Poughkeepsie, Saturday, July, 1788.
I thank you, my dear sir, for yours by the post. Yesterday, I
communicated to Duer our situation, which I presume he will have
communicated to you. It remains exactly the same. No further question
having been taken, I fear the footing I mentioned to Duer is the
best upon which it can be placed; but every thing possible will yet
be attempted to bring the party from that stand to an unqualified
ratification. Let me know your idea upon the possibility of our being
received on that plan. You will understand that the only qualification
will be the _reservation_ of a right to recede, in case our amendments
have not been decided upon in one of the modes pointed out by the
Constitution within a certain number of years, perhaps five or seven.
If this can in the first instance be admitted as a ratification, I do
not fear any further consequences. Congress will, I presume, recommend
certain amendments to render the _structure_ of the Government more
secure. This will satisfy the more considerate and honest opposers of
the Constitution, and with the aid of them will break up the party.
Yours, affectionately,
A. Hamilton.