in the chair.

It was moved and seconded to fill up the blank, in the 4th resolution, respecting the term for which the members of the first branch of the national legislature should be chosen, with the words “three years.”

On the motion to fill up with “three years,” it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the following words in the 4th resolution, namely, “to be of years at least.”

And on the question to strike out, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the words “and fixed,” after the word “liberal,” in that clause of the 4th resolution which respects the stipend of the first branch. Passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to add the words “to be paid out of the public treasury.” Agreed to.

A question being taken on the clause respecting the salary of the first branch, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “by a particular state.” Passed in the negative.

A question being taken on the clause which respects the ineligibility of the members of the first branch, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 4th resolution by inserting the words “and under the national government for the space of three years after its expiration.” Passed in the negative.

Moved and seconded to fill up the blank with “one year.” Passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the following words, namely: “to be incapable of reëlection for the space of after the expiration of their term of service, and to be subject to recall.”

On the question to strike out, passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “to be of years at least,” from the 5th resolution. Passed in the negative.

Moved to fill up the blank with “thirty.” Passed in the affirmative.

Moved and seconded to fill up the blank after the words “sufficient to insure their independency,” with “seven years.” Passed in the affirmative.

It was moved by Mr. Rutledge, seconded by Mr. Butler, to strike out the clause which respects stipends to be allowed to the second branch.

On the question to strike out, passed in the negative.

It was then moved and seconded that the clause which respects the stipends to be given to the second branch be the same as the first. Passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded that the ineligibility of the second branch to office be the same as the first. Passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to alter the resolutions submitted by Mr. Randolph, so as to read as follows, namely: “that the jurisdiction of the supreme tribunal shall be to hear and determine, in the dernier ressort, all piracies, felonies,” &c.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the whole of the last clause generally.

It was then moved and seconded to strike out the words “all piracies and felonies on the high seas.” Passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “all captures from an enemy.” Passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “other states,” and to insert the words “two distinct states in the Union.” Passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the resolution which respects the judiciary. Passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded that the committee do now rise, report a further progress, and request leave to sit again. The committee then rose.

In the House.

Mr. President resumed the chair.

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee had made a further progress in the matter to them referred, and had directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Wednesday,June 13, 1787.

The order of the day being read, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider the state of the American Union. Mr. President left the chair.

In Committee of the whole House.

Mr. Gorham in the chair.

It was moved by Mr. Randolph, seconded by Mr. Madison, to adopt the following resolution respecting the national judiciary, namely: —

Passed in the affirmative.

It was moved by Mr. Pinckney, seconded by Mr. Sherman, to insert, after the words “one supreme tribunal,” “the judges of which to be appointed by the second branch of the national legislature.” Passed in the affirmative.

It was moved by Mr. Gerry, seconded by Mr. Pinckney, to add the following words to the 5th resolution adopted by the committee, namely: “excepting money bills, which shall originate in the first branch of the national legislature.” Passed in the negative.

It was then moved and seconded that the committee do rise and report the proceedings to the house. The committee then rose.

In the House.

Mr. President resumed the chair

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee, having considered and gone through the propositions offered to the house by the Hon. Mr. Randolph, and to them referred, were prepared to report thereon, and had directed him to submit the report to the consideration of the house.

The report was then delivered in at the secretary’s table, and having been once read, it was moved by Mr. Randolph, seconded by Mr. Martin, to postpone the further consideration of the report till to-morrow.

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Thursday,June 14, 1787.

It was moved by Mr. Patterson, seconded by Mr. Randolph, that the further consideration of the report from the committee of the whole house be postponed till to-morrow; and before the question for postponement was taken, it was moved by Mr. Randolph, seconded by Mr. Patterson, that the house adjourn.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock.

Friday,June 15, 1787.

Mr. Patterson submitted several resolutions to the consideration of the house, which he read in his place, and afterwards delivered in at the secretary’s table. They were then read.

PROPOSITIONS OFFERED TO THE CONVENTION BY THE HON. MR. PATTERSON, JUNE 15, 1787.

[Paper furnished by General Bloomfield.]

It was moved by Mr. Madison, seconded by Mr. Sherman, to refer the resolutions, offered by Mr. Patterson, to a committee of the whole house; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved by Mr. Rutledge, seconded by Mr. Hamilton, to recommit the resolutions reported from a committee of the whole house; which passed in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Saturday,June 16, 1787.

The order of the day being read, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the state of the American Union. Mr. President left the chair.

In Committee of the whole House.

Mr. Gorham in the chair.

After some time passed in debate on the propositions offered by the Hon. Mr. Patterson, —

It was moved and seconded that the committee do now rise, report further progress, and request leave to sit again. The committee then rose.

In the House.

Mr. President resumed the chair.

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee had made a progress in the matter to them referred, and had directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again.

And then the house adjourned till Monday next, at 11 o’clock.

Monday,June 18, 1787.

The order of the day being read, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the state of the American Union. Mr. President left the chair.

In Committee of the whole House.

Mr. Gorham in the chair.

It was moved by Mr. Dickinson, seconded by , to postpone the consideration of the 1st resolution submitted by Mr. Patterson, in order to introduce the following, namely: —

And on the question to agree to the same, it passed in the affirmative.

[See Colonel Hamilton’s Plan, on next page.]

It was then moved and seconded that the committee do now rise, report a further progress, and request leave to sit again. The committee then rose.

In the House.

Mr. President resumed the chair.

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee had made a further progress in the matter to them referred, and had directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again.

COLONEL HAMILTON’S PLAN OF GOVERNMENT.

The following paper was read by Colonel Hamilton, as containing his ideas of a suitable Plan of Government for the United States, in a speech upon the foregoing motion of Mr. Dickinson.

[Paper furnished by General Bloomfield.]

Tuesday,June 19, 1787.

The order of the day being read, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the state of the American Union. Mr. President left the chair.

In Committee of the whole House

Mr. Gorham in the chair.

On the question to adopt Mr. Dickinson’s motion, moved yesterday, it passed in the negative.

It was then moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 1st proposition offered by Mr. Patterson. It passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded that the committee do now rise, and report to the house that they do not agree to the propositions offered by the Hon. Mr. Patterson; and that they report the resolutions offered by the Hon. Mr. Randolph, heretofore reported from a committee of the whole house. Passed in the affirmative.

The committee then rose.

In the House.

Mr. President resumed the chair.

Mr. Gorham reported, from the committee, That the committee, having spent some time in the consideration of the propositions submitted to the house by the Hon. Mr. Patterson, and of the resolutions heretofore reported from a committee of the whole house, both of which had been to them referred, were prepared to report thereon; and had directed him to report to the house, That the committee do not agree to the propositions offered by the Hon. Mr. Patterson; and that they again submit the resolutions, formerly reported, to the consideration of the house.

STATE OF THE RESOLUTIONS, SUBMITTED TO THE CONSIDERATION OF THE HOUSE BY THE HON. MR. RANDOLPH,

AS ALTERED, AMENDED, AND AGREED TO, IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOUSE.

[Paper deposited by President Washington, in the Department of State.]

It was then moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 1st resolution reported from the committee till to-morrow.

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Wednesday,June 20, 1787.

The Hon. Wm. Blount, Esq., a deputy from the state of North Carolina, attended and took his seat.

The following credentials were then produced and read. [See p. 171.]

It was moved by Mr. Ellsworth, seconded by Mr. Gorham, to amend the 1st resolution reported from the committee of the whole house, so as to read as follows, namely: —

On the question to agree to the amendment, it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved by Mr. Lansing, seconded by Mr. Sherman, to postpone the consideration of the 2d resolution, reported from the committee, in order to take up the following, namely: —

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn; which passed in the negative.

On motion of the deputies of the state of Delaware, the determination of the house on the 2d resolution reported from the committee was postponed until to-morrow.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Thursday,June 21, 1787.

The Hon. Jonathan Dayton, Esq., a deputy of the state of New Jersey, attended and took his seat.

The following credentials were produced and read. [See Credentials.]

It was moved and seconded to agree to the 2d resolution reported from the committee, namely: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved by Gen. C. C. Pinckney, and seconded, to amend the 1st clause of the 3d resolution, reported from the committee, so as to read, —

On the question to agree to the amendment, it passed in the negative.

It was then moved and seconded to agree to the 1st clause of the 3d resolution, as reported from the committee, namely: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to erase the word “three” from the 2d clause of the 3d resolution reported from the committee; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the word “two” in the 2d clause of the 3d resolution, reported from the committee; which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Friday,June 22, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the 3d clause in the 3d resolution, reported from the committee, namely, “to receive fixed stipends, by which they may be compensated for the devotion of their time to the public service;” and to substitute, “their stipends to be ascertained by the legislature, to be paid out of the public treasury.”

On the question being put, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the following words out of the 4th clause in the 3d resolution, reported from the committee, namely, “to be paid out of the public treasury.”

On the question to strike out the words, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the following words out of the 3d resolution, reported from the committee, namely, “to receive fixed stipends by which they may be compensated for the devotion of their time to public service;” and to substitute the following clause, namely, “to receive an adequate compensation for their services.”

On the question to agree to the amendment, it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to take the vote of the house on the whole proposition, namely: — “to receive an adequate compensation for their services, to be paid out of the public treasury.”

An objection of order being taken to this motion, it was submitted to the house.

And on the question, Is the motion in order? it passed in the affirmative.

The determination of the house on the whole proposition was, on motion of the deputies of the state of South Carolina, postponed till to-morrow.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the 3d resolution, — “to be of the age of twenty-five years at least,” — which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the following words in the last clause of the 3d resolution, —

On the question to strike out the words, it passed in the negative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Saturday,June 23, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the proposition, which was postponed yesterday, on motion of the deputies of the state of South Carolina, namely, —

On the question to agree to the proposition, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the following words in the 3d resolution reported from the committee, namely, “by a particular state.”

On the question to strike out the words, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved by Mr. Madison, and seconded, to amend the 3d resolution by striking out the following words, namely, —

and inserting the following clause, after the word “established,” namely, —

On the question to agree to the amendment, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to add, after the words “ineligible to,” the words “and incapable of holding;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the words “national government” out of the 3d resolution; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the word “established” out of the 3d part of the resolution; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add, after the word “service,” in the 3d resolution, the words “of the first branch;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to agree to the words “and for the space of one year after its expiration.”

On the question to agree to these words, it passed in the negative.

And then the house adjourned till Monday next, at 11 o’clock.

Monday,June 25, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to erase the word “national,” and to substitute the words “United States,” in the 4th resolution; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 1st clause of the 4th resolution, in order to take up the 8th resolution, reported from the committee.

On the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 4th, in order to take up the 7th resolution.

On the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the 1st clause of the 4th resolution, namely: —

On the question to agree, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the 2d clause of the 4th resolution, namely, “to be of the age of thirty years at least;” which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to erase the words “sufficient to insure their independency,” from the 3d clause of the 4th resolution; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add, after the words “seven years,” in the 4th resolution, the words “to go out in fixed proportions.”

