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Resolves of the General Court of... Massachusetts

Contains messages of Gov. James Bowdoin on Shays' Rebellion and discussion re: appointing representatives to the Constitutional Convention

GLC04395

Independent chronicle and the universal advertiser. [Vol. XIX, no. 987 (September 27, 1787)]

Prints a copy of the Constitution and reports activities at the Constitutional Convention. Also contains an article on "the Means of promoting Federal Sentiments in the United States," various news items, and advertisements. This was a special...

GLC04221

to Mr. Allibane? re: business, announcing election to Constitutional Convention

GLC04842.04

to Gen. Elias Dayton (his father) re: business, a military trial

Written to his father, Elias Dayton, who had declined election to the Constitutional Convention in favor of his son, because he himself was serving in Congress. Jonathan Dayton was the youngest member of the convention.

GLC04842.20

to the Public accusing R.I. legislature of acting "contrary to the Articles"

Probably intended for publication. The essay attacks the Rhode Island legislature for not sending representatives to Congress or the Constitutional Convention. King, who signs himself five times in the text but signs "Procolus" at the end, argues...

GLC04873

Members of the Constitutional Convention: 38 letters & docs [decimalized]

GLC02470

to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter written to Henry Knox, briefly discussing the begining of the Constitutional Convention, and his election as chair of the Convention. Copy made on 1 February 1854 according to note at top of first page.

GLC02437.09315

to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter by Washington to Knox, discussing the potential Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, which he does not plan to attend. Believes the current national government is terribly flawed, but that maintaining it may be the best...

GLC02437.09333

to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter by Washington to Knox, discussing Shay's rebellion. Greatful that the rebellion has been supressed. News of the rebellion, and fear of further upheaval, helped spur Washington to agree to attend the Constitutional Convention...

GLC02437.09334

to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing whether or not he should attend the Constitutional Convention. Debates pros and cons of the convention, and requests Knox's opinion on the matter. Copy made 3 February 1854.

GLC02437.09335

to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, reporting on events at the Constitutional Convention. Copy made 1 February 1854.

GLC02437.09337

to James Madison

The letter is concerning sending Journals of Constitutional Convention. Written at the Department of State.

GLC00639.03

Collection of letters, documents & briefs to the Madisons [Decimalized .001-.156]

This is a collection of letters from Edmund Pendleton, one of the leading figures of Revolutionary Virginia, to James Madison, Sr., and James Madison, Jr., later fourth President of the United States. The papers consist of documents and letters...

GLC00099

to Henry Knox

Relates reasons for not wanting to attend the Constitutional Convention, including the possibility that all states might not attend (rendering representation partial). Notes that if all Delegates attend with the power to address and cure the defects...

GLC02437.09412

to Henry Knox

Discusses the Constitutional Convention, and cannot predict the result. Hopes Congress, the states' legislatures, and the community at large will adopt the government agreed upon in the Convention. Is convinced that such government is the best that...

GLC02437.09414

[Press release of speech delivered on Memorial Day at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania]

Signed at end as President. Speech mentions the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg and Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War. Stresses the importance of uniting the country. Gives particular attention to the part played by George Washington as...

GLC03352

The Columbian Magazine

Twelve issues plus a supplement to the first volume. Each issue has a table of contents. The September issue contains a printing of the constitution proposed at the Constitutional Convention under the heading "The New plan for a Federal...

GLC02141

The Pennsylvania packet, and daily advertiser [No. 2763 (December 13, 1787)]

Reports on the ratification of the Constitution in Pennsylvania. Prints Benjamin Franklin's "Last Speech at the late Federal Convention." Contains foreign and domestic news. Many advertisements, including some for slaves.

GLC08809

to Aaron Hobart

Encloses "a copy of the Journal of the Federal Convention," in accord with a congressional resolution issued on 19 January 1820. Written from the Department of State.

GLC06313.04.099

An Address of the Convention for Framing a New Constitution of Government, for the State of Massachuetts-Bay to these Constituents.

An address to the constituents of Massachusetts Bay Colony detailing the newly completed Massachusetts constitution.

GLC00417

Constitution [printing of first draft, docketed by James Wilson]

First two leaves in facsimile, with docketed wrapper. Committee of Detail printing. First draft. Wilson chaired the Committee of Five which drafted this copy of the Constitution. With one correction in Wilson's hand. Docket on blank wrapper:...

GLC00528

to David Stuart

Washington thanks Stuart for his observations on the fitness of the Potomac for the fur trade with China. Asks if Stuart has informed Colonel John Fitzgerald and Colonel Howe of his observations and inquires if he gave them reason to believe those...

GLC07546

to James Madison re: correcting journals of Constitutional Convention

GLC07648

to James Madison

Responds favorably to the work done at the Annapolis Convention and since. Explains why he cannot attend the Constitutional Convention. He was re-elected president of the Society of Cincinnati, whose meeting coincides with the convention....

GLC07699

Constitution and Constitutional Convention archive [decimalized]

This collection of Pierce Butler's papers from the Constitutional Convention of 1787 provides unique views of the various conflicts that permeated the Constitutional Convention, while bringing to life the process of creating the United States...

