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Ordinances for Virginia July 24, 1621 An Ordinance and Constitution of the Treasurer, Council, and Company in England, for a Council of State and General Assembly. TO all People, to whom these Presents shall come, be seen, or heard, The Treasurer, Council, and Company of Adventurers and Planters for the City of London for the first Colony of Virginia, send Greeting. KNOW YE, that we, the said Treasurer, Council, and Company, taking into our careful Consideration the present State of the said Colony of Virginia., and intending, by the Divine Assistance, to settle such a Form of Government there, as may be to the greatest Benefit and Comfort of the People, and whereby all Injustice, Grievances, and Oppression may be prevented and kept of as much as possible from the said Colony, have thought fit to make our Entrance, by ordering and establishing such Supreme Councils, as may not only be assisting to the Governor for the time being, in the Administration of Justice, and the executing of other Duties to this office belonging, but also, by their vigilant care and Prudence, may provide, as well for a Remedy of all Inconveniences, growing from time to time, as also for advancing of Increase, Strength, Stabllity, and Prosperity of the said Colony: II. WE therefore, the said Treasurer, Council, and Company, by Authority directed to us from his Majesty under the Great Seal, upon mature Deliberation, do hereby order and declare, that, from hence forward, there shall be TWO SUPREME COUNCILS in Virginia, for the better Government of the said Colony aforesaid. III. THE one of which Councils, to be called THE COUNCIL OF STATE (and whose Office shall chiefly be assisting, with their Care, Advise, and Circumspection, to the said Governor) shall be chosen, nominated, placed and displaced, from time to time, by Us, the said Treasurer, Council, and Company, and our Successors: Which Council of State shall consist, for the present, only of these Persons, as are here inserted, viz. Sir Francis Wyat, Governor of Virginia, Captain Francis West, Sir George Yeardley, Knight, Sir William Neuce, This document appears in the Compendium: Chapter 2 Annotation: The Virginia Company issued the Ordinances for Virginia, a sweeping constitutional framework designed to formalize governance in the colony following years of instability, conflict, and administrative experimentation. The ordinances established a more structured system of local self-government in Virginia, refining the role of the governor and council while expanding mechanisms for colonial participation in lawmaking and marking a key step in the evolution of representative institutions in English America. Author: James I Text Source: https://avalon.law.yale.edu/17th_century/va04.asp Knight Marshal of Virginia, Mr. George Sandys, Treasurer, Mr. George Thorpe, Deputy of the College, Captain Thomas Nence, Deputy for the Company, Mr. Pawlet, Mr. leech, Captain Nathaniel Powel, Mr. Christopher Davison, Secretary, Doctor Pots, Physician to the Company, Mr. Roger Smith, Mr. John Berkeley, Mr. John Rolfe, Mr. Ralph Harrier, Mr. John Potuntis, Mr. Michael lapworth, Mr. Harwood, Mr. Sarrvuel Macock. Which said Counsellors and Council we earnestly pray and desire, and in his Majesty's Name strictly charge and command, that (all Factions, Partialities, and sinister Respect laid aside) they bend their Care and Endeavours to assist the said Governor; first and principally, in the Advancement of the Honour and Service of God, and the Enlargement of his Kingdom amongst the Heathen People; and next, in erecting of the said Colony in due obedience to his Majesty, and all lawful Authority from his Majesty's Directions; and lastly, in maintaining the said People in Justice and Christian Conversation amongst themselves, and in Strength and Ability to withstand their Enemies. And this Council, to be always, or for the most Part, residing about or near the Governor IV. The other Council, more generally to be called by the Governor, once yearly, and no oftener, but for very extraordinary and important occasions, shall consist, for the present, of the said Council of State, and of two Burgesses out of every Town, Hundred, or other particular Plantation, to be respectively chosen by the Inhabitants: Which Council shall be called THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, wherein (as also in the said Council of State) all Matters shall be decided, determined, and ordered, by the greater Part of the Voices then present; reserving to the Governor always a Negative Voice. And this General Assembly shall have free Power to treat, consult, and conclude, as well of all emergent Occasions concerning the Publick Weal of the said Colony and every Part thereof, as also to make, ordain, and enact such general Laws and Orders, for the Behoof of the said Colony, and the good Government thereof, as shall, from time to time, appear necessary or requisite; V. WHEREAS in all other Things, ire require the said General Assembly, as also the said Council of State, to imitate and follow the Policy of the Form of