rumored in Massachusetts that Hancock was aiming at the presidency.[1]
Since the President was to be a southern man, the justice of giving the North the Vice-President was generally recognized. Pennsylvania had no candidate. Hamilton was the most distinguished Federalist in New York, but was ineligible on account of his youth and his nativity, not to speak of other disqualifications. John Jay was favorably mentioned for the position. The Anti-Federalists brought forward George Clinton. On November 4, 1788, the leaders of this party in New York, calling themselves "Federal Republicans," and moved by a desire to promote the immediate amending of the Constitution, addressed a circular letter to the several States in behalf of George Clinton for Vice-President.[2] Some Virginia sympathizers, including Patrick Henry, had already pronounced in his favor. No other movement of equal extent was made during the first campaign to concert the action of the States. The failure of New York to choose electors completely disconcerted the plans of Clinton's friends. The lesser New England States having no candidates, choice was narrowed to Massachusetts' "favorite sons." Hamilton at first suggested Knox or Lincoln, but later favored Adams. Trumbull of Connecticut named Bowdoin.[3] The claims of Samuel Adams and John Hancock were considered.[4] In the end the Federalists in a general way united on John Adams as being the most available and