It was moved and seconded to insert the word “six,” instead of “seven.”

It was moved and seconded to amend the clause so as to read, “for four years, one fourth to go out annually.”

No determination being taken on the three last motions, it was moved and seconded to erase the word “seven” from the 3d clause of the 4th resolution; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to fill up the blank in the 3d clause of the 4th resolution with the word “six;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn. Passed in the negative.

It was then moved and seconded to fill up the blank in the 3d clause of the 4th resolution with the word “five;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn. Passed in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Tuesday,June 26, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 3d clause of the 4th resolution, reported from the committee, so as to read as follows, namely, “for nine years, one third to go out triennially;” which passed in the negative.

It was then moved and seconded to amend the 3d clause of the 4th resolution so as to read, “for six years, one third to go out biennially.”

On the question to agree to the amendment, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the following clause out of the 4th resolution, “to receive fixed stipends, by which they may be compensated for the devotion of their time to public service.” The question to strike out passed in the negative.

It was then moved and seconded to amend the 4th clause of the 4th resolution, so as to read, “to receive a compensation for the devotion of their time to the public service;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to erase the following words from the 4th resolution, namely, “out of the national treasury,” and to substitute the following, namely, “by their respective states;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following clause in the 4th resolution, namely, “to be paid out of the public treasury;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the last clause in the 4th resolution, as reported from the committee, in order to take up the following proposition, offered by Mr. Williamson, as a substitute, namely: —

On the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to add, after the word “elected,” the words “and for one year thereafter;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to agree to the proposition as amended, namely: —

which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the 4th resolution, namely, “and to be ineligible and incapable of holding any office under a particular state;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the 5th resolution reported from the committee, namely: —

which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Wednesday,June 27, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 6th resolution reported from the committee, in order to take up the 7th and 8th resolutions.

On the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the 1st clause of the 7th resolution, namely: —

Before a determination was taken on the clause, the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Thursday,June 28, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 7th resolution reported from the committee, so as to read as follows, namely: —

It was moved and seconded to erase the word “not” from the 1st clause of the 7th resolution, so as to read, —

The determination of the house on the motion for erasing the word “not” from the 1st clause of the 7th resolution was postponed, at the request of the deputies of the state of New York, till to-morrow.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Friday,June 29, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to strike the word “not” out of the 1st clause of the 7th resolution reported from the committee.

On the question to strike out, it passed in the negative.

It was then moved and seconded to agree to the 1st clause of the 7th resolution, as reported from the committee, namely: —

On the question to agree, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the further consideration of the 7th, in order to take up the 8th resolution; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 8th resolution, reported from the committee, so as to read as follows, namely: —

Before the determination of the house was taken on the last motion, the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Saturday,June 30, 1787.

The following resolution was moved and seconded, namely: —

On the question to agree to this resolution, it passed in the negative.

It was then moved and seconded to take up the resolution submitted to the consideration of the house yesterday, namely: —

After some time passed in debate, the house voted unanimously to adjourn till Monday next, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Monday,July 2, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following resolution, namely: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to appoint a committee, to whom the 8th resolution, and so much of the 7th resolution, reported from the committee of the whole house, as has not been decided upon, should be referred.

On the question to agree to this motion, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded that the committee consist of a member from each state. It passed in the affirmative.

And a committee, by ballot, was appointed, of Mr. Gerry, Mr. Ellsworth, Mr. Yates, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Franklin, Mr. Bedford, Mr. L. Martin, Mr. Mason, Mr. Davie, Mr. Rutledge, and Mr. Baldwin.

And then the house adjourned till Thursday next, at 11 o’clock.

Thursday,July 5, 1787.

The Hon. Mr. Gerry reported, from the committee to whom were referred the eighth resolution, and such part of the seventh resolution as had not already been decided on by the house, that the committee had directed him to submit the following report to the consideration of the house; and the same, being delivered in at the secretary’s table, was read once throughout, and then by paragraphs, and is as follows, namely: —

The committee to whom were referred the 8th resolution reported from the committee of the whole house, and so much of the 7th as hath not been decided on, submit the following report: —

That the subsequent propositions be recommended to the Convention, on condition that both shall be generally adopted.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 1st proposition contained in the report, in order to take up the 2d.

On the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

It was then moved by Mr. Rutledge, and seconded, to postpone the 1st clause of the report, in order to take up the following, namely: —

And on the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Friday,July 6, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to refer the 1st clause of the 1st proposition reported from the grand committee to a special committee; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded that the committee consist of five members; which was unanimously agreed to.

And a committee was appointed, by ballot, of Mr. G. Morris, Mr. Gorham, Mr. Randolph, Mr. Rutledge, and Mr. King.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the remainder of the 1st proposition, in order to take up the 2d; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 2d proposition; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to resume the consideration of the 2d clause of the 1st proposition, which had been postponed in order to take up the 2d proposition; which passed in the affirmative.

On the question, Shall the following clause stand as a part of the report? namely, —

it passed in the affirmative. The votes stood thus: —

And on a question, moved and seconded, whether the vote so standing was determined in the affirmative, it was decided as follows, that it was: —

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Saturday,July 7, 1787.

A letter from W. Rawle, secretary to the Library Company of Philadelphia, addressed to his excellency, the president of the Convention, enclosing a resolve of that company, granting the use of their books to the members of the Convention, being read, — on motion. —

It was moved and seconded that the second proposition reported from the grand committee stand part of the report, namely, “that in the second branch of the legislature each state shall have an equal vote;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was then moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the report from the grand committee until the special committee report; which passed in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till Monday next, at 11 o’clock.

Monday,July 9, 1787.

The Hon. Daniel Carroll, Esq., one of the deputies from the state of Maryland, attended, and took his seat.

The Hon. Mr. G. Morris, from the committee to whom was referred the 1st clause of the 1st proposition, reported from the grand committee, informed the house that the committee were prepared to report. He then read the report in his place; and the same, being delivered in at the secretary’s table, was read once throughout, and then by paragraphs; and is as follows, namely: —

The committee, to whom was referred the 1st clause of the 1st proposition reported from the grand committee, do beg leave to report: —

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 1st paragraph of the report, in order to take up the 2d; which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 2d paragraph of the report, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to refer the 1st paragraph of the report to a committee of one member from each state; which passed in the affirmative.

And a committee was appointed; by ballot, of the Hon. Mr. King, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Yates, Mr. Brearly, Mr. G. Morris, Mr. Read, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Madison, Mr. Williamson, Mr. Rutledge, and Mr. Houston.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Tuesday,July 10, 1787.

The Hon. Mr. King, from the grand committee to whom was referred the 1st paragraph of the report of a committee consisting of Mr. G. Morris, Mr. Gorham, Mr. Randolph, Mr. Rutledge, and Mr. King, informed the house that the committee were prepared to report. He then read the report in his place; and the same, being delivered in at the secretary’s table, was again read, and is as follows, namely: —

It was moved and seconded to amend the report by striking out the word “three” in the apportionment of representation to New Hampshire, and inserting the word “two;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the report by striking out the word “five” in the apportionment of representation to North Carolina, and inserting the word “six;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the report by striking out the word “five” in the apportionment of representation to South Carolina, and inserting the word “six;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the report by striking out the word “three” in the apportionment of representation to Georgia, and inserting the word “four;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to double the number of representatives, in the first branch of the legislature of the United States, apportioned by the report of the grand committee to each state; which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the report of the grand committee, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following amendments after the 2d paragraph of the report from the committee consisting of Mr. Morris, Mr. Gorham, Mr. Randolph, Mr. Rutledge, and Mr. King: —

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the last motion, in order to take up the following, namely: —

which passed in the negative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow at 11 o’clock A. M.

Wednesday,July 11, 1787

The amendment offered to the 2d paragraph of the report from the committee consisting of Mr. G. Morris, Mr. Gorham, Mr. Randolph, Mr. Rutledge, and Mr. King, being withdrawn, it was moved by Mr. Williamson, and seconded, to substitute the following resolution, namely: —

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “three fifths of;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved by Mr. Rutledge, and seconded, to postpone the consideration of the resolution proposed, in order to take up the following, namely: —

On the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the 1st clause of the resolution, namely: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn. Passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following clause of the resolution, namely: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following clause of the resolution, namely: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to fill up the blank with the word “fifteen;” which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add, after the words “fifteen years,” the words “at least;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following clause of the resolution, namely: “And the legislature shall alter or augment the representation accordingly;” which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the resolution as amended, it passed unanimously in the negative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Thursday,July 12, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the last resolution agreed to by the house, respecting the representation in the first branch of the legislature of the United States, namely: —

which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 1st clause in the report from the first grand committee; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following amendment to the last clause adopted by the house, namely, —

The last amendment being withdrawn, it was moved and seconded to substitute the following, namely, —

It was moved and seconded so to alter the last clause adopted by the house, that, together with the amendment proposed, the whole should read as follows, namely: —

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “two,” and insert the word “six;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to fill up the blank with the number “twenty.” Passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to fill up the blank with the word “ten;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “in the manner, and according to the ratio, recommended by Congress in their recommendation of April 18, 1783;” and to substitute the following, namely, “of every description and condition;” which passed in the negative.

The question being about to be put on the clause as amended, the previous question was called for, and passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the clause as amended, namely, —

it passed in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned until to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Friday,July 13, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of that clause in the report of the grand committee, which respects the originating money bills in the first branch, in order to take up the following, namely, “that in the second branch of the legislature of the United States, each state shall have an equal vote.”

It was moved and seconded to add the following amendment to the last clause agreed to by the house, namely: —

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the amendment; which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the amendment, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following amendment, namely: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to reconsider the 2d clause of the report from the committee of five, entered on the Journal of the 9th instant; which was unanimously agreed to.

It was moved and seconded to alter the second clause reported from the committee of five, entered on the Journal of the 9th instant, so as to read as follows, namely: —

And on the question to agree to the clause as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add, after the word “divided,” the following words, namely, “or enlarged by addition of territory;” which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn. Passed in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned until to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Saturday,July 14, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following proposition, namely: —

On the question to agree to the proposition, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to reconsider the two propositions reported from the grand committee, and agreed by the house to stand part of the report entered on the Journal of the 6th instant.

It was moved by Mr. Pinckney, and seconded, to postpone the 2d clause of the report from the grand committee, entered on the Journals of the 6th instant, in order to take up the following, namely: —

On the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

And then the house adjourned till Monday.

Monday,July 16, 1787.

The question being taken on the whole of the report from the grand committee, as amended, it passed in the affirmative, and is as follows, namely: —

It was moved and seconded to agree to the 1st clause of the 6th resolution reported from the committee of the whole house, namely: — “That the national legislature ought to possess the legislative rights vested in Congress by the Confederation;” which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to commit the 2d clause of the 6th resolution reported from the committee of the whole house; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn. Passed in the negative.

