(New York — Constitutional Convention) | The triumph of Hamilton

(New York — Constitutional Convention)

Journal of the Convention of the State of New-York. Poughkeepsie: Nicholas Power, [1788] 

4to (273 x 200 mm). Some foxing and soiling, B-B1 with small closed tears near gutter. Marbled paper wraps; some rubbing. In custom clamshell case and folding chemise.

The journal of the convention of New York for ratifying the U.S. Constitution.

By the end of 1787, the sate conventions of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania had already ratified the Constitution. When the convention was called to order in Poughkeepsie in June of 1788, Maryland, Massachusetts, and South Carolina had all ratified as well, thus making New York even more important to Alexander Hamilton and his cause.  Hamilton realized that extraordinary measures would need to be taken to achieve ratification in New York and Virginia, pivotal states in the process. His first step toward accomplishing this was writing The Federalist along with John Jay and James Madison, a work that helped set the stage for the 17 June 1788 convention. The remarkable proceedings at the New York convention, which are recorded here, took on great importance. After much debate, the Constitution was approved by New York, making it the eleventh state to ratify. Although the Constitution had already been officially ratified, New York's acceptance guaranteed the the Southern and New England regions of the new nation would not be separated by a dissenting state.

A vital document in the establishment of the federal government — scarce.

REFERENCE

Celebration of My Country 117; ESTC W36260; Evans 21313; Hendrickson, Hamilton I:512; Sabin 53709