1. DEBATE OVER CONSTITUTION

James Madison to Thomas Jefferson
New York, 24 October 1787 (excerpt)5
. . . There seems to be less agitation in this State than any where.
The discussion of the subject seems confined to the newspapers. The
principal characters are known to be friendly. The Governour's party
which has hitherto been the popular & most numerous one, is sup-
posed to be on the opposite side; but considerable reserve is practised,
of which he sets the example. ...
James Madison to William Short
New York, 24 October 1787 (excerpt)6
. .. It is difficult to say what is the prevailing sentiment in this State.
The newspapers abound with anonimous publications on both sides, but
there is a reserve in the general conversation which is scarcely seen else-
where. The men of abilities are generally on the side of the Constitution.
The Governour whose party is at least a very strong one is considered
notwithstanding his reserve to be a decided adversary to it....
Edward Carrington to William Short
New York, 25 October 1787 (excerpts)7
. . . in the Middle States appearances are generally for it, but not
being in the habits of assembling for public objects, the people have
given but few instances of collective declarations. Some Symptoms of
opposition have appeared in New York & Pensylvania.... in the former
some individual publications are exhibitted in the papers, but we have
no evidence of their being regarded by the populace-the Men in
Office in this State view, with great reluctance, the diminution of State
emoluments and consequence-they hold their appointments under
an influence which will not, in all probability, serve them upon a more
extensive Scale of politics-the Governor is perfectly silent, but, it is
suspected wishes the miscarriage of the measure, taking his usual guard
against being committed in a fruitless opposition. ...
James Madison to Edmund Pendleton
New York, 28 October 1787 (excerpt)8
. . . This State has long had the character of being antifederal.
Whether she will purge herself of it on this occasion, or not, is yet to
be ascertained. Most of the respectable characters are zealous on the
right side. The party in power is suspected on good grounds to be on
the wrong one.9...

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