The motion to adjourn was repeated. Passed in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Tuesday,July 17, 1787.

It was moved by Mr. Sherman, and seconded, to postpone the consideration of the 2d clause of the 6th resolution, reported from the committee of the whole house, in order to take up the following: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved by Mr. Bedford, and seconded, to alter the 2d clause of the 6th resolution, so as to read as follows, namely, —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the 2d clause of the 6th resolution, as thus amended. Passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the following clause of the 6th resolution, reported from the committee of the whole house, namely, —

it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following resolution, namely: —

It passed unanimously in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 1st clause of the 9th resolution, reported from the committee of the whole house, namely, “that a national executive be instituted, to consist of a single person,” it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the words “national legislature” out of the 2d clause of the 9th resolution, reported from the committee of the whole house, and to insert the words “the citizens of the United States;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to alter the 2d clause of the 9th resolution, reported from the committee of the whole house, so as to read, “to be chosen by electors to be appointed by the several legislatures of the individual states;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following clause, namely, “to be chosen by the national legislature;” which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the following clause, “for the term of seven years;” which was unanimously agreed to.

On the question to agree to the following clause, namely, “with power to carry into effect the national laws,” it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the following clause, namely, “to appoint to offices in cases not otherwise provided for,” it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the following words, namely, “to be ineligible a second time;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “seven years,” and insert the words “good behavior;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “seven years;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to reconsider the vote to strike out the words “to be ineligible a second time.”

Passed unanimously (eight states) in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to reconsider immediately. Passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to reconsider the clause to-morrow. Passed unanimously in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Wednesday,July 18, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the following clause in the 9th resolution, reported from the committee of the whole house, namely, “for the term of seven years;” which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the remaining clauses of the 9th and the 10th resolutions, in order to take up the 11th resolution; which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the following clause of the 11th resolution, namely, “that a national judiciary be established,” it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the following clause of the 11th resolution, namely, “to consist of one supreme tribunal,” it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “second branch of the national legislature,” and to insert the words “national executive,” in the 11th resolution; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to alter the 3d clause of the 11th resolution, so as to read as follows, namely, —

It passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to alter the 3d clause of the 11th resolution, so as to read as follows, namely, —

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the last amendment; which was unanimously agreed to.

On the question to agree to the following clause of the 11th resolution, namely, “to hold their offices during good behavior,” it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the following clause of the 11th resolution, namely, “to receive punctually, at stated times, a fixed compensation for their services,” it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the words “increase or” out of the 11th resolution; which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the clause as amended, namely, “to receive punctually, at stated times, a fixed compensation for their services, in which no diminution shall be made so as to affect the persons actually in office at the time of such diminution,” it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 12th resolution, namely, —

it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the words “impeachments of national officers” out of the 13th resolution, which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to alter the 13th resolution, so as to read as follows, namely: —

which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 14th resolution, namely, —

it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 1st clause of the 15th resolution reported from the committee of the whole house, it passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the last clause of the 15th resolution, it passed unanimously in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to alter the 16th resolution, so as to read as follows, namely, “that a republican form of government shall be guarantied to each state; and that each state shall be protected against foreign and domestic violence;” which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Thursday,July 19, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to reconsider the several clauses of the 9th resolution which respect the appointment, duration, and eligibility, of the national executive; which passed in the affirmative.

North Carolina withdrew their negative; and it was unanimously agreed to reconsider immediately.

It was moved by Mr. Ellsworth, and seconded, to agree to the following proposition, namely: —

On the question to agree to the following clause, namely, “to be chosen by electors appointed for that purpose,” it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the following clause, “by the legislatures of the states,” it passed in the affirmative.

It was agreed to postpone the consideration of the remainder of the propositions.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following clause, namely, “for the term of seven years,” which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the following clause, namely, “for the term of six years,” it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to restore the words “to be ineligible a second time,” it passed in the negative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Friday,July 20, 1787.

It was moved by Mr. Gerry, and seconded, to postpone the consideration of the clause respecting the number of electors, entered on the Journal yesterday, in order to take up the following, namely: —

On the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to refer the last motion to a committee; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to add one elector to the states of New Hampshire and Georgia; which passed in the affirmative.

The last motion having been misunderstood, it was moved and seconded that it be put again.

And on the question to give an additional elector to each of the states of New Hampshire and Georgia, it passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the above resolution, respecting the first election of the supreme executive, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following resolution: —

Passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following clause of the 9th resolution reported from the committee of the whole house, namely, “to be removable on impeachment and conviction of malpractice, or neglect of duty.”

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the last motion; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the clause; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following clause, namely, “to receive a fixed compensation for the devotion of his time to public service;” which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following clause, namely, “to be paid out of the national treasury;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn. Passed in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Saturday,July 21, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the resolution respecting the electors of the supreme executive, namely, “who shall be paid out of the national treasury, for the devotion of their time to the public service;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add, after the words “national executive,” in the 10th resolution, the words “together with the supreme national judiciary;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the 10th resolution, as reported from the committee of the whole house, namely: —

which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the following amendment of the 3d clause of the 11th resolution, namely, “that the judges shall be nominated by the executive, and such nomination shall become an appointment, if not disagreed to by the second branch of the legislature,” it passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the following clause of the 11th resolution, as reported from the committee of the whole house, namely, “the judges of which shall be appointed by the second branch of the national legislature,” it passed in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till Monday next.

Monday,July 23, 1787.

The Hon. John Langdon and Nicholas Gilman, Esqrs. deputies from the state of New Hampshire, attended and took their seats.

The following credentials were produced and read. [See Credentials.]

On the question to agree to the 17th resolution, as reported from the committee of the whole house, namely, “that provision ought to be made for the amendment of the articles of union whensoever it shall seem necessary,” it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add, after the word “states,” in the 18th resolution, the words “and of the national government,” which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 18th resolution, as amended, namely, “that the legislative, executive, and judiciary powers within the several states, and of the national government, ought to be bound by oath to support the articles of union,” it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the following words out of the 19th resolution, reported from the committee of the whole house, namely, “to an assembly or assemblies of representatives, recommended by the several legislatures, to be expressly chosen by the people to consider and decide thereon;” which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the 19th resolution, as reported from the committee of the whole house, namely, —

it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following resolution, namely: —

It was moved and seconded to fill up the blank with the word “three;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to fill up the blank with the word “two;” which was unanimously agreed to.

On the question to agree to the resolution as filled up, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to reconsider that clause of the resolution respecting the appointment of the supreme executive; which passed in the affirmative.

And to-morrow was assigned for the reconsideration.

Motion to adjourn. Negatived unanimously.

It was moved and seconded that the proceedings of the Convention for the establishment of a national government, except what respects the supreme executive, be referred to a committee for the purpose of reporting a constitution, conformably to the proceedings aforesaid; which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

On the question that the committee consist of a member from each state, it passed in the negative.

On the question that the committee consist of seven, it passed in the affirmative.

On the question that the committee consist of five, it passed unanimously in the affirmative — to-morrow assigned for appointing the committee.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Tuesday,July 24, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to strike the following words out of the resolution respecting the supreme executive, namely, “by electors appointed for that purpose by the legislature of the states,” and to insert the words “by the national legislature;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “six,” and to insert the word “fifteen.”

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the resolution respecting the executive; which passed in the negative.

It was moved by Mr. Wilson, and seconded, to agree to the following resolution, namely: —

The question of order to be taken on the last motion, it was determined that the motion is in order.

On the question to postpone the consideration of the resolution, it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

The house then proceeded to ballot for the committee of detail, when the Hon. Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Randolph, Mr. Gorham, Mr. Ellsworth, and Mr. Wilson, were chosen.

It was moved and seconded to discharge the committee of the whole house from acting on the propositions submitted to the Convention by the Hon. Mr. C. Pinckney, and that the said propositions be referred to the committee to whom the proceedings of the Convention are referred; which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to take the like order on the propositions submitted to the Convention by the Hon. Mr. Patterson, which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Wednesday,July 25, 1787.

It was moved by Mr. Ellsworth, and seconded, to agree to the following amendment to the resolution respecting the election of the supreme executive, namely, —

Passed in the negative.

It was moved by Mr. Pinckney, and seconded, to agree to the following amendment of the resolution respecting the supreme executive, namely: —

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the last amendment; which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the amendment, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded that the members of the committee be furnished with copies of the proceedings; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded that members of the house take copies of the resolutions which have been agreed to. Passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to refer the resolution respecting the executive (except that clause which provides that it consist of a single person) to the committee of detail.

Before determination was taken on the last motion, it was moved and seconded to adjourn. Passed in the affirmative.

The house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Thursday,July 26, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 3d clause of the resolution respecting the national executive, so as to read as follows, namely, “for the term of seven years, to be ineligible a second time;” which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the whole resolution respecting the supreme executive, namely, —

it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following resolution, namely: —

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “landed.” It passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the clause respecting the qualification as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the words “and pensioners of the government of the United States,” to the clause of disqualification; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the following words, namely, “or have unsettled accounts with;” which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the clause of disqualification as amended, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following resolution, namely: —

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the last resolution.

It was moved and seconded to refer such proceedings of the Convention, as have been agreed on since Monday last, to the committee of detail; which passed unanimously in the affirmative. And then the house, by unanimous vote, adjourned, till Monday, August 6.

RESOLUTIONS OF THE CONVENTION,

The propositions offered to the Convention, on the 29th of May, by Mr. C. Pinckney, and on the 15th of June, by Mr. Patterson, were referred to the committee, with the above resolutions.

Monday,August 6, 1787.

The house met agreeably to adjournment.

The Hon. John Francis Mercer, Esq., one of the deputies from the state of Maryland, attended, and took his seat.

The Hon. Mr. Rutledge, from the committee to whom were referred the proceedings of the Convention for the purpose of reporting a constitution for the establishment of a national government, conformable to the proceedings, informed the house that the committee were prepared to report.

The report was then delivered in at the secretary’s table; and, being read once throughout, and copies thereof given to the members, it was moved and seconded to adjourn till Wednesday morning; which passed in the negative.

The house then adjourned till to-morrow morning, at 11 o’clock.

DRAFT OF A CONSTITUTION,

REPORTED BY THE COMMITTEE OF FIVE, AUGUST 6, 1787.

[One copy of this printed draft is among the papers deposited by President Washington in the Department of State; another copy is among the papers of Mr. Brearly, furnished by General Bloomfield.]

“We, the people of the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, do ordain, declare, and establish, the following Constitution for the government of ourselves and our posterity: —

“Art. I. The style of this government shall be, “The United States of America.”

“Art. II. The government shall consist of supreme legislative, executive, and judicial powers.

“Art. III. The legislative power shall be vested in a Congress, to consist of two separate and distinct bodies of men, a House of Representatives and a Senate, each of which shall, in all cases, have a negative on the other. The legislature shall meet on the first Monday in December every year.

