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

TO EDMUND PENDLETON. mad. 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 EDMUND PENDLETON.mad. mss.

New York, March 3, 1788.

Dear Sir,

The Convention of N. Hampshire have disappointed much the general expectation. Instead of adopting the Constitution they have adjourned, without any final decision until June, this expedient being found necessary to prevent a rejection. It seems that a majority of 3 or 4 members would have voted in the negative, but in this majority were a number who had been proselyted by the discussions, but were bound by positive instructions. These concurred with the federalists in the adjournment, and carried [it] by a majority of 57 agst 47. It is not much doubted that in the event N. Hampshire will be among the adopting States. But the influence of this check will be very considerable in this State, (N. York,) and in several others.1 I have enquired whether June was preferred for the 2d. meeting from any reference to Virga. or N. York, and am informed that it was merely an accommodation to the intermediate annual elections & Courts.

I am just setting out for Virga and shall not write again from this place. I wish you every happiness & am Dr. Sir

Yr. Affee. friend

[1 ]Cyrus Griffin to Madison, New York, March 24, 1788: “The adjournment of N. Hampshire, the small majority of Massachusetts, a certainty of rejection in Rhode Island, the formidable opposition in the State of N. York, the convulsions and committee meetings in pennsylvania, and above all the antipathy of Virginia to the system, operating together, I am apprehensive will prevent the noble fabrick from being erected.”—Mad. MSS.