New-York, Nov. 23, 1788.
I thank you, my dear sir, for yours of the 20th. The only part of it
which surprises me, is what you mention respecting Clinton. I cannot,
however, believe that the plan will succeed. Nor, indeed, do I think,
that Clinton would be disposed to exchange his present appointment
for that office, or risk his popularity by holding both. At the same
time, the attempt merits attention, and ought not to be neglected as
chimerical or impracticable.
In Massachusetts the Electors will, I understand, be appointed by the
Legislature, and will be all Federal, and ’tis probable will be, for
the most part, in favor of Adams. It is said, the same thing will
happen in New Hampshire, and I have reason to believe, will be the
case in Connecticut. In this State it is difficult to form any certain
calculation. A large majority of the _Assembly_ was doubtless of an
Anti-federal complexion, but the schism in the party which has been
occasioned by the falling off of some of its leaders in the Convention,
leaves me not without hope, that if matters are well managed, we may
procure a majority for some pretty equal compromise. In the Senate
we have the superiority by one. In New Jersey there seems to be no
question, but that the complexion of the electors will be Federal;
and I suppose, if thought expedient, they may be united in favor of
Adams. Pennsylvania you can best judge of. From Delaware, Maryland, and
South Carolina, I presume, we may count with tolerable assurance on
Federal men; and I should imagine, if pains are taken, the danger of an
Anti-federal Vice-President might itself be rendered the instrument of
Union. At any rate, their weight will not be thrown into the scale of
Clinton, and I do not see from what quarter numbers can be marshalled
in his favor, equal to those who will advocate Adams, supposing even a
division in the Federal votes.
On the whole, I have concluded to support Adams, though I am not
without apprehensions on the score we have conversed about. My
principal reasons are these: First--He is a declared partisan of
deferring to future experience the expediency of amendments in the
system, and (although I do not altogether _adopt_ this sentiment) it
is much nearer my own than certain other doctrines. Secondly--He is
certainly a character of importance in the Eastern States; if he is
not Vice-President, one of two worse things will be likely to happen.
Either he must be nominated to some important office, for which he is
less proper, or will become a malcontent, and give additional weight to
the opposition to the Government. As to Knox, I cannot persuade myself
that he will incline to the appointment. He must _sacrifice_ emolument
by it, which must be of _necessity_ a primary object with him.
If it should be thought expedient to endeavor to unite in a particular
character, there is a danger of a different kind to which we must
not be inattentive--the possibility of rendering it doubtful who is
appointed President. You know the Constitution has not provided the
means of distinguishing in certain cases, and it would be disagreeable
even to have a man treading close upon the heels of the person we
wish as President. May not the malignity of the opposition be, in
some instances, exhibited even against him? Of all this we shall best
judge, when we know who are our Electors; and we must, in our different
circles, take our measures accordingly.
I could console myself for what you mention respecting yourself,
from a desire to see you in one of the executive departments, did I
not perceive the representation will be defective in characters of a
certain description. Wilson is evidently out of the question. King
tells me he does not believe he will be elected into either House. Mr.
Gouverneur Morris set out to-day for France, by way of Philadelphia. If
you are not in one of the branches, the Government may sincerely feel
the want of men who unite to zeal all the requisite qualifications for
parrying the machinations of its enemies. Might I advise, it would be,
that you bent your course to Virginia.
Affectionately yours,
A. Hamilton.
Mr. J. Madison.