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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO AMBROSE MADISON. 1 n. y. pub. lib. mss. - James Madison, The Writings, vol. 5 (1787-1790) [1904]

Edition used:

The Writings of James Madison, comprising his Public Papers and his Private Correspondence, including his numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed, ed. Gaillard Hunt (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1900). Vol. 5.

Part of: The Writings of James Madison, 9 vols.

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TO AMBROSE MADISON.1n. y. pub. lib. mss.

New York, Novr. 8th. 1787

Dear brother,—

Having mislaid your last favor, I cannot acknowledge it by reference to its date. It contained two requests, the one relating to Mr House’s rule of calculating the weight of Tobacco: the other to my being a candidate in Orange for the Convention.2 In answer to the first point I inclose the rule exemplified. If this should not suffice, I will send you a calculation in detail for the whole account. In answer to the second point, I am to observe that it was not my wish to have followed the act of the general convention into the convention of the State; supposing that it would be as well that the final decision thereon should proceed from men who had no hand in preparing and proposing it. As I find however that in all the States the members of the Genl. Convention are becoming members of the State Conventions, as I have been applied to on the subject by sundry very respectable friends, as I have reason to believe that many objections in Virginia proceed from a misconception of the plan or of the causes which produced the objectionable parts of it, and as my attendance at Philadelphia may enable me to contribute some explanations and informations which may be of use, I shall not decline the representation of the County if I should be honored with the appointment. You may let this be known in such way as my father or yourself may judge best. I shall be glad to hear from you on the subject, and to know what competition there will probably be and by whom.

As far as present appearances denote, the N. England States R. Island excepted, will all adopt the new Constitution. N. Jersey certainly will. So will Penna. according to the best opinions, by a very decided majority. I have favorable information also from Maryland; though it is not improbable that the opposition likely to be made in Virginia will have some effect on that side, as well as on the side of N. Carolina, which in general has been said to be well disposed. Like information has been recd. from the two more Southern States; but it is too early to pronounce on their disposition. This State (N. York) is much divided. The party in power are willing to surrender any portion of it. The other party is composed of the more respectable citizens, and is warmly attached to the proposed constitution. Whatever may be the sense of the Majority the State will scarcely have a will of its own, if New England on one side and N. Jersey & Pena. on the other come heartily into the measure.1 . . .

[1 ]A copy of this letter was printed in the N. Y. Nation, July 19, 1894.

[2 ]Archibald Stuart wrote to Madison, Richmond, Va., November 2. “Inclosed are ye Resolutions of Virginia on the subject of ye federal Government—It is generally considered necessary that you should be of the convention, not only that y Constitution may be adopted but with as much unanimity as possible

“For God’s sake do not disappoint the anxious expectations of yr friends & let me add of yr Country—The Govr. on his return here was coolly received, upon which it is said he discovd much anxiety, since ye opposition to ye Constitution has been heard of from Different parts of ye State he speaks with more confidence against what he calls ye objectionable parts—He is a candidate for ye convention, Wilkinson & Southall having cleared ye coast for him the former of whom is inimical to ye Govt. proposed.” . . .—Mad. MSS. The resolutions were passed October 31. Madison’s copy is not among his papers, but the copy sent by George Mason to Washington is among the Washington MSS. and is as follows:

“In the House of Delegates, Thursday, the 25th of October, 1787.

“Resolved, unanimously, that the proceedings of the Federal Convention transmitted to the General Assembly through the medium of Congress, be submitted to a Convention of the people for their full and free investigation, discussion, and decision

“Resolved, That every citizen being a freeholder in this commonwealth be eligible to a seat in the convention, and that the people therefore be not restrained in their choice of Delegates by any of those legal or constitutional restrictions which confine them in their choice of members of the Legislature

“Resolved, That it be recommended to each county to elect two Delegates, and to each city, town, or corporation entitled or which may be entitled by law to representation in the Legislature, to elect one Delegate to the said Convention

“Resolved, That the qualifications of the Electors be the same with those now established by law, for the choice of representatives to the General Assembly.

“Resolved, That the elections for Delegates as aforesaid be held at the several places appointed by law for holding the elections for Delegates to the General Assembly, and that the same be conducted by the officers who conduct the Elections for Delegates, and conformably to the rules and regulations thereof

“Resolved, That the election for Delegates be held in the month of March next, on the first day of the court to be held for each county, city, or corporation respectively, and that the persons so chosen shall assemble at the state-house in the city of Richmond on the first Monday in June next.

“Resolved, That two thousand copies of these resolutions be forthwith printed, and dispersed by the members of the General Assembly among their constituents, and that the Executive transmit a copy of them to Congress, and to the Legislatures and Executives of the respective states. “Teste, John Beckley, C.H.D. 1787, October 31st, Agreed to by the Senate, “H. Brooke, C.S.”—Wash. MSS.

[1 ]The rest of the letter relates to foreign politics and is unimportant.