great questions, and I flatter myself will continue so until the Objects of their mission be finished. Tho’ I have not told your Excellency affirmatively what the Convention have done, I can tell you negatively what they have not done. They are not about to create a King as hath been represented unfavourably in some of the eastern States, so that you are not to expect the Bishop Oznaburg or any prince or great man of the World to rule in this Country.[1] The Public Curiosity will no doubt be gratified at the next Assembly, perhaps before.
XC. David Brearley to William Paterson.[2]
Philadelphia 21 Aug. 1787.
I was in hopes after the Committee had reported, that we should have been able to have published by the first of September, at present I have no prospect of our getting through before the latter end of that month. Every article is again argued over, with as much earnestness and obstinacy as before it was committed. We have lately made a rule to meet at ten and sit ’til four, which is punctually complied with. Cannot you come down and assist us,—we have many reasons for desiring this; our duty, in the manner we now sit, is quite too hard for three, but a much stronger reason is, that we actually stand in need of your abilities.
XCI. James McClurg to James Madison.[3]
Richmond Augt. 22. 87.
I have so much pleasure from your communications, that I shall be careful to acknowledge the receipt of them, with a view to secure their continuance.
I have still some hope that I shall hear from you of ye reinstatement of ye Negative—as it is certainly ye only mean by which the several Legislatures can be restrain’d from disturbing ye order & harmony of ye whole, & ye Governmt. render’d properly national, & one. I should suppose yt some of its former opponents must by this time have seen ye necessity of advocating it, if they wish to support their own principles.
XCII. Extract From The Pennsylvania Journal.[2]
[August 22, 1787.]
We are informed, that many letters have been written to the
