The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787/Volume 3/Appendix A/LXVI

by Max Farrand

LXVI. Hugh Williamson to James Iredell.^[1]

Philadelphia, July 22d, 1787.

After much labor the Convention have nearly agreed on the principles and outlines of a system, which we hope may fairly be called an amendment of the Federal Government. This system we expect will, in three or four days, be referred to a small committee, to be properly dressed; and if we like it when clothed and equipped, we shall submit it to Congress; and advise them to recommend it to the hospitable reception of the States. I expect that some time in September we may put the last hand to this work. And as Congress can have nothing to do with it but put the question—pass or not pass,—I am in hopes that the subject may be matured in such time as to be laid before our Assembly at its next session. … Two delegates from New Hampshire arrived yesterday, so that we have every State except Rhode Island.

1. McRee, Life and Correspondence of James Iredell, II, 167.