Government, Laws, Customs, and Manner of Trial, and other Administration of Justice, used in the Realm of England, as near as may be, even as ourselves, by his Majesty's Letters Patent, are required. VI. PROVIDED, that no Law or Ordinance, made in the said General Assembly, shall be or continue in Force or Validity, unless the same shall be solemnly ratified and confirmed, in a General Quarter Court of the said Company here in England and so ratified, be returned to them under our Seal; It being our Intent to afford the like Measure also unto the said Colony, that after the Government of the said Colony shall once have been well framed, and settled accordingly, which is to be done by Us, as by Authority derived from his Majesty, and the same shall have been so by us declared, no Orders of Court afterwards shall bind the said Colony, unless they be ratified in like Manner in the General Assemblies. IN WITNESS wherof wee have hereunto sett our Comon seale the 24th day of [July] 1621, and in the yeare of the raigne of our governoure Lord James by the [Grace] of God of England Scotland ffrance and Ireland King defendor of the [faith] vizt of England ffrance and Scotland the Nyneteenth and of Scotland the fower and ffiftieth.

A Proclamation for settling the Plantation of Virginia March 27, 1625 BY THE KING. A Proclamation for setling the Plantation of Virginia. Whereas the Colonie of Virginia, Planted by the hands of Our most deare Father of blessed memory, for the propagation of Christian Religion, the increase of Trade, and the enlarging of his Royall Empire, hath not hitherto prospered so happily, as was hoped and desired, A great occasion whereof his late Majesty conceived to be, for that the government of that Colony was committed to the Company of Virginia, encorporated of a multitude of persons of severall dispositions, amongst whom the affaires of greatest moment were, and must be ruled by the greater number of Votes and Voyces; And therefore his late Majestie, out of His great Wisedome, and depth of Judgement, did desire to resume that popular government, and accordingly the Letters Patents of that Incorporation, were by his Highnesse direction in a Legall course questioned, and thereupon judicially repealed, and adjudged to bee voyde; wherein his Majesties ayme was onely, to reduce that government into such a right course, as might best agree with that forme which was held in the rest of his Royall Monarchy, and was not intended by him, to take away, or impeach the particular Interest of any private Plantor, or Adventurer, nor to alter the same, otherwise then should be of necessity for the good of the publique: And wheras We continue the like care of those Colonies and Plantations, as Our late deare Father did, and upon deliberate advice and consideration, are of the same Judgement that Our said Father was of, for the government of that Colony of Virginia; Now lest the apprehension of former personall differences, which have heretofore happened (the reviving and continuing whereof Wee utterly disallow, and strictly forbid) might distract the mindes of the Plantors and Adventurers, or the opinion, that We would neglect those Plantations, might discourage men to goe or send thither, and so hinder the perfecting of that worke, wherein We hold the honor of Our deare Father deceased, and Our owne honour to be deeply engaged; We have thought fit to declare, and by Our Royal Proclamation to publish Our owne Judgement, and resolution in these things, This document appears in the Compendium: Chapter 2 Annotation: Issued by Charles I of England shortly after his accession to the throne, following the death of his father, James I. It reaffirmed royal authority over the Virginia colony, emphasizing that it was now under direct Crown oversight as a royal colony, rather than under the control of the Virginia Company of London, whose charter had been revoked in 1624. The proclamation served to assert the king’s sovereignty, reassure colonists and investors of continued support, and reinforce governance through a Crown-appointed governor and council. It also underscored the strategic and economic importance of Virginia as a source of revenue and raw materials for the English crown. Author: Charles I Stuart — Van Dyck 1636 Text Source: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/46167/46167-h/46167-h.htm#x1625_May_13 which by Gods assistance Wee purpose constantly to pursue. And therefore Wee doe by these presents publish and declare to all Our loving Subjects, and to the whole world, that Wee hold those Territories of Virginia and the Sommer-Ilands, as also that of New England, where Our Colonies are already planted, and within the limits and bounds whereof, Our late deare Father, by His Letters Patents, under His great Seale of England, remaining of Record, hath given leave and liberty to His Subjects to plant and inhabite, to be a part of Our Royall Empire, descended upon Us and undoubtedly belonging and appertaining unto Us; And that We hold Ourselfe, as well bound by Our Regal office, to protect, maintaine, and support the same, and are so resolved to doe, as