IV. CONVENTION ELECTIONS

Montgomery is not neglected-Present my compliments at federal Hall
& believe me to be Dr. Sir
1. RC, Schuyler Papers, NN.
2. A reference to the nomination of Henry and John Livingston of the Upper Manor
for seats in the Convention and Assembly, respectively.
3. A reference to the high-handed tactics of Pennsylvania Federalists in getting the
Assembly in late September 1787 to call a state Convention to consider the Constitution
that triggered strong Antifederalist opposition. This opposition eventually manifested it-
self in violence at Carlisle in late December 1787 and in a petition campaign in March
1788 for legislative rejection of the state's ratification. See RCS:Pa., 670-708, 709-25.
Federalist Meeting
Hudson Weekly Gazette, 27 March 17881
At a numerous and respectable meeting of the principal freeholders
of the two eastern districts of Columbia county,2 it was unanimously re-
solved, That the following gentlemen, as patrons of freedom and liberty,
be held up as proper persons to represent us in Convention, Senate and
Assembly. The awful period soon arrives, when the people will have it in
their power to shake off the trammels of aristocracy, and be free.
Convention-Peter Van Schaack, Henry Livingston, Jacob Ford.
Senator-Peter Silvester.
Assembly-John Livingston, Ezekiel Gilbert, William H. Ludlow.
1. The Hudson Weekly Gazette printed this article again on 3, 10, and 15 April.
2. The two eastern districts were Hillsdale and Kings.
A Citizen
Hudson Weekly Gazette, 27 March 1788
To the Independent Electors of Columbia County.
Gentlemen, The awful period is approaching when you are to elect
delegates to represent you in convention: for this important trust you
cannot be too circumspect in your proceedings: it not only involves
your own future happiness, but that of your posterity. If ever there was
a time, when your exertions were demanded it is now; it is this time
when all the engines of corruption are busily employed to enslave you;
and take the remnant of that dear freedom for which you have ex-
pended your blood and treasure. This recent instance for which you
are justly the admiration of the world, will, I hope, stimulate you to a
similar conduct; and to spurn the man, however great and opulent,
who should contribute to bind you in the fetters of slavery, which your
virtue and your valor have so nobly rent asunder.
By rejecting the new constitution you sign the death warrant of your
country; and reduce yourselves to the lowest situation of human infamy

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