“Art. IV. Sect. 1. The members of the House of Representatives shall be chosen every second year, by the people of the several states comprehended within the Union. The qualifications of the electors shall be the same, from time to time, as those of the electors in the several states, of the most numerous branch of their own legislatures.

“Sect. 2. Every member of the House of Representatives shall be of the age of twenty-five years at least; shall have been a citizen in the United States for at least three years before his election; and shall be, at the time of his election, a resident of the state in which he shall be chosen.

“Sect. 3. The House of Representatives shall, at its first formation, and until the number of citizens and inhabitants shall be taken in the manner hereinafter described, consist of sixty-five members, of whom three shall be chosen in New Hampshire, eight in Massachusetts, one in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, five in Connecticut, six in New York, four in New Jersey, eight in Pennsylvania, one in Delaware, six in Maryland, ten in Virginia, five in North Carolina, five in South Carolina, and three in Georgia.

“Sect. 4. As the proportions of numbers in the different states will alter from time to time; as some of the states may hereafter be divided; as others may be enlarged by addition of territory; as two or more states may be united; as new states will be erected within the limits of the United States, — the legislature shall, in each of these cases, regulate the number of representatives by the number of inhabitants, according to the provisions hereinafter made, at the rate of one for every forty thousand.

“Sect. 5. All bills for raising or appropriating money, and for fixing the salaries of the officers of government, shall originate in the House of Representatives, and shall not be altered or amended by the Senate. No money shall be drawn from the public treasury but in pursuance of appropriations that shall originate in the House of Representatives.

“Sect. 6. The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment. It shall choose its speaker and other officers.

“Sect. 7. Vacancies in the House of Representatives shall be supplied by writs of election from the executive authority of the states in the representation from which they shall happen.

“Art. V. Sect. 1. The Senate of the United States shall be chosen by the legislatures of the several states. Each legislature shall choose two members. Vacancies may be supplied by the executive, until the next meeting of the legislature. Each member shall have one vote.

“Sect. 2. The senators shall be chosen for six years; but immediately after the first election, they shall be divided, by lot, into three classes, as nearly as may be, numbered one, two, and three. The seats of the members of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year; of the second class at the expiration of the fourth year; of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year; — so that a third part of the members may be chosen every second year.

“Sect. 3. Every member of the Senate shall be of the age of thirty years at least; shall have been a citizen of the United States for at least four years before his election; and shall be, at the time of his election, a resident of the state for which he shall be chosen.

“Sect. 4. The Senate shall choose its own president and other officers.

“Art. VI. Sect. 1. The times and places, and the manner, of holding the elections of the members of each house, shall be prescribed by the legislature of each state; but their provisions concerning them may, at any time, be altered by the legislature of the United States.

“Sect. 2. The legislature of the United States shall have authority to establish such uniform qualifications of the members of each house, with regard to property, as to the said legislature shall seem expedient.

“Sect. 3. In each house a majority of the members shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day.

“Sect. 4. Each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns, and qualifications, of its own members.

“Sect. 5. Freedom of speech and debate in the legislature shall not be impeached or questioned in any court or place out of the legislature; and the members of each house shall, in all cases, except treason, felony, and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at Congress, and in going to and returning from it.

“Sect. 6. Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings; may punish its members for disorderly behavior; and may expel a member.

“Sect. 7. The House of Representatives, and the Senate when it shall be acting in a legislative capacity, shall keep a journal of their proceedings, and shall, from time to time, publish them; and the yeas and nays of the members of each house, on any question, shall, at the desire of one fifth part of the members present, be entered on the journal.

“Sect. 8. Neither house, without the consent of the other, shall adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that at which the two houses are sitting. But this regulation shall not extend to the Senate when it shall exercise the powers mentioned in the article.

“Sect. 9. The members of each house shall be ineligible to, and incapable of holding, any office under the authority of the United States, during the time for which they shall respectively be elected; and the members of the Senate shall be ineligible to, and incapable of holding, any such office for one year afterwards.

“Sect. 10. The members of each house shall receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertained and paid by the state in which they shall be chosen.

“Sect. 11. The enacting style of the laws of the United States shall be, ‘Be it enacted, and it is hereby enacted, by the House of Representatives, and by the Senate, of the United States, in Congress assembled.’

“Sect. 12. Each house shall possess the right of originating bills, except in the cases before mentioned.

“Sect. 13. Every bill, which shall have passed the House of Representatives, and the Senate, shall, before it become a law, be presented to the President of the United States, for his revision. If, upon such revision, he approve of it, he shall signify his approbation by signing it; but if, upon such revision, it shall appear to him improper for being passed into a law, he shall return it, together with his objections against it, to that house in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large on their journal, and proceed to reconsider the bill; but if, after such reconsideration, two thirds of that house shall, notwithstanding the objections of the President, agree to pass it, it shall, together with his objections, be sent to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered; and if approved by two thirds of the other house also, it shall become a law. But, in all such cases, the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays; and the names of the persons voting for or against the bill shall be entered in the journal of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the President within seven days after it shall have been presented to him, it shall be a law, unless the legislature, by their adjournment, prevent its return; in which case, it shall not be a law.

“Art. VII. Sect. 1. The legislature of the United States shall have the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises;

“To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states;

“To establish a uniform rule of naturalization throughout the United States;

“To coin money;

“To regulate the value of foreign coin;

“To fix the standard of weights and measures;

“To establish post-offices;

“To borrow money and emit bills on the credit of the United States;

“To appoint a treasurer by ballot;

“To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court;

“To make rules concerning captures on land and water;

“To declare the law and punishment of piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and the punishment of counterfeiting the coin of the United States, and of offences against the law of nations;

“To subdue a rebellion in any state, on the application of its legislature;

“To make war;

“To raise armies;

“To build and equip fleets;

“To call forth the aid of the militia, in order to execute the laws of the Union, enforce treaties, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions; and,

“To make all laws that shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested, by this Constitution, in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.

“Sect. 2. Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying war against the United States, or any of them, and in adhering to the enemies of the United States, or any of them. The legislature of the United States shall have power to declare the punishment of treason. No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses. No attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, nor forfeiture, except during the life of the person attained.

“Sect. 3. The proportions of direct taxation shall be regulated by the whole number of white and other free citizens and inhabitants, of every sex and condition, including those bound to servitude for a term of years, and three fifths of all other persons not comprehended in the foregoing description, (except Indians not paying taxes;) which number shall, within six years after the first meeting of the legislature, and within the term of every ten years afterwards, be taken in such manner as the said legislature shall direct.

“Sect. 4. No tax or duty shall be laid by the legislature on articles exported from any state; nor on the migration or importation of such persons as the several states shall think proper to admit; nor shall such migration or importation be prohibited.

“Sect. 5. No capitation tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the census hereinbefore directed to be taken.

“Sect. 6. No navigation act shall be passed without the assent of two thirds of the members present in each house.

“Sect. 7. The United States shall not grant any title of nobility.

“Art. VIII. The acts of the legislature of the United States made in pursuance of this Constitution, and all treaties made under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the several states, and of their citizens and inhabitants; and the judges in the several states shall be bound thereby in their decisions; any thing in the constitutions or laws of the several states to the contrary notwithstanding.

“Art. IX. Sect. 1. The Senate of the United States shall have power to make treaties, and appoint ambassadors, and judges of the Supreme Court.

“Sect. 2. In all disputes and controversies now subsisting, or that may hereafter subsist, between two or more states, respecting jurisdiction or territory, the Senate shall possess the following powers: Whenever the legislature, or the executive authority, or the lawful agent of any state in controversy with another, shall, by memorial to the Senate, state the matter in question, and apply for a hearing, notice of such memorial and application shall be given, by order of the Senate, to the legislature, or the executive authority of the other state in controversy. The Senate shall assign a day for the appearance of the parties, by their agents, before that house. The agents shall be directed to appoint, by joint consent, commissioners or judges to constitute a court for hearing and determining the matter in question.

“But if the agents cannot agree, the Senate shall name three persons out of each of the several states; and from the list of such persons each party shall, alternately, strike out one, until the number shall be reduced to thirteen; and from that number not less than seven, nor more than nine names, as the Senate shall direct, shall in their presence be drawn out by lot; and the persons whose names shall be so drawn, or any five of them, shall be commissioners or judges to hear and finally determine the controversy; provided a majority of the judges, who shall hear the cause, agree in the determination. If either party shall neglect to attend at the day assigned, without showing sufficient reasons for not attending; or, being present, shall refuse to strike, the Senate shall proceed to nominate three persons out of each state, and the clerk of the Senate shall strike in behalf of the party absent or refusing. If any of the parties shall refuse to submit to the authority of such court, or shall not appear to prosecute or defend their claim or cause, the court shall nevertheless proceed to pronounce judgment. The judgment shall be final and conclusive. The proceedings shall be transmitted to the president of the Senate, and shall be lodged among the public records for the security of the parties concerned. Every commissioner shall, before he sit in judgment, take an oath, to be administered by one of the judges of the supreme or superior court of the state where the cause shall be tried, ‘well and truly to hear and determine the matter in question, according to the best of his judgment, without favor, affection, or hope of reward.’

“Sect. 3. All controversies concerning lands claimed under different grants of two or more states, whose jurisdictions, as they respect such lands, shall have been decided or adjusted subsequent to such grants, or any of them, shall, on application to the Senate, be finally determined, as near as may be, in the same manner as is before prescribed for deciding controversies between different states.

“Art. X. Sect. 1. The executive power of the United States shall be vested in a single person. His style shall be, ‘The President of the United States of America;’ and his title shall be, ‘His Excellency.’ He shall be elected by ballot by the legislature. He shall hold his office during the term of seven years, but shall not be elected a second time.

“Sect. 2. He shall, from time to time, give information to the legislature of the state of the Union. He may recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient. He may convene them on extraordinary occasions. In cases of disagreement between the two houses with regard to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he thinks proper. He shall take care that the laws of the United States be duly and faithfully executed. He shall commission all the officers of the United States, and shall appoint officers in all cases not otherwise provided for by this Constitution. He shall receive ambassadors, and may correspond with the supreme executives of the several states. He shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons; but his pardon shall not be pleadable in bar of an impeachment. He shall be commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states. He shall, at stated times, receive for his services a compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during his continuance in office. Before he shall enter on the duties of his department, he shall take the following oath or affirmation: ‘I, —, solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States of America.’ He shall be removed from his office on impeachment by the House of Representatives, and conviction in the Supreme Court, of treason, bribery, or corruption. In case of his removal as aforesaid, death, resignation, or disability to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the president of the Senate shall exercise those powers and duties until another President of the United States be chosen, or until the disability of the President be removed.

“Art. XI. Sect. I. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court, and in such inferior courts as shall, when necessary, from time to time, be constituted by the legislature of the United States.