any other part of Our Dominions: And that Our full resolution is, to the end that there may be one uniforme course of Government, in, and through Our whole Monarchie, That the Government of the Colonie of Virginia shall immediately depend upon Our Selfe, and not be committed to any Company or Corporation, to whom it may be proper to trust matters of Trade and Commerce, but cannot bee fit or safe to communicate the ordering of State-affaires, be they of never so meane consequence: And that therefore Wee have determined, That Our Commissioners for those Affaires, shall proceed according to the tenor of Our Commission directed unto them, untill Wee shall declare Our further pleasure therein. Neverthelesse We doe herby declare, That Wee are resolved, with as much convenient expedition, as Our Affaires of greater importance will give leave, to establish a Councell, consisting of a few persons of understanding and qualitie, to whom We will give trust for the immediate care of the Affaires of that Colony, and who shall be answerable to Us for their proceedings, and in matters of greater moment, shall be subordinate and attendant unto Our Privie Councell heere; And that We will also establish another Councell to be resident in Virginia, who shall be subordinate to Our Councell here for that Colonie; and that at Our owne charge we will maintaine those publique Officers and Ministers, and that strength of Men, Munition, and Fortification, as shall be fit and necessary for the defence of that Plantation, and will by any course that shall be desired of Us, settle and assure the particular rights and interests of every Planter and Adventurer, in any of those Territories, which shall desire the same, to give them full satisfaction for their quiet and assured enjoying thereof. And lastly, whereas it is agreed on all sides, that the Tobacco of those plantations of Virginia and the Sommer Islands (which is the onely present meanes for their subsisting) cannot be managed for the good of the Plantations, unlesse it be brought into one hand, whereby the forreigne Tobacco may be carefully kept out, and the Tobacco of those Plantations may yeeld a certaine and ready price to the owners thereof; Wee doe hereby declare, That to avoid all differences and contrariety of opinions, which will hardly be reconciled amongst the Planters and Adventurers themselves, We are resolved to take the same into Our owne hands, and by Our servants or Agents for Us, to give such prices to the Planters and Adventurers for the same, as may give them reasonable satisfaction and encouragement; but of the maner thereof, Wee will determine hereafter at better leisure: And when We shall have concluded the same, We shall expect, that all Our loving Subjects will readily conforme themselves thereunto. And in the meanetime, because the importation and use of forreigne Tobacco, which is not of the growth of those Plantations, or one of them, will visibly and assuredly undermine and destroy those Plantations, by taking away the meanes of their subsistence, We doe hereby strictly charge and command, That Our late Proclamation, bearing date the ninth day of April last, intituled, (A Proclamation touching Tobacco) shall in all points and parts thereof, be duely and strictly observed, upon paine of Our high displeasure, and such further penalties and punishments, as by the sayd Proclamation are to be inflicted upon the offenders. And We doe hereby advise all Our loving Subjects, and all others whom it may concerne, not to adventure the breach of our Royall Commandement in any of the premisses, We being fully resolved, upon no importunitie or intercession whatsoever, to release or remit the deserved punishment of such, as shall dare to offend against the same, seeing We holde not Our Selfe onely, but Our people interested therein. Given at Our Court at White-Hall, the thirteenth day of May, in the first yeere of Our Reigne of Great Britaine, France, and Ireland. God save the King. Imprinted at London by Bonham Norton, and John Bill, Printers to the Kings most Excellent Majestie. Anno Dom. M.DC.XXV.

Notification of the Purchase of Manhattan by the Dutch November 5, 1626 Notification of the Purchase of Manhattan by the Dutch High and Mighty Lords: Yesterday arrived here the ship the Arms of Amsterdam, which sailed from New Netherland, out of the river Mauritius, on the 23rd September. They report that our people are in good heart and live in peace there; the women also have borne some children there. They have purchased the island Manhattes from the Indians for the value of 60 guilders; 'tis 11,000 morgens in size. They had all their grain sowed by the middle of May and reaped by the middle of August. They send thence samples of summer grain such as wheat, rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, canary seed, beans, and flax. The cargo of the aforesaid ship is: 7246 beaver skins, 178 1/2 otter skins, 675 otter skins, 48 mink skins, 36 wildcat skins, 33 minks, 34 rat skins, considerable oak, timber and hickory. Herewith, high and mighty Lords, be commended to the mercy of the Almighty. In Amsterdam, the 5th November, A. D. 1626. Your High Mighty's obedient, P. J. Schagen. This document appears in the Compendium: Chapter 2 Schagen Letter - Courtesy of the Nationaal Archief, The Hague Annotation: Letter of November 5, 1626, from Peter Schagen in Amsterdam to the States-General in The Hague, reporting the arrival the previous day of the West India Company ship Arms of Amsterdam with news of the purchase of Manhattan. Source: https://avalon.law.yale.edu/17th_century/charter_015.asp

