New-York, May 19, 1788.
Some days since, I wrote to you, my dear sir, inclosing a letter from a
Mr. Vanderkemp, &c.
I then mentioned to you that the question of a majority for or against
the Constitution, would depend upon the County of Albany. By the later
accounts from that quarter, I fear much that the issue there has been
against us.
As Clinton is truly the leader of his party, and is inflexibly
obstinate, I count little on overcoming opposition by reason. Our only
chances will be the previous ratification by nine States, which may
shake the firmness of his followers; and a change in the sentiments
of the people, which have, for some time, been travelling towards the
Constitution, though the first impressions, made by every species of
influence and artifice, were too strong to be eradicated in time to
give a decisive turn to the elections. We shall leave nothing undone to
cultivate a favorable disposition in the citizens at large.
The language of the Anti-federalists is, that if all the other States
adopt, New-York ought still to hold out. I have the most direct
intelligence, but in a manner which forbids a public use being made
of it, that Clinton has, in several conversations, declared his
opinion of the _inutility_ of the Union. It is an unhappy
reflection, that the friends to it should, by quarrelling for straws
among themselves, promote the designs of its adversaries. We think here
that the situation of your State is critical. Let me know what you
now think of it. I believe you meet nearly at the time we do. It will
be of vast importance that an exact communication should be kept up
between us at that period; and the moment _any decisive_ question is
taken, if favorable, I request you to dispatch an express to me with
pointed orders to make all possible diligence, by changing horses, &c.
All expense shall be thankfully and liberally paid. I executed your
commands respecting the first volume of the Federalist. I sent forty of
the common copies and twelve of the finer ones, addressed to the care
of Governor Randolph. The printer announces the second volume in a day
or two, when an equal number of the two kinds shall also be forwarded.
He informs that the Judicial Department--Trial by Jury--Bill of Rights,
&c., is discussed in some additional papers which have not yet appeared
in the Gazettes.
I remain,
With great sincerity and attachment,
Yours,
A. Hamilton.
James Madison.