“Sect. 2. The judges of the Supreme Court, and of the inferior courts shall hold their offices during good behavior. They shall, at stated times, receive for their services a compensation which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office.

“Sect. 3. The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court shall extend to all cases arising under laws passed by the legislature of the United States; to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls; to the trial of impeachments of officers of the United States; to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction; to controversies between two or more states, except such as shall regard territory or jurisdiction; between a state and citizens of another state; between citizens of different states; and between a state, or the citizens thereof, and foreign states, citizens, or subjects. In cases of impeachment, cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls, and those in which a state shall be party, this jurisdiction shall be original. In all the other cases before mentioned, it shall be appellate, with such exceptions and under such regulations as the legislature shall make. The legislature may assign any part of the jurisdiction above mentioned, (except the trial of the President of the United States,) in the manner, and under the limitations, which it shall think proper, to such inferior courts as it shall constitute from time to time.

“Sect. 4. The trial of all criminal offences (except in cases of impeachments) shall be in the state where they shall be committed, and shall be by jury.

“Sect. 5. Judgment, in cases of impeachment, shall not extend farther than removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit, under the United States. But the party convicted shall, nevertheless, be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment, according to law.

“Art. XII. No state shall coin money; nor grant letters of marque and reprisal; nor enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation; nor grant any title of nobility.

“Art. XIII. No state, without the consent of the legislature of the United States, shall emit bills of credit, or make any thing but specie a tender in payment of debts; lay imposts or duties on imports; nor keep troops or ships of war in time of peace; nor enter into any agreement or compact with another state, or with any foreign power; nor engage in any war, unless it shall be actually invaded by enemies, or the danger of invasion be so imminent as not to admit of a delay until the legislature of the United States can be consulted.

“Art. XIV. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states.

“Art. XV. Any person charged with treason, felony, or high misdemeanor, in any state, who shall flee from justice, and shall be found in any other state, shall, on demand of the executive power of the state from which he fled, be delivered up and removed to the state having jurisdiction of the offence.

“Art. XVI. Full faith shall be given in each state to the acts of the legislatures, and to the records and judicial proceedings of the courts and magistrates of every other state.

“Art. XVII. New states, lawfully constituted or established within the limits of the United States, may be admitted by the legislature into this government; but to such admission the consent of two thirds of the members present in each house shall be necessary. If a new state shall arise within the limits of any of the present states, the consent of the legislature of such states shall be also necessary to its admission. If the admission be consented to, the new states shall be admitted on the same terms with the original states. But the legislature may make conditions with the new states concerning the public debt which shall be then subsisting.

“Art. XVIII. The United States shall guaranty to each state a republican form of government; and shall protect each state against foreign invasions; and, on the application of its legislature, against domestic violence.

“Art. XIX. On the application of the legislature of two thirds of the states in the Union for an amendment of this Constitution, the legislature of the United States shall call a convention for that purpose.

“Art. XX. The members of the legislatures, and the executive and judicial officers of the United States, and of the several states, shall be bound by oath to support this Constitution.

“Art. XXI. The ratification of the conventions of states shall be sufficient for organizing this Constitution.

“Art. XXII. This Constitution shall be laid before the United States in Congress assembled, for their approbation; and it is the opinion of this Convention that it should be afterwards submitted to a convention chosen in each state, under the recommendation of its legislature, in order to receive the ratification of such convention.

“Art. XXIII. To introduce this government, it is the opinion of this Convention, that each assenting Convention should notify its assent and ratification to the United States in Congress assembled; that Congress, after receiving the assent and ratification of the conventions of states, should appoint and publish a day, as early as may be, and appoint a place for commencing proceedings under this Constitution; that, after such publication, the legislatures of the several states should elect members of the Senate, and direct the election of members of the House of Representatives; and that the members of the legislature should meet at the time and place assigned by Congress, and should, as soon as may be, after their meeting, choose the President of the United States, and proceed to execute this Constitution.”

Tuesday,August 7, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to refer the report of the committee of detail to a committee of the whole; which passed in the affirmative.

Delaware being unrepresented during the debate, a question was again taken on referring to a committee of the whole, and passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the preamble to the Constitution, as reported from the committee to whom were referred the proceedings of the Convention, it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 1st article, as reported, it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 2d article, as reported, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to alter the 2d clause of the 3d article, so as to read, “each of which shall, in all cases, have a negative on the legislative acts of the other;” which passed in the negative.

On the question to strike the following clause out of the 3d article, namely, “each of which shall, in all cases, have a negative on the other,” it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved by Mr. Randolph, and seconded, to add the following words to the last clause of the 3d article, “unless a different day shall be appointed by law;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “December,” and insert the word “May,” in the 3d article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert, after the word “senate,” in the 3d article, the following, namely, “subject to the negative hereafter mentioned;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the last clause of the 3d article, so as to read as follows, namely: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the last clause in the 1st section of the 4th article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn till to-morrow morning, at 10 o’clock; which passed in the negative.

The motion to adjourn renewed. Passed in the affirmative.

The house then adjourned till to-morrow morning, at 11 o’clock.

Wednesday,August 8, 1787.

On the question to agree to the 1st section of the 4th article, as reported, it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “three,” and to insert the word “seven,” in the 2d section of the 4th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 2d section of the 4th article by inserting the word “of,” instead of “in,” after the word “citizen,” and the words “an inhabitant,” instead of the words “a resident;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone Mr. ’s motion, in order to take up Mr. Dickinson’s; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the word “three:” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to add one year’s residence before the election; which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the 2d clause of the 2d section, it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 2d section of the 4th article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “five,” and to insert the word “six,” before the words “in South Carolina,” in the 3d section of the 4th article; which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the 3d section of the 4th article, as reported, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to alter the latter clause of the 4th article, so as to read as follows, namely,

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the 4th section of the 4th article, namely, “provided, that every state shall have at least one representative;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the word “free,” before the word “inhabitants,” in the 4th section of the 4th article; which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the 4th section of the 4th article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the 5th section of the 4th article; which passed in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Thursday,August 9, 1787.

On the question to agree to the 6th section of the 4th article, as reported, it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 7th section of the 4th article, as reported, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the following words in the 3d clause of the 5th article, after the word “executive,” “of the state in the representation of which the vacancies shall happen;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the 3d clause of the 1st section of the 5th article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following words to the 3d clause of the 1st section of the 5th article, namely, “unless other provision shall be made by the legislature;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to alter the 3d clause in the 1st section of the 5th article so as to read as follows, namely:

which passed in the affirmative.

On the motion to agree to the three first clauses of the 1st section of the 5th article, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the last clause in the 1st section of the 5th article; which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the last clause in the 1st section of the 5th article, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the following words after the word “after,” in the 2d section of the 5th article, namely, “they shall be assembled in consequence of;” which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 2d section of the 5th article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “four,” and to insert the word “fourteen,” in the 3d section of the 5th article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “four,” and to insert the word “thirteen,” in the 3d section of the 5th article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “four,” and to insert the word “ten,” in the 3d section of the 5th article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “four,” and to insert the word “nine,” in the 3d section of the 5th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 3d section of the 5th article, by inserting the word “of,” after the word “citizen;” and the words “an inhabitant,” instead of the words “a resident;” which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 3d section of the 5th article as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 4th section of the 5th article, as reported, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “each house,” and to insert the words “the House of Representatives,” in the 1st section of the 6th article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the word “respectively,” after the word “state,” in the 1st section of the 6th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to alter the 2d clause in the 1st section of the 6th article, so as to read as follows, namely: —

which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 1st section of the 6th article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Friday,August 10, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the 2d section of the 6th article, in order to introduce the following, namely: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the following words out of the 2d section of the 6th article, namely, “with regard to property;” which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the 2d section of the 6th article, as reported, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to reconsider the 2d section of the 4th article; which passed in the affirmative.

And Monday next was assigned for the reconsideration.

It was moved by Mr. King, and seconded, to amend the 3d section of the 6th article, to read as follows, namely: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved by Mr. Randolph, and seconded, to add the following amendment to the 3d section of the 6th article, —

which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 3d section of the 6th article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 4th section of the 6th article, as reported, it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 5th section of the 6th article, as reported, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the last clause in the 6th section of the 6th article, by adding the following words: “with the concurrence of two thirds;” which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 6th section of the 6th article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved by Mr. Carroll, and seconded, to strike out the words “one fifth part,” and to insert the words “of any one member present,” in the latter clause of the 7th section of the 6th article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “each house,” and to insert the words “the House of Representatives,” in the 2d clause of the 7th section of the 6th article; and to add the following words to the 7th section, namely, “and any member of the Senate shall be at liberty to enter his dissent;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the following words out of the 7th section of the 6th article, namely, “when it shall be acting in a legislative capacity,” and to add the following words to the section, “except such parts thereof as, in their judgment, require secrecy;” which passed in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Saturday,August 11, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 1st clause of the 7th section of the 6th article, to read as follows, namely: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert, in the 1st clause of the 7th section of the 6th article, after the word “thereof,” the following words, “relative to treaties and military operations;” which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the 1st clause of the 7th section of the 6th article, as reported, it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add, at the end of the clause, the words “except such parts thereof as in their judgment require secrecy;” which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the last clause of the 7th section of the 6th article, it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to refer the 2d clause of the 7th section of the 6th article to a committee, which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the 7th section of the 6th article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out, in the 8th section of the 6th article, the words, “nor to any other place than that at which the two houses are sitting.”

And on the question, Shall the words stand? it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to alter the 8th section of the 6th article, to read as follows, namely: —

Passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to prefix the following words to the 8th section of the 6th article, namely, “during the session of the legislature,” and to strike out the last clause of the section; which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 8th section of the 6th article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to reconsider the 5th section of the 4th article; which passed in the affirmative.

And Monday next was assigned for the reconsideration.

And then the house adjourned till Monday next, at 11 o’clock.

Monday,August 13, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “seven,” and to insert the word “four,” in the 2d section of the 4th article.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “seven,” and to insert the word “nine,” in the 2d section of the 4th article.

It was moved by Mr. Hamilton, and seconded, to strike out the words “shall have been a citizen of the United States for at least seven years before his election,” and to insert, between the words “an” and “inhabitant,” the words “citizen and,” in the 2d section of the 4th article; which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the amendment of “nine,” it passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the amendment of “four,” it passed in the negative.

It was moved by Mr. G. Morris, and seconded, to add the following clause to the 2d section of the 4th article, namely: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “seven,” and to insert the word “five,” in the 2d section of the 4th article; which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the 2d section of the 4th article, as formerly amended, it passed in the affirmative.

On the question, Shall the word “nine,” in the 3d section of the 5th article, stand part of the said section? — it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn. Passed in the negative.

It was moved by Mr. Randolph, and seconded, to amend the 5th section of the 4th article, to read as follows, namely: —

The question was taken on the 1st clause of this amendment, which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the 5th section of the 4th article, as reported, it passed in the negative.