Day 5: Constitutional Convention May 30, 1787 JOURNAL Wednesday May 30. 1787. The honorable Roger Sherman Esquire a Deputy of the State of Connecticut attended and took his seat. The order of the day being read The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to consider of the state of the American union Mr President left the chair. Mr Gorham, chosen by ballot, took the chair of the Committee. Mr President resumed the chair Mr Gorham reported from the Committee, that the Committee had made a progress in the matter to them referred; and had directed him to move that they may have leave to sit again Resolved that this House will to-morrow again resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House to consider of the state of the American union And then the House adjourned till to-morrow at 10 o’clock A.M. In a Committee of the Whole House. Wednesday May 30. 1787. Agreeably to the order of the day the House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to consider of the State of the American union. — Mr Gorham in the Chair: The propositions offered yesterday to the consideration of the House by Mr Randolph were read — and on motion of Mr Randolph, seconded by Mr G. Morris That the consideration of the first resolution contained in the said propositions be postponed. it passed in the affirmative. It was then moved by Mr Randolph and seconded by Mr G Morris to substitute the following resolution in the place of the first resolution Resolved that an union of the States, merely fœderal, will not accomplish the objects proposed by the articles of confederation, namely “common defence, security of liberty, and general welfare. It was moved by Mr Butler seconded by Mr Randolph to postpone the consideration of the said resolution in order to take up the following resolution submitted by Mr Randolph namely Resolved that a national government ought to be established consisting of a supreme legislative, judiciary and executive. It was moved by Mr Read seconded by Mr C. C. Pinckney to postpone the consideration of the last resolution in order to take up the following Resolved That in order to carry into execution the design of the States in forming this convention and to accomplish the objects proposed by the confederation “a more effective government consisting of a Legislative, Judiciary, and Executive ought to be established” On the question to postpone, in order to take up the last resolution, the question was lost. On motion to agree to the said resolution moved by Mr Butler it passed in the affirmative [ayes — 6; noes — 1; divided — 1.] — and the resolution, as agreed to, is as follows. Resolved that it is the opinion of this Committee that a national government ought to be established consisting of a supreme Legislative, Judiciary, and Executive The following resolution was then moved by Mr Randolph, Resolved that the rights of suffrage in the national legislature ought to be proportioned to the quotas of contribution, or to the number of free inhabitants, as the one or the other rule may seem best in different cases. the Compendium: Chapter VI 1819 Publication of the Journal of the Constitutional Convention Annotation: The Convention went into the Committee of the Whole with Gorham as Chair taking the place of Washington. First debate and approval of a tripartite government with a Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. Authors: Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States — Howard Chandler Christy 1940 James Madison — Gilbert Stuart 1804 Robert Yates James McHenry Sections: Journal of the Constitutional Convention Madison's Notes Yate's Notes McHenry's Notes Source: https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/farrand-the-records-of-the-federal-convention-of-1787-vol-1#lf0544-01_head_038 It was moved by Mr Hamilton seconded by Mr Spaight that the resolution be altered so as to read Resolved that the rights of suffrage in the national legislature ought to be proportioned to the number of free inhabitants It was moved and seconded that the resolution be postponed — and on the question to postpone it passed in the affirmative The following resolution was moved by Mr Randolph seconded by Mr Madison Resolved that the rights of suffrage in the national legislature ought to be proportioned — it was moved and seconded to add the words “and not according to the present system” — On the question to agree to the amendment it passed in the affirmative. [Ayes — 7; noes — 0.] It was then moved and seconded so to alter the resolution that it should read Resolved that the rights of suffrage in the national legislature ought not to be according It was then moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the last resolution — And, on the question to postpone, it passed in the affirmative The following resolution was then moved by Mr Madison seconded by Mr G. Morris. Resolved that the equality of suffrage established by the articles of confederation ought not to prevail in the national legislature and that an equitable ratio of representation ought to be substituted It was moved and seconded to postpone the consideration of the last resolution And on the question to postpone it passed in the affirmative. [Ayes — 7; noes — 1.] It was moved and seconded that the Committee do now rise. James Madison — Gilbert Stuart 1804 MADISON's Notes Wednesday May 30. 