Tinmouth, July 14, 1788.
Sir:
Your character as a federalist has induced me, although, personally
unknown to you, to address you on a subject of very great importance
to the State of Vermont, of which I am a citizen, and from which I
think may be derived a considerable advantage to the federal cause. Ten
States have now adopted the new federal plan of government. That it
will now succeed is beyond a doubt; what disputes the other States may
occasion I know not. The people of this State, could certain obstacles
be removed, I believe, might be induced almost unanimously to throw
themselves into the federal scale. You are not unacquainted with the
situation of a considerable part of our landed property. Many grants
were formerly made by the government of New-York, of lands within
this territory while under that jurisdiction. On the assumption of
government by the people of this State, the same lands, partly, it is
said, for want of information respecting the true situation of these
grants, and partly from the opinion prevailing with our then leaders,
that the New-York grants within this territory were of no validity,
have been granted to others under the authority of this State.
It is now generally believed that, should we be received into the
Union, the New-York grants would, in the federal courts, be preferred
to those of Vermont. The Legislature of this State have in some
instances made a compensation to the grantees under New-York, and I
am persuaded, were it in their power, would gladly do the same for
others, but they are possessed of no more land for that purpose.
For these reasons, I presume no others, the Governor and some few
gentlemen deeply interested in those lands under Vermont, have
expressed themselves somewhat bitterly against the new federal plan of
government. Indeed, were we to be admitted unconditionally it would
introduce much confusion. Now, sir, permit me to ask whether you do not
think it probable that the federal legislature, when formed, might, on
our accession, be induced on some terms to make a compensation to the
New-York grantees out of their western land? And whether those grantees
might not be induced to accept of such compensation? Let me further
suggest whether it might be favorable for Vermont to make some of those
amendments, which have been proposed by several States, and which, I
think, are generally within the power of the federal legislature, the
basis of her admission. Could the difficulties I have mentioned be
removed, all interest in opposition could here be reconciled. The idea
of procuring justice to be done those whom we had perhaps injured by
our too precipitate measures, and of being connected with a Government
which promises to be efficient, permanent, and honorable, would, I am
persuaded, produce the greatest unanimity on the subject. If you think
these matters worthy the attention of the friends of the Confederacy,
be good enough to write me by my brother, who will be the bearer of
this.
Our Legislature will meet in October, when these matters will be taken
up seriously. Several gentlemen of my acquaintance, who are men of
influence, and will be members of the Legislature, have requested me to
procure all the information in my power on this subject. Any thing you
may communicate to me in confidence will be sacredly attended to, of
which Mr. Kelly, who writes by the same opportunity, will give you the
fullest assurance.
I am, Sir, with sentiments of esteem,
Your most obedient servant,
Nathaniel Chipman.
Alex. Hamilton, Esq.