upon the movements and propositions from the larger States, who will probably combine to swallow up the smaller ones by addition, division, or impoverishment; and, if you have any wish to assist in guarding against such attempts, you will be speedy in your attendance.
XVIII. George Washington: Diary.[1]
Monday, [May] 21.—Delaware State was represented.…
Tuesday, 22.—North Carolina represented.…
Wednesday, 23.—No more States represented.…
Thursday, 24.—No more States represented.
XIX. William Grayson to James Madison.[2]
24th. May 1787.
Entre nous. I believe the Eastern people have taken ground they will not depart from respecting the Convention.—One legislature composed of a lower-house tri ennially elected and an Executive & Senate for a good number of years.—I shall see Gerry & Johnson, as they pass & may perhaps give you a hint.
XIXa. Rufus King to Jeremiah Wadsworth.[3]
Philadelphia 24 May 87
New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania Virginia North and South Carolina, are represented by a Quorum or the whole of their Delegates—New Jersey will probably be represented Tomorrow. Should this be the Case the Convention will be able to appoint their President and Secretary. General Washington will be placed in the Chair, and Temple Franklin or Majr. Jackson will be Secretary—Georgia and Maryland will be represented in three or four Days—I am mortified that I alone am from New England—the Backwardness may prove unfortunate—Pray hurry on your Delegates—some personal Sacrifices perhaps may stand in the way of their immediate attendance—But they ought not to yield to such Considerations—Believe me it may prove most unfortunate if they do not attend within a few days—
- ↑ Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, XI, 298.
- ↑ Documentary History of the Constitution, IV, 167.
- ↑ Jeremiah Wadsworth Papers, Connecticut Historical Society. Furnished to the editor through the courtesy of Mr. Edmund C. Burnett of the Department of Historical Research of the Carnegie Institution of Washington.