〈Roger Sherman (from Connecticut) took his seat.〉 The House went into Committee of the Whole on the State of the Union. Mr. Gorham was elected to the Chair by Ballot. The propositions of Mr. Randolph which had been referred to the Committee being taken up. He moved on the suggestion of Mr G. Morris that the first of his propositions to wit 〈“Resolved that the articles of Confederation ought to be so corrected & enlarged, as to accomplish the objects proposed by their institution; namely, common defence, security of liberty & general welfare〉 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .should be postponed in order to consider the 3 following. 1. that a Union of the States merely federal 〈will not accomplish the objects proposed by the articles of Condeferation, namely common defence, security of liberty, & genl. welfare.〉 2. that no treaty or treaties among the whole or part of the States, as individual sovereignties, would be sufficient. 3 that a national Government 〈ought to be established〉 consisting of a supreme Legislative, Executive & Judiciary. The motion for postponing was seconded by Mr. Govr. Morris and unanimously agreed to. Some verbal criticisms were raised agst. the first proposition, and it was agreed 〈on motion of Mr Butler seconded by Mr. Randolph,〉7 to pass on to the third, which underwent a discussion. less however on its general merits than on the force and extent of the particular terms national10 & supreme. Mr. Charles Pinkney wished to know of Mr. Randolph whether he meant to abolish the State Governts. altogether. Mr. R. replied that he meant by these general propositions merely to introduce the particular ones which explained the outlines of the system he had in view. Mr. Butler said he had not made up his mind on the subject, and was open to the light which discussion might throw on it. 〈After some general observations he concluded with saying that he had〉 opposed the grant of powers to Congs. heretofore, because the whole power was vested in one body. The proposed distribution of the powers into different bodies changed the case, and would induce him to go great lengths. Genl. Pinkney expressed a doubt whether the act of Congs. recommending the Convention, or the Commissions of the deputies to it, could authorize a discussion of a System founded on different principles from the federal Constitution. Mr. Gerry seemed to entertain the same doubt. Mr. Govr. Morris explained the distinction between a federal and national, supreme, Govt.; the former being a mere compact resting on the good faith of the parties; the latter having a compleat and compulsive operation. He contended that in all communities there must be one supreme power, and one only. Mr. Mason observed that the present confederation was not only deficient in not providing for coercion & punishment agst. delinquent States; but argued very cogently that punishment could not 〈in the nature of things be executed on〉 the States collectively, and therefore that such a Govt. was necessary as could directly operate on individuals, and would punish those only whose guilt required it. Mr. Sherman who took his seat to day, admitted that the Confederation had not given sufficient power to Congs. and that additional powers were necessary; particularly that of raising money which he said would involve many other powers. He admitted also that the General & particular jurisdictions ought in no case to be concurrent. He seemed however not be disposed to Make too great inroads on the existing system; intimating as one reason, that it would be wrong to lose every amendment, by inserting such as would not be agreed to by the States 〈It was moved by Mr. Read 2ded by Mr. Chas. Cotesworth Pinkney, to postpone the 3d. proposition last offered by Mr. Randolph viz that a national Government ought to be established consisting of a supreme legislative Executive and Judiciary,” in order to take up the following — viz. “Resolved that in order to carry into execution the Design of the States in forming this Convention, and to accomplish the objects proposed by the Confederation a more effective Government consisting of a Legislative, Executive and Judiciary ought to be established.” The motion to postpone for this purpose was lost: Yeas Massachusetts, Connecticut. Delaware S. Carolina — 4 Nays N. Y. Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina — 4〉 On the question 〈as moved by Mr. Butler on the third proposition〉 it was resolved in Committee of the whole that a national Governt. ought to be established consisting of a supreme Legislative Executive & Judiciary.” Massts. being ay — Connect. no. N. York divided (Col. Hamilton ay Mr. Yates no) Pena. ay. Delaware ay. Virga. ay. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. [Ayes — 6; noes — 1; divided — 1.] 〈The following Resolution being the 2d. of those proposed by Mr. Randolph was taken up. viz — “that the rights of suffrage in the National Legislature ought to be proportioned to the quotas of contribution, or to the number of free inhabitants, as the one or the other rule may seem best in different cases.”〉 Mr. M〈adison〉 observing that the words 〈“or to the number of〉 free inhabitants.” might occasion debates which would divert the Committee from the general question whether the principle of representation should be changed, moved that they might be struck out. Mr. King observed that the quotas of contribution which would alone remain as the measure of representation, would not answer; because waving every other view of the matter, the revenue might hereafter be so collected by the general Govt. that the sums respectively drawn from the States would 〈not〉 appear; and would besides be continually varying. 〈Mr. Madison admitted the propriety of the observation, and that some better rule ought to be found. Col. Hamilton moved to alter the resolution so as to read “that the rights of suffrage in the national Legislature ought to be proportioned to the number of free inhabitants. Mr. Spaight 2ded. the motion. It was then moved that the Resolution be postponed, which was agreed to. Mr. Randolph and Mr. Madison then moved the following resolution — “that the rights of suffrage in the national Legislature ought to be proportioned” It was moved and 2ded. to amend it by adding “and not according to the present system” — which was agreed to. It was then moved and 2ded. to alter the resolution so as to read “that the rights of suffrage in the national Legislature ought not to be according to the present system.” It was then moved & 2ded. to postpone the Resolution moved by Mr. Randolph & Mr. Madison, which being agreed to; Mr. Madison, moved, in order to get over the difficulties, the following resolution — “that the equality of suffrage established by the articles of Confederation ought not to prevail in the national Legislature, and that an equitable ratio of representation ought to be substituted” This was 2ded. by Mr. Govr. Morris, and being generally relished, would have been agreed to; when,〉 Mr. Reed moved that the whole clause relating to the point of Representation be postponed; reminding the Come. that the deputies from Delaware were restrained by their commission from assenting to any change of the rule of suffrage, and in case such a change should be fixed on, it might become their duty to retire from the Convention. Mr. Govr. Morris observed that the valuable assistance of those members could not be lost without real concern, and that so early a proof of discord in the convention as a secession of a State, would add much to the regret; that the change proposed was however so fundamental an article in a national Govt. that it could not be dispensed with. Mr. M〈adison〉 observed that whatever reason might have existed for the equality of suffrage when the Union was a federal one among sovereign States, it must cease when a national Governt. should be put into the place. In the former case, the acts of Congs. depended so much for their efficacy on the cooperation of the States, that these had a weight both within & without Congress, nearly in proportion to their extent and importance. In the latter case, as the acts of the Genl. Govt. would take effect without the intervention of the State legislatures, a vote from a small State wd. have the same efficacy & importance as 〈a vote〉 from a large one, and there was the same reason for 〈different numbers〉 of representatives from different States, as from Counties of different extents within particular States. He suggested as an expedient for at once taking the sense of the members on this point and saving the Delaware deputies from embarrassment, that the question should be taken in Committee, and the clause on report to the House 〈be postponed without a question there〉. This however did not appear to satisfy Mr. Read. By several it was observed that no just construction of the Act of Delaware, could require or justify a secession of her deputies, even if the resolution were to be carried thro’ the House as well as the Committee. It was finally agreed however that the clause should be postponed: it being understood that in the event the proposed change of representation would certainly be agreed to, no objection or difficulty being started from any other quarter 〈than from Delaware. The motion of Mr. Read to postpone being agreed to The Committee then rose. The Chairman reported progress, and the House having resolved to resume the subject in Committee tomorrow, Adjourned to 10 OClock〉 [May] 30. — (pa. 38 to 47) Mr Sherman