In the present edition such changes—except in trivial instances—are indicated by enclosing them within angle brackets 〈 〉, and in foot-notes the original readings are given, wherever they have any significance, and the editor expresses his opinion as to the probable source of the change, wherever it is possible to trace it.[1]
In view of the fact that the Journal is so imperfect and not altogether reliable, and that Madison made so many changes in his manuscript, all other records of the Convention take on a new importance. Formerly they have been regarded only in so far as they might supplement our information; now it is seen that they may be of service also in determining what the action really was in doubtful cases.
King
Without question, the next most important notes to those which have been considered are the notes of Rufus King, that have not received the attention they deserve, because of the form in which they were first printed. The original notes are, in the main, memoranda taken at the time in the Convention on odds and ends of paper.[2] Each sheet or scrap of paper is dated and most of them are endorsed with date and
- ↑ It perhaps should be noted as a matter of record that Madison had copies of Pierce’s notes which appeared in the Savannah Georgian in 1828 (Appendix A, CCCLXXIII), and that he doubtless knew of King’s notes, and may have seen them.
- ↑ The King MSS. are deposited in the library of the New York Historical Society, and the privilege of using them freely was extended to the editor through the courtesy of the late Edward King, of New York, and the kindness of the librarian, Mr. R. H. Kelby.