The question was taken on the last clause of the 5th section of the 4th article; which passed in the negative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Tuesday,August 14, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 9th section of the 6th article, in order to take up the following: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 9th section of the 6th article by adding the following clause after the words “be elected;” “except in the army or navy thereof; but in that case their seats shall be vacated.”

Before the question was taken on the last amendment, it was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 9th section of the 6th article until the powers to be vested in the Senate are ascertained; which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the latter clause of the 10th section of the 6th article, and to insert the following, “to be paid out of the treasury of the United States;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following amendment to the 10th section of the 6th article, —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following amendment to the 10th section of the 6th article, “to be ascertained by law;” which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 10th section of the 6th article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Wednesday,August 15, 1787.

On the question to agree to the 11th section of the 6th article, as reported, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the latter part of the 12th section of the 6th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 12th section of the 6th article, as follows: —

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the last amendment; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following amendment of the 13th section of the 6th article: —

Passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 13th section of the 6th article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “two thirds,” and to insert the words “three fourths,” in the 13th section of the 6th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 1st clause of the 13th section of the 6th article, as follows: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to add, at the close of the 13th section of the 6th article, the following clause: —

The motion was withdrawn.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “seven,” and to insert the words “ten, (Sundays excepted,)” in the 13th section of the 6th article; which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 13th section of the 6th article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock.

Thursday,August 16, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following, as the 14th section of the 6th article: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the following proviso after the 1st clause of the 1st section of the 7th article;

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the proviso; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the words “and postroads,” after the word “post-offices,” in the 7th clause of the 1st section of the 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the words “and emit bills” out of the 8th clause of the 1st section of the 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn; which passed in the negative.

Separate questions being taken on the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th clauses of the 1st section of the 7th article, as amended, they passed in the affirmative.

And then the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock.

Friday,August 17, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to insert the word “joint,” before the word “ballot,” in the 9th clause of the 1st section, 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the 9th clause of the 1st section of the 7th article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “and punishment,” in the 11th [12th] clause of the 1st section of the 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to alter the 1st part of the 12th clause, 1st section, 7th article, to read as follows: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “define and” between the word “to” and the word “punish,” in the 12th clause; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 2d part of the 12th clause, as follows: —

which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 13th clause of the 1st section, 7th article, amended as follows, —

it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “make,” and to insert the word “declare,” in the 14th clause; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the 14th clause; which passed in the negative.

The question being taken to strike out the word “make,” and to insert the word “declare,” in the 14th clause, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the words “and to make peace” to the 14th clause; which passed unanimously in the negative.

Separate questions having been taken on the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and 14th clauses of the 1st section, 7th article, as amended, they passed in the affirmative.

And the house adjourned till to-morrow, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Saturday,August 18, 1787.

The following additional powers, proposed to be vested in the legislature of the United States, having been submitted to the consideration of the Convention, it was moved and seconded to refer them to the committee to whom the proceedings of the Convention were referred; which passed in the affirmative.

The propositions are as follow: —

It was moved by Mr. Rutledge, and seconded, that a committee, to consist of a member from each state, be appointed to consider the necessity and expediency of the debts of the several states being assumed by the United States; which passed in the affirmative.

And a committee was appointed, by ballot, of the Hon. Mr. Langdon, Mr. King, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Livingston, Mr. Clymer, Mr. Dickinson, Mr. M’Henry, Mr. Mason, Mr. Williamson, Mr. C. C. Pinckney, and Mr. Baldwin.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following resolution, namely: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “and support” between the word “raise” and the word “armies,” in the 14th clause, 1st section, 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “build and equip,” and to insert the words “provide and maintain,” in the 15th clause, 1st section, 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the following, as a 16th clause, in the 1st section of the 7th article: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to annex the following proviso to the last clause: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the following as a clause in the 1st section of the 7th article: —

It was moved and seconded to postpone the last clause, in order to take up the following: —

It was moved and seconded to refer the two last motions to a committee; which passed in the affirmative.

And they were referred to the committee of eleven.

And then the house adjourned till Monday next, at 11 o’clock, A. M.

Monday,August 20, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to refer the following propositions to the committee of five; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 17th clause, 1st section, 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the following clause in the 1st section, 7th article: “to make sumptuary laws;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the following clause in the 1st section of the 7th article: “to establish all offices;” which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the last clause of the 1st section, 7th article, as reported, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “some overt act of,” after the word “in,” in the 2d section, 7th article; and to strike out the word “and” before the words “in adhering,” and to insert the word “or;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “or any of them,” 2d section, 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to refer the 2d section of the 7th article to a committee; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 2d section, 7th article, in order to take up the following: —

On the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “against the United States,” 1st line, 2d section, 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “to the same overt act” after the word “witnesses,” 2d section, 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the words “some overt act” out of the 1st line, 2d section, 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “sole and exclusive” before the word “power,” in the 2d clause, 2d section, 7th article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to reinstate the words “against the United States,” in the 1st line, 2d section, 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “of the United States,” in the 3d line, 2d section, 7th article which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 1st clause of the 2d section, 7th article, to read: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the words “giving them aid and comfort,” after the word “enemies,” in the 2d section, 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add, after the words “overt act,” the words “or confession in open court,” 2d section, 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 2d section of the 7th article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the words “white and other” out of the 3d section, 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “six,” and to insert the word “three,” in the 3d section of the 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the 3d section of the 7th article: —

Before a question was taken on the last motion, the house adjourned.

Tuesday,August 21, 1787.

The Hon. Mr. Livingston, from the committee of eleven, to whom were referred, a proposition respecting the debts of the several states, entered on the Journal of the 18th inst., and a proposition respecting the militia, entered on the Journal of the 18th inst., informed the house that the committee were prepared to report, and had directed him to submit the same to the consideration of the house.

The report was then delivered at the secretary’s table, and, being read throughout, is as follows: —

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the above report; which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 3d section of the 7th article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the 3d section of the 7th article: —

The last motion being withdrawn, it was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the 3d section of the 7th article: —

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the last motion; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved by Mr. Ellsworth, and seconded, to add the following clause to the 3d section of the 7th article: —

It was moved and seconded to annex the following amendment to the last motion, —

On the question to agree to the amendment, it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the proposition and amendment, it passed in the negative.

On the question to take up the amendment offered to the 12th section of the 6th article, entered on the Journal of the 13th instant, and then postponed, it passed in the negative.

It was moved by Mr. Martin, and seconded, to add the following clause to the 3d section, 7th article: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the following clause after the word “duty,” in the 1st line, 4th section, 7th article, “for the purpose of revenue;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 1st clause of the 4th section, 7th article, by inserting the following words: “unless by consent of two thirds of the legislature;” which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the 1st clause of the 4th section of the 7th article, as reported, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the word “free” before the word “persons,” in the 4th section of the 7th article.

Before the question was taken on the last motion, the house adjourned.

Wednesday,August 22, 1787.

The motion made yesterday to insert the word “free” before the word “persons,” in the 4th section of the 7th article, being withdrawn, it was moved and seconded to commit the two remaining clauses of the 4th section, and the 5th section of the 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to commit the 6th section of the 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

And a committee (of a member from each state) was appointed by ballot, of the Hon. Mr. Langdon, Mr. King, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Livingston, Mr. Clymer, Mr. Dickinson, Mr. L. Martin, Mr. Madison, Mr. Williamson, Mr. C. C. Pinckney, and Mr. Baldwin, to whom the clauses of the 4th, 5th, and 6th sections were referred.

The Hon. Mr. Rutledge, from the committee to whom sundry propositions were referred, on the 18th and 20th instant, informed the house that the committee were prepared to report.

He then read the report in his place; and the same, being delivered in at the secretary’s table, was again read throughout, and is as follows: —

It was moved and seconded to rescind the orders of the house respecting the hours of meeting and adjournment; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the following clause after the 2d section of the 7th article: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to take up the report of the committee of five.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the report, in order that the members may furnish themselves with copies of the report; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to take up the report of the committee of eleven, entered on the Journal of the 21st instant; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved by Mr. Morris, and seconded, to amend the 1st clause of the report, to read as follows: —

It was moved and seconded to alter the amendment by striking out the words “discharge the debts,” and inserting the words “liquidate the claims;” which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the clause as amended, namely, —

passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the following words out of the 2d clause of the report: —

Before the question was taken on the last motion, the house adjourned.

Thursday,August 23, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 2d clause of the report of the committee of eleven, in order to take up the following: —

On the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

It was moved by Mr. Ellsworth, and seconded, to postpone the consideration of the 2d clause of the report of the committee of eleven, in order to take up the following: —

On the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to recommit the 2d clause of the report of the committee of eleven; which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the 1st part of the 2d clause of the report, namely, —

it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the next part of the 2d clause of the report, to read, —

It passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the following part of the 2d clause of the report, namely, —

it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the following part of the 2d clause of the report, namely, —

it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the 7th section of the 7th article, as reported; which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the following clause after the 7th section of the 7th article: —

Passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 8th article, to read as follows: —

which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 8th article as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the following words out of the 18th clause of the 1st section, 7th article: “enforce treaties;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to alter the 1st part of the 18th clause of the 1st section, 7th article, to read: —

which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 18th clause of the 1st section, 7th article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following proposition, as an additional power to be vested in the legislature of the United States: —

It was moved and seconded to commit the proposition; which passed in the negative.

The proposition was then withdrawn.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 1st section of the 7th article, to read:—

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved by Mr. Morris, and seconded, to amend the 1st clause of the 1st section, 9th article, to read:—

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the amendment; which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the amendment, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 1st clause of the 1st section, 9th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “and other public ministers” after the word “ambassadors,” in the 1st section, 9th article; which passed in the affirmative.

Separate questions being taken on postponing the several clauses of the 1st section, 9th article; passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to take up the 1st section of the 9th article, in order to its being committed; which passed in the affirmative.

And it was referred to the committee of five.

And then the house adjourned.

Friday,August 24, 1787.

The Hon. Mr. Livingston, from the committee of eleven, to whom were referred the two remaining clauses of the 4th section, and the 5th and 6th sections of the 7th article, informed the house that the committee were prepared to report.

The report was then delivered in at the secretary’s table, was once read, and is as follows: —

The 5th section to remain as in the report. The 6th section to be stricken out.

It was moved and seconded to reconsider the 1st clause, 1st section, 7th article; which passed in the affirmative.

And to-morrow was assigned for the reconsideration.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 2d and 3d sections, 9th article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the 2d and 3d sections of the 9th article; which passed in the affirmative.