attended. In Comee of the whole — Mr Rs 1. res. was on his motion postponed. to consider three others introduced by him — the two first asserting the inefficiency of the federal & the 3d the necessity for a national & supreme govt. The latter after some discussion was resolved after debating the 2. res. on the right of suffrage it was postponed — Robert Yates YATES' Notes Wednesday, May 30th, 1787. Convention met pursuant to adjournment. The convention, pursuant to order, resolved itself into a committee of the whole — Mr. Gorham (a member from Massachusetts) appointed chairman. Mr. Randolph then moved his first resolve, to wit: “Resolved, that the articles of the confederation ought to be so corrected and enlarged, as to accomplish the objects proposed by their institution, namely, common defence, security of liberty, and general welfare.” Mr. G. Morris observed, that it was an unnecesaary resolution, as the subsequent resolutions would not agree with it. It was then withdrawn by the proposer, and in lieu thereof the following were proposed, to wit: 1. Resolved, That a union of the states, merely federal, will not accomplish the objects proposed by the articles of the confederation, namely, common defence, security of liberty, and general welfare. 2. Resolved, That no treaty or treaties among any of the states as sovereign, will accomplish or secure their common defence, liberty or welfare. 3. Resolved, That a national government ought to be established, consisting of a supreme judicial, legislative and executive. In considering the question on the first resolve, various modifications were proposed, when Mr. Pinkney observed, at last, that if the convention agreed to it, it appeared to him that their business was at an end; for as the powers of the house in general were to revise the present confederation, and to alter or amend it as the case might require; to determine its insufficiency or incapability of amendment or improvement, must end in the dissolution of the powers. This remark had its weight, and in consequence of it, the 1st and 2d resolve was dropt, and the question agitated on the third. This last resolve had also its difficulties; the term supreme required explanation — It was asked whether it was intended to annihilate state governments? It was answered, only so far as the powers intended to be granted to the new government should clash with the states, when the latter was to yield. For the resolution — Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Corolina. Against it — Connecticut, New-York divided, Jersey and the other states unrepresented. The next question was on the following resolve: In substance that the mode of the present representation was unjust — the suffrage ought to be in proportion to number or property. To this Delaware objected, in consequence of the restrictions in their credentials, and moved to have the consideration thereof postponed, to which the house agreed. Adjourned to to-morrow. James McHenry McHENRY's Notes May 30. Mr. Randolph wished the house to dissent from the first proposition on the paper delivered in to the convention in order to take up the following 1st. That a union of the States merely federal will not accomplish the object proposed by the articles of confederation, namely “common defence, security of liberty, and general welfare.” 2. That no treaty or treaties between the whole or a less number of the States in their sovereign capacities will accomplish their common defence, liberty, or welfare. 3. That therefore a national government ought to be established consisting of a supreme legislature, judi[c]iary and executive. On a question taken on the last proposition after various attempts to amend it, the same was agreed to. For it, Massachusets Pennsylv. Delaware, Virginia, N. Carolina, and S. Carolina — against it Connecticut. New York divided. The Committee then proceeded to consider the 2 Resolution in Mr. Randolphs paper viz That the rights of suffrage in the national legislature ought to be proportioned to the quotas of contribution or to the number of free inhabitants as the one or the other rule may seem best in different cases. As this gave the large States the most absolute controul over the lesser ones it met with opposition which produced an adjournment without any determination. The Committee of the whole to sit to-morrow. May 30th 1st resolution from Mr. Randol. Mr. R. wishes to have that resol. dissented to. The resol. postponed to take up the following: 1st. That a union of the States merely fœderal will not accomplish the object proposed by the articles of confederation, namely, “common defence, security of liberty, and general welfare”. Mr. C. Pinkney wishes to know whether the establishment of this Resolution is intended as a ground for a consolidation of the several States into one. Mr. Randol has nothing further in contemplation than what the propositions he has submitted yesterday has expressed. 2. Resolved that no treaty or treaties between the whole or a less number of the States in their sovereign capacities will accomplish their common defence, liberty or welfare. 