GLC00819

Constitution [First printing of second draft] [Committee of Style]

Second draft of the Constitution, by the Committee of Style, printed on recto of each leaf and tied (leaves 1-2 only) with a ribbon, uncut and unbound. With the notes of Pierce Butler. Originally bound with blue ribbon. Document has creasemarks along...

GLC00819.02

Convention papers

Butler's wrapper and titlepage for these papers.

GLC00819.03

[Pierce Butler: Notebook from the Constitutional Convention]

Four pages of text with 12 blank pages and extensive doodles and calculations on the last page of the conjugate sheet. The notebook contains resolutions of May 30, and comments of Gerry, Wilson and Madison from June 6 to June 16. Continued by 819.09...

GLC00819.04

Quota of tax and delegates by States

Written on recto of first leaf only, a list beginning "Virginia," that indicates its population and ratio of delegates (for representation in Congress).

GLC00819.05

[State of the resolutions submitted by... Mr. Randolph...]

Changes to the Virginia Plan as agreed to by "a committee of the Whole House." In Secretary to the Convention William Jackson's hand per CH. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.06

[New Jersey plan]: Resolved that the Articles of Confederation....

"Jersey" -docket on p.8. Full transcript of the New Jersey Plan in hand of Robert Lansing, Jr.. Charles Hamilton thought this document might be written in the hand of Spaight, but SK identified later as John Lansing, Jr.

GLC00819.07

[New Jersey plan]: Resolved that the Articles of Confederation.... [partial]

In Butler's hand. A partial transcription of the New Jersey plan.

GLC00819.08

Notebook: Comments of the Delegates

A long, narrow notebook, once probably a single folded sheet of paper, now two separate items. The notebook records comments by Lancey [Lansing], Patterson, Randolph, Hamilton, Wilson, Madison, Williams, Sherman and Ellsworth. The first item consists...

GLC00819.09

The Supreme Legislative power of the United States of America...

Hamilton's constitutional plan for two legislative bodies, as Assembly and Senate, and a permanently elected executive. In the hand of John Lansing, Jr.

GLC00819.10

Proposition... from Mr. Franklin [and] Proposition from Mr. Rutledge

Franklin/Rutledge proposals with population figures. Docketed: "Proposition from Doctor Franklin June 30, 87- with sundry reports & Calculations from two Committees." Franklin proposed an equal number of delegates for the second branch of government...

GLC00819.11

And to make all Laws, not repugnant to this Constitution....

Half sheet of paper signed "P. Butler." A brief fragment concerning Congress' power to legislate. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.12

All demands... against the United States

Quarter sheet of paper. Confirming the validity of debts incurred by the previous Congress which will devolve upon the new legislature. With addition in a different hand "The Legislature shall fulfill the Engagements and discharge the Debts of the...

GLC00819.13

The Legislature shall fulfill the foreign engagements...

Quarter sheet, docketed on verso: "The Creditors." The word "foreign" inserted above in pencil. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.14

The regulation of Commerce or Revenue...

Half sheet regarding the federal government's regulation of ports. Blank on verso. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.15

But no regulation of Commerce or Revenue...

Quarter sheet related to #819.15. Denies the federal government the right to give favor to the ports of one state over another. Note that this contradicts #819.15. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.16

Objections to the Constitution as far as it has advanced...

Lists eleven objections to the Constitution (the 12th has been struck). Docket reads "Objections to the Constitution / by Mr. Randal."

GLC00819.18

[Various proposals:] The Council of State...

Large folio sheet. Unidentified handwriting. Also re: import duties, revenues, limiting terms and appointments of elected officials including the President, limits on the executive pardon authority and a rejected clause concerning revenues.

GLC00819.19

The Members of the Legislature shall be ineligible to any Office...

Quarter sheet concerning eligibility for offices. Date from Hutson

GLC00819.20

Money Bills [and] Trade [with Pinckney anecdote]

Mentions the rejection of a clause rejecting the origination of money bills; also, additions concerning debts for the common defense, rejecting taxes of limited duration, trade, age and birth requirements for President. With a Charles Pinckney story...

GLC00819.21

Free persons, those bound to servitude for a term of years...

Two fragments written on front and back of a quarter sheet of paper. The front has part of the 3/5's clause. On verso begins "Prov'd that no Monopoly be granted"

GLC00819.22

Resolved... Territory of the States is too extensive to Consist of one Republic

Recommends dividing the states into three allied republics.

GLC00819.23

[Notes on debate]: Whether the States Vote Equally or not....

Half sheet of paper. Not dated in Hutson. Debate concerning the equality of votes of the states and the danger to small states posed by large ones.

GLC00819.24

In all Cases of Capture from an Enemy...

Folded small folio. Fragments concerning trade and limitations on the judiciary's office, with an unfinished resolve. (J. Whatman countermark in paper)

GLC00819.25

to Elizabeth M. Clymer

A one page note pasted in oblong direction on front pastedown of Barlow's Vision of Columbus. (The book is carried on inventory as GLC 4217.01.) Written as president of the Constitutional Convention. The Barlow book was printed in Hartford.

GLC04217

to [George Washington] re: explaining his absence from the Convention

Misdated May. McHenry writes the Convention's president, Washington, that he was unable to attend the opening sessions because his brother lay ill. He did attend in August and kept a private record of proceedings.

GLC04842.29