Separate questions being taken on the 1st, 2d, and 3d clauses of the 1st section, 10th article, as reported, they passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “legislature,” and to insert the word “people,” in the 1st section, 10th article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the word “joint” before the word “ballot,” in the 1st section of the 10th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add, after the word “legislature,” in the 1st section, 10th article, the words “each state having one vote;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert, after the word “legislature,” in the 1st section of the 10th article, the words “to which election a majority of the votes of the members present shall be required;” which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the following clause, —

it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following amendment to the 1st section of the 10th article: “shall be chosen by electors to be chosen by the people of the several states;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the two last clauses of the 1st section, 10th article, which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to refer the two last clauses of the 1st section of the 10th article to a committee of a member from each state; which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the following clause, “shall be chosen by electors,” it passed in the negative.

The consideration of the remaining clauses of the 1st section, 10th article, was postponed till to-morrow, on the request of the deputies of the state of New Jersey.

On the question to transpose the word “information,” and to insert it after the word “legislature,” in the 1st clause of the 2d section, 10th article, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “he may,” and to insert the word “and” before the word “recommend,” in the 2d clause of the 2d section, 10th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the word “and” after the word “occasions,” in the 2d section, 10th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the word “shall” before the words “think proper,” 2d section, 10th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “officers,” and to insert the words “to offices,” after the word “appoint,” in the 2d section of the 10th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “or by law,” after the word “Constitution,” in the 2d section of the 10th article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved by Mr. Dickinson, and seconded, to strike out the words, —

and to insert the following:

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the last amendment: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following order: —

which passed unanimously in the affirmative. The house then adjourned.

Saturday,August 25, 1787.

It was moved by Mr. Randolph, and seconded, to postpone the 1st clause of the 1st section, 7th article, in order to take up the following amendment: —

which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the amendment, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the 1st clause of the 1st section, 7th article: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the report of the committee of eleven, entered on the Journal of the 24th instant, as follows: to strike out the words “the year eighteen hundred,” and to insert the words “the year eighteen hundred and eight;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 1st clause of the report, to read, —

which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the 1st part of the report as amended, namely, —

it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “average of the duties laid on imports,” and to insert the words “common impost on articles not enumerated;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 2d clause of the report, to read, “but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each person;” which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 2d clause of the report, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to postpone the further consideration of the report, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 8th article, to read, —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following propositions: —

It was moved and seconded to refer the above propositions to a committee of a member from each state; which passed in the affirmative.

And a committee was appointed, by ballot, of the Hon. Mr. Langdon, Mr. Gorham, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Dayton, Mr. Fitzsimons, Mr. Read, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Mason, Mr. Williamson, Mr. Butler, and Mr. Few.

It was moved and seconded to add the words “and other public ministers” after the word “ambassadors,” 2d section, 10th article; which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the words, “and may correspond with the supreme executives of the several states,” out of the 2d section, 10th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “except in cases of impeachment” after the word “pardons,” 2d section, 10th article; which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the following clause, “but his pardon shall not be pleadable in bar,” it passed in the negative.

The house adjourned.

Monday,August 27, 1787

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “after conviction,” after the words “reprieves and pardons,” 2d section, 10th article. [Motion withdrawn.]

It was moved and seconded to amend the clause giving the command of the militia to the executive, to read, —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the following clause, 2d section, 10th article: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the last clause of the 2d section, 10th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the oath of office to be taken by the supreme executive: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “both in law and equity” after the words “United States,” in 1st line, 1st section, 11th article; which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 1st section, 11th article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause after the word “behavior,” 2d section, 11th article: —

which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the second section of the 11th article, as reported, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “increased or” before the word “diminished,” in the 2d section, 11th article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following words to the 2d section, 11th article: “nor increased by any act of the legislature which shall operate before the expiration of three years after the passing thereof;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the following clause, 3d section, 11th article: “to the trial of impeachments of officers of the United States;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following words after the word “controversies,” 3d section, 11th article: “to which the United States shall be a party;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “this constitution, the” before the word “laws,” 2d line, 3d section, 11th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “passed by the legislature,” and to insert, after the words “United States,” the words “and treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the word “controversies” before the words “between two or.” Passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the following clause: “in cases of impeachment;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “the United States or” before the words “a state shall be a party;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following amendment: —

The last motion being withdrawn, it was moved and seconded to amend the clause, to read, —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the last amendment: —

It was moved and seconded to amend the amendment, by striking out the words “original or;” which passed in the affirmative.

The question was then taken on the amendment as amended; which passed in the negative.

On the question to reconsider the 3d section, 11th article, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “the jurisdiction shall be original,” and to insert the words “the Supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following amendment: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the last clause of the 3d section, 11th article; which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “both in law and equity” before the word “arising,” in the 1st line, 3d section, 11th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert, after the words “between citizens of different states,” the words “between citizens of the same state claiming lands under grants of different states;” which passed in the affirmative.

The house adjourned.

Tuesday,August 28, 1787.

The Hon. Mr. Sherman, from the committee to whom were referred several propositions entered on the Journal of the 25th inst., informed the house that the committee were prepared to report. The report was then delivered in at the secretary’s table, was read, and is as follows: —

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “it shall be appellate,” and insert the words “the Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction,” 3d section, 11th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 4th section of the 11th article, to read as follows: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following amendment to the 4th section, 11th article: —

which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 5th section, 11th article, as reported, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “nor emit bills of credit” after the word “money,” in the 12th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the following clause after the last amendment: —

which passed unanimously in the affirmative, eleven states being present.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the last amendment: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert, after the word “reprisal,” the words “nor lay embargoes;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to transfer the following words from the 13th to the 12th article: “nor lay imposts, or duties, on imports;” which passed in the negative.

Separate questions being taken on the several clauses of the 12th article, as amended, they passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert, after the word “imports,” in the 13th article, the words “or exports;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add, after the word “exports,” in the 13th article, the words, —

which passed in the affirmative.

The question being taken on the 1st clause of the 13th article, it passed in the affirmative.

Separate questions being taken on the several clauses of the 13th article, as amended, they passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 14th article, as reported, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “high misdemeanor,” and insert the words “other crime;” which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 15th article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

The house adjourned.

Wednesday,August 29, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to commit the 16th article, together with the following proposition: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to commit the following proposition: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to commit the following proposition: —

which passed in the affirmative. And the foregoing propositions, together with the 16th article, were referred to the Hon. Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Randolph, Mr. Gorham, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Johnson.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the report of the committee entered on the Journal on the 24th instant, to take up the following proposition: —

which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the report of the committee of eleven, entered on the Journal of the 24th inst., passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following proposition, to be inserted after the 15th article: —

which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the two last clauses in the 17th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the following words out of the 17th article: —

And on the question being taken, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following proposition as a substitute for the 17th article: —

Separate questions being taken on the different clauses of the proposition, they passed in the affirmative.

The house adjourned.

Thursday,August 30, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the substitute for the 17th article, agreed to yesterday, in order to take up the amendment: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to commit the substitute for the 17th article, agreed to yesterday.

And on the question being taken, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “the limits,” and to insert the words “the jurisdiction,” in the substitute offered to the 17th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “hereafter formed or,” after the words “shall be,” in the substitute for the 17th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the substitute to the 17th article, as amended, in order to take up the following proposition from Maryland: —

which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the substitute offered to the 17th article, as amended, as follows, —

it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the last amendment: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the last amendment: —

The last motion being withdrawn, it was moved and seconded to agree to the following proposition: —

It was moved and seconded to postpone the last proposition, in order to take up the following: —

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the last proposition: —

Passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the following proposition, —

it passed in the affirmative.

On the motion to agree to the 1st clause of the 18th article, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “foreign,” in the 18th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “on the application of its legislature against;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “domestic violence,” and insert the word “insurrections,” in the 18th article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “or executive” after the word “legislature;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the last amendment: “in the recess of the legislature;” which passed in the negative.

Separate questions being taken on the several clauses of the 18th article, as amended, they passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 19th article, as reported, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the words “or affirmation,” after the word “oath,” 20th article; which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 20th article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause to the 20th article: —

which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to take up the report of the committee of eleven; which passed in the negative.

The house adjourned.

Friday,August 31, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “between the said states,” after the word “Constitution,” in the 21st article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 21st article, to take up the reports of the committee which have not been acted on; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the 21st, in order to take up the 22d article.

And on the question being taken, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the words “conventions of” out of the 21st article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to fill up the blank in the 21st article with the word “thirteen;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to fill up the blank in the 21st article with the word “ten;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to fill up the blank in the 21st article, as follows: —

It was moved and seconded to fill up the blank in the 21st article with the word “nine;” which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 21st article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the words “for their approbation” out of the 22d article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following amendment to the 22d article: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 22d article; which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the 22d article, as amended, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to fill up the blank in the 23d article with the word “nine;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the 23d article as far as the words “assigned by Congress,” inclusive; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the remainder of the 23d article; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike the words “choose the President of the United States and” out of the 23d article; which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 23d article, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to take up the report of the committee of eleven, entered on the Journal of the 28th instant.

On the question to agree to the following clause of the report, to be inserted after the 4th section of the 7th article,—

it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the following clause in the report, —

it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “tonnage;” which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the following clause of the report, —

it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to refer such parts of the Constitution as have been postponed, and such parts of reports as have not been acted on, to a committee of a member from each state; which passed in the affirmative.

And a committee was appointed, by ballot, of the Hon. Mr. Gilman, Mr. King, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Brearly, Mr. G. Morris, Mr. Dickinson, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Madison, Mr. Williamson, Mr. Butler, and Mr. Baldwin.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn. Passed in the affirmative.

The house adjourned.

Saturday,September 1, 1787.

The Hon. Mr. Brearly, from the committee of eleven, to whom such parts of the Constitution as have been postponed, and such parts of reports as have not been acted on, were referred, informed the house the committee were prepared to report partially.

The following report was then read: —

The Hon. Mr. Rutledge, from the committee to whom sundry propositions, entered on the Journal of the 28th ultimo, were referred, informed the house that the committee were prepared to report. The following report was then read. That the following additions be made to the report, namely: —

After the word “states,” in the last line, on the margin of the third page, add, “to establish uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies;” and insert the following as the 16th article, namely: —

It was moved and seconded to adjourn till Monday next, at 10 o’clock, A. M.

Monday,September 3, 1787.

It was moved by Mr. Morris, and seconded, to strike out the words “judgments obtained in one state shall have in another,” and to insert the word “thereof,” after the word “effect,” in the report from the committee of five, entered on the Journal of the 1st instant; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “ought to,” and to insert the word “shall;” and to strike out the word “shall,” and insert the word “may,” in the report entered on the Journal of the 1st instant; which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the report amended as follows, —

it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the following clause of the report, —

it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn. Passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the report from the committee of eleven, entered on the Journal of the 1st instant, in order to take up the following: —

On the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn. Passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the word “created” before the word “during,” in the report of the committee of eleven; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “created, or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased,” before the word “during,” in the report of the committee.

On the question being taken, the votes were, —

The same question was taken again; which passed in the affirmative.

Separate questions having been taken on the report as amended, they passed in the affirmative. And the report as amended is as follows;

The house then adjourned.

Tuesday,September 4, 1787.

