1. DEBATE OVER CONSTITUTION

dicted, has expressed himself in terms favorably to the plan.2 Perhaps
there never was a subject indeed, upon which men were more unani-
mous, for even those who cavil at the system itself, are impressed with
the necessity of adopting it.
1. Reprinted in the New York Morning Post and Daily Advertiser, 28 September, and by
16 October in twenty-five newspapers outside New York: N.H. (3), Mass. (9), R.I. (3),
Conn. (1), Pa. (3), Md. (2), Va. (2), S.C. (1).
2. Probably Governor George Clinton.
Henry Chapman to Stephen Collins
New York, 26 September 1787 (excerpt)'
... I should like to hear Your sentiments on the new Fabric raised
in Your City with so much care, Ability and deliberation, I am no Pol-
itician, but to the best of my Judgment it seems as little subject to
exceptions as possible and I think the States in general will be wise if
they adopt this second Child and disinherit its elder Brother2-
1. RC, The Papers of Stephen Collins & Son, DLC. Chapman was a New York City
merchant. Collins (1733-1794) was a Philadelphia merchant.
2. On 1 October Chapman wrote Stephen Collins & Son again, stating that the Con-
stitution was "I think unexceptionable as far as I can Judge" (Mfm:N.Y).
A Citizen of New-York
New York Daily Advertiser, 26 September 17871
Mr. CHILDS, Among other futile objections started against the New
Federal Government, it is said we have no persons among us equal to
the office of President. Without dwelling at present on the necessity
of the Executive chalked out by this Constitution, or the salutary
checks interposed to prevent abuses, I mean only to mention a few
approved characters, who may safely be trusted with the powers del-
egated to this officer. Besides General Washington, whose election will
doubtless be unanimous, unless he declines the trust, gentlemen are
not wanting in each State, in whom these powers may be safely vested.
In New-Hampshire, both Sullivan and Langdon have, during the war,
discovered talents equal to the most arduous appointments. In Massa-
chusetts, Hancock, John Adams, Cushing,2 King, Gorham, and Knox,
have a just title to be candidates. Doctor Johnson, Parsons, and Hunt-
ington reside in Connecticut. When Rhode-Island becomes Federal, we
shall be at no loss to point out suitable characters in that state also. In
New-York, Mr. Chancellor Livingston, General Schuyler, Governor
Clinton, Mr. Duane, and Colonel Hamilton, have ability to discharge
the duties of that important station. The present Governor of New-

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