New-York, June 8, 1788.
My Dear Sir:
In my last, I think, I informed you that the elections had turned out,
beyond expectation, favorable to the Anti-federal party. They have a
majority of two-thirds in the Convention, and, according to the best
estimate I can form, of about four-sevenths in the community. The
views of the leaders in this city are pretty well ascertained to be
turned towards a _long_ adjournment; say, till next spring or summer.
Their incautious ones observe, that this will give an opportunity to
the State to _see how_ the government works, and to act according to
_circumstances_.
My reasonings on the fact are to this effect: The leaders of the
party hostile to the Constitution are equally hostile to the Union.
They are, however, afraid to reject the Constitution at once, because
that step would bring matters to a crisis between this State and the
States which had adopted the Constitution, and between the parties
in the State. A separation of the Southern District from the other
parts of the State, it is perceived, would become the object of the
Federalists, and of the neighboring States. They therefore resolve upon
a long adjournment, as the safest and most artful course to effect
their final purpose. They suppose, that when the Government gets into
operation, it will be obliged to take some steps in respect to revenue,
&c., which will furnish topics of declamation to its enemies in the
several States, and will strengthen the minorities. If any considerable
discontent should show itself, they will stand ready to head the
opposition. If, on the contrary, the thing should go on smoothly, and
the sentiments of our own people should change, they can elect to come
into the Union. They at all events take the chances of time and the
chapter of accidents.
How far their friends in the country will go with them, I am not able
to say, but, as they have always been found very obsequious, we have
little reason to calculate upon an uncompliant temper in the present
instance. For my own part, the more I can penetrate the views of the
Anti-federal party in this State, the more I dread the consequences of
the non-adoption of the Constitution by any of the other States--the
more I fear an eventual disunion, and civil war. God grant that
Virginia may accede. The example will have a vast influence on our
politics. New Hampshire, all accounts give us to expect, will be an
assenting State.
The number of the volumes of the Federalist which you desired, have
been forwarded, as well the second as the first, to the care of
Governor Randolph. It was impossible to correct a certain error.
In a former letter, I requested you to communicate to me, by express,
the event of any decisive question in favor of the Constitution,
authorizing changes of horses, &c., with an assurance to the person
that he will be liberally paid for his diligence.
A. Hamilton.
James Madison.