The Hon. Mr. Brearly, from the committee of eleven, informed the house that the committee were prepared to report partially. It was afterwards delivered in at the secretary’s table, and was again read, and is as follows: —

On the question to agree to the 1st clause of the report, it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 2d clause of the report, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 3d clause of the report; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the remainder of the report; which passed in the negative.

After some time passed in debate, it was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the remainder of the report, and that the members take copies thereof; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to refer the following motion to the committee of eleven: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn; which passed unanimously in the affirmative. The house adjourned.

Wednesday,September 5, 1787.

The Hon. Mr. Brearly, from the committee of eleven, informed the house that the committee were prepared to report further. He then read the report in his place; and the same, being delivered in at the secretary’s table, was again read, and is as follows: —

On the question to agree to the 1st clause of the report, it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 2d clause of the report, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the 3d clause of the report. It passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the following words after the word “purchased,” in the 4th clause of the report: “by the consent of the legislature of the state;” which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 4th clause of the report, it passed in the affirmative.

The following resolution and order, reported from the committee of eleven, were read: —

Separate questions being taken on the foregoing resolve and order, they passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to take up the remainder of the report from the committee of eleven, entered on the Journal of the 4th instant.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the report, in order to take up the following: —

On the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “if such number be a majority of that of the electors;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “Senate,” and insert the word “legislature;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “such majority,” and to insert the words “one third;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “five,” and to insert “three;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “five,” and to insert the word “thirteen;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to add, after the word “electors,” the words “who shall have balloted;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to add, after the words “if such number be a majority of the whole number of the electors,” the word “appointed;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert, after the words “the legislature may determine the time of choosing and assembling the electors,” the words “and of their giving their votes;” which passed in the affirmative.

The house adjourned.

Thursday,September 6, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to insert the following words after the words “may be entitled in the legislature,” in the 5th clause of the report, entered on the Journal of the 4th instant: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the word “seven,” instead of “four,” in the 4th clause of the report; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the word “six,” instead of “four;” which passed in the negative.

The question being put to agree to the word “four,” it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 4th clause of the report, as follows, —

it passed in the affirmative.

On the question upon the 5th clause of the report, prescribing the appointment of electors, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following clause: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “under the seal of the state,” after the word “transmit,” in the 6th clause of the report; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the 6th clause of the report; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the words “the person having the greatest number of votes shall be President,” in the 7th clause of the report; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the words “if such number be a majority of the whole number of the electors appointed;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “in presence of the Senate and House of Representatives,” after the word “counted;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “and who shall have given their votes” after the word “appointed,” in the 7th clause of the report; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the word “immediately” before the word “choose;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “of the electors” after the word “votes;” which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following clause, “but the election shall be on the same day throughout the United States,” after the words “transmitting their votes;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “the Senate shall immediately choose by ballot,” &c., and to insert the words, —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following amendment: —

which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the following amendment, —

it passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the following paragraph of the report, —

it passed in the affirmative.

The several amendments being agreed to, on separate questions, the 1st section of the report is as follows: —

The house adjourned.

Friday,September 7, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to insert the following clause after the words “throughout the United States,” in the 1st section of the report: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the following amendment after the words “a member or members from two thirds of the states,” in the 1st section of the report, “and a concurrence of a majority of all the states shall be necessary to make such choice;” which passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the 2d section of the report, it passed in the affirmative.

The question being taken on the 1st clause of the 3d section of the report, —

it passed in the affirmative.

Separate questions having been taken on the several clauses of the 3d section of the report, they passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “and the House of Representatives,” after the word “Senate,” in the 1st clause of the 4th section of the report; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to substitute the words “foreign ministers,” instead of “ambassadors and other public ministers,” in the 2d clause of the 4th section of the report; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 2d clause of the 4th section of the report, to read, “ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls;” which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

A question was taken on the words “judges of the Supreme Court,” which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

A question was taken upon the words “and all other officers,” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved by Mr. Madison, and seconded, to postpone the consideration of the 4th section of the report, in order to take up the following: —

On the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following clause: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “except treaties of peace,” after the word “treaty,” in the 4th section of the report as amended; it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the following clause of the report: —

which passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the clause, it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following amendment: —

The house adjourned.

Saturday,September 8, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to strike the words “except treaties of peace” out of the 4th section of the report; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the last clause of the 4th section of the report; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following amendment: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following amendment: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following amendment: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following amendment: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “or other high crimes and misdemeanors against the state,” after the word “bribery;” which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “by the Senate,” after the word “conviction;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “state,” after the word “against,” and to insert the words “United States;” which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the last clause of the report, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to add the following clause after the words “United States:” —

which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 3d clause of the report, entered on the Journal of the 5th instant, to read as follows, instead of the 12th section, 6th article: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 3d clause of the report entered on the Journal of the 4th inst., to read as follows: —

In the place of the 1st section, 9th article, insert, —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to agree to the following clause: —

which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the said clause of the 2d section, 10th article, to read, —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to appoint a committee of five to revise the style of, and arrange, the articles agreed to by the house; which passed in the affirmative.

And a committee was appointed, by ballot, of the Hon. Mr. Johnston, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. G. Morris, Mr. Madison. and Mr. King.

The house adjourned.

Monday,September 10, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to reconsider the 3d section of the 4th article, which prescribes the number of the House of Representatives; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to reconsider the 19th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to amend the 19th article, by adding the following clause: —

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “two thirds of” before the words “the several states;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the words “three fourths;” which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the amendment, in order to take up the following: —

On the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative.

On the question to agree to the last amendment, it passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to reconsider the 21st and 22d articles; which (the question being separately put upon each article) passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the 21st article, in order to take up the following: —

On the question to postpone, it passed in the negative.

On the question to agree to the 21st article, it passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to restore the words “for their approbation” to the 22d article. Passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to refer the following to the committee of revision: —

which passed in the affirmative.

Tuesday,September 11, 1787.

The house met; but the committee of revision not having reported, and there being no business before the Convention, the house adjourned.

Wednesday,September 12, 1787.

The Hon. Mr. Johnston, from the committee of revision, informed the house that the committee were prepared to report the Constitution as revised and arranged. The report was then delivered in at the secretary’s table; and, having been once read throughout, —

REVISED DRAFT OF THE CONSTITUTION,

REPORTED SEPTEMBER 12, 1787, BY THE COMMITTEE OF REVISION.

[Paper furnished by General Bloomfield. The original is Mr. Brearly’s copy of the draft, with manuscript interlineations and erasures of the amendments adopted on the examination and discussion.]

The draft of a letter to Congress, being at the same time reported, was read once throughout, and afterwards agreed to by paragraphs.

THE LETTER TO CONGRESS.

[Paper deposited by President Washington, at the Department of State.]

It was moved and seconded to reconsider the 13th section of the 6th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “three fourths,” and to insert the words “two thirds,” in the 13th section of the 6th article; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to appoint a committee to prepare a bill of rights; which passed unanimously in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to reconsider the 13th article, in order to add the following clause at the end of the 13th article: —

It was agreed to reconsider.

Thursday,September 13, 1787.

The Hon. Mr. Johnston, from the committee of revision, reported the following as a substitute for the 22d and 23d articles: —

The clause offered to the house yesterday, to be added to the 13th article, being withdrawn, it was moved and seconded to agree to the following amendment to the 13th article: —

which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the report of the committee, respecting the 22d and 23d articles; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to proceed to the comparing of the report from the committee of revision with the articles which were agreed to by the house, and to them referred for arrangement; which passed in the affirmative.

And the same was read by paragraphs, compared, and in some places corrected and amended.

It was moved and seconded to add the words “for two years;” [see 2d section, 1st article;] which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert the word “service” instead of “servitude,” article 1st, section 2d, clause 3d; which passed unanimously in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the words “and direct taxes” from the same clause; which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert, between “after” and “it,” the words “the day on which.” Passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to rescind the rule for adjournment; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to insert, after the word “parts,” the words “of the proceedings of the Senate;” which passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to strike out the word “to” before “establish justice,” in the preamble; which passed in the affirmative.

It was moved and seconded to reconsider the 2d clause of the 3d section, 1st article; which passed in the negative.

Question omitted.

Question omitted.

It was moved and seconded to reconsider the 1st clause of the 5th section of the 1st article; which passed in the negative.

Question omitted.

Question omitted. Passed in the negative.

Question omitted. Passed in the negative.

Question omitted. Passed in the affirmative.

Friday,September 14, 1787.

The report from the committee of revision, as corrected and amended yesterday, being taken up, was read, debated by paragraphs, amended, and agreed to, as far as the 1st clause of the 10th section, 1st article, inclusive.

Question — To strike out the words “may by joint ballot appoint a treasurer. — They,” from the 1st clause of the 8th section, 1st article; which passed in the affirmative.

Question — To reconsider the 10th clause, 8th section, 1st article; which passed in the affirmative.

Question — To strike out the word “punish;” which passed in the affirmative.

Question — To grant letters of incorporation for canals, &c., — a clause proposed to be added to the 8th section of the 1st article. Passed in the negative.

Question — To establish a university, — an additional clause proposed to the 8th section of the 1st article. Passed in the negative.

It was moved and seconded to insert, before the words “to provide for organizing, arming,” &c., the words “and that the liberties of the people may be better secured against the danger of standing armies in time of peace,” article 1st, section 8th. Passed in the negative.

Question — To reconsider the ex post facto clause. Passed unanimously in the negative.

Question — To insert “the liberty of the press shall be inviolably preserved.” Passed in the negative.

Question — To insert the words “or enumeration,” after the word “census,” in the 4th clause of the 9th section, 1st article. Passed in the affirmative.

Question omitted. Passed unanimously in the affirmative.

Add, at the end of the 1st clause of the 8th section, 1st article, —

Add, at the end of the 5th clause of the 9th section, 1st article, —

Add, at the end of the 6th clause of the 9th section, 1st article, —

The following amendments to the revised draft were likewise adopted: —

Article 1st, section 2d, clause 5th. Strike out the word “they.”

Article 1st, section 3d, clause 2d. Add, at the end of the clause, after the word “legislature,” the words “which shall then fill such vacancies.”

Article 1st, section 3d, clause 4th. Strike out the words “ex officio.”

Article 1st, section 3d, clause 6th. After the word “oath,” insert “or affirmation.”

Article 1st, section 8th, clause 3d. After the word “nation,” insert the word “and.”

Article 1st, section 9th, clause 1st. Strike out the word “several,” and between the words “as” and “the,” insert the words “any of.”

Alter the 3d clause, so as to read, “no bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed.”

In the 4th clause, after the word “capitation,” insert the words “or other direct.”

Article 1st, section 10th, clause 1st, was variously amended, to read as follows: —

The house adjourned.

Saturday,September 15, 1787.

It was moved and seconded to appoint a committee to prepare an address to the people of the United States, to accompany the Constitution; which passed in the negative.