3. Resolved therefore that a national governmen ought to be established consisting of a supreme legislature, judiciary and executive. Mr. Whythe presumes from the silence of the house that they gentn. are prepared to pass on the resolution and proposes its being put. Mr. Butler — does not think the house prepared, that he is not. Wishes Mr. Randolph to shew that the existence of the States cannot be preserved by any other mode than a national government. Gen. Pinkney — Thinks agreeing to the resolve is declaring that the convention does not act under the authority of the recommendation of Congress. The first resolution postponed to take up the 3d. viz — Resolved that a national government ought to be established consisting of a supreme legislature, judiciary and executive. 1787, 21 Febry. Resolution of Congress. Resolved that in the opinion of Congress it is expedient that on the 2d Monday of May next a convention of delegates who shall have been appointed by the several States to be held at Philada. for the sole and expres purpose of revising the articles of confederation, and reporting to Congress and the several legislatures, such alterations and provisions therein as shall when agreeed to in Congress, and confirmed by the States, render the fœderal constitution, adequate to the exigencies of government and the preservation of the union.” Mr. Randolph explains the intention of the 3d Resolution. Repeats the substance of his yesterdays observations. It is only meant to give the national government a power to defend and protect itself. To take therefore from the respective legislatures or States, no more soverignty than is competent to this end. Mr. Dickinson. Under obligations to the gentlemen who brought forward the systems laid before the house yesterday. Yet differs from the mode of proceeding to which the resolutions or propositions before the Committee lead. Would propose a more simple mode. All agree that the confederation is defective all agree that it ought to be amended. We are a nation altho’ consisting of parts or States — we are also confederated, and he hopes we shall always remain confederated. The enquiry should be — 1. What are the legislative powers which we should vest in Congress. 2. What judiciary powers. 3 What executive powers. We may resolve therefore, in order to let us into the business. That the confederation is defective; and then proceed to the definition of such powers as may be thought adequate to the objects for which it was instituted. Mr. E. Gerry. Does not rise to speak to the merits of the question before the Committee but to the mode. A distinction has been made between a federal and national government. We ought not to determine that there is this distinction for if we do, it is questionable not only whether this convention can propose an government totally different or whether Congress itself would have a right to pass such a resolution as that before the house. The commission from Massachusetts empowers the deputies to proceed agreeably to the recommendation of Congress. This the foundation of the convention. If we have a right to pass this resolution we have a right to annihilate the confederation. Proposes — In the opinion of this convention, provision should be made for the establishment of a fœderal legislative, judiciary, and executive. Governeur Morris. Not yet ripe for a decision, because men seem to have affixed different explanations to the terms before the house. 1. We are not now under a fœderal government. 2. There is no such thing. A fœderal government is that which has a right to compel every part to do its duty. The fœderal gov. has no such compelling capacities, whether considered in their legislative, judicial or Executive qualities. The States in their appointments Congress in their recommendations point directly to the establishment of a supreme government capable of “the common defence, security of liberty and general welfare. Cannot conceive of a government in which there can exist two supremes. A federal agreement which each party may violate at pleasure cannot answer the purpose. One government better calculated to prevent wars or render them less expensive or bloody than many. We had better take a supreme government now, than a despot twenty years hence — for come he must. Mr. Reed, Genl. Pky [Pinckney] 2dng. proposes — In order to carry into execution the design of the States inthis meeting and to accomplish the objects proposed by the confederation resolved that A more effective government consisting of a legislative judiciary and executive ought to be established. In order to carry into execution Mr. R. King — The object of the motion from Virginia, an establishment of a government that is to act upon the whole people of the U. S. The object of the motion from Delaware seems to have application merely to the strenghtening the confederation by some additional powers — Mr. Maddison — The motion does go to bring out the sense of the house — whether the States shall be governed by one power. If agreed to it will decide nothing. The meaning of the States that the confed. is defect. and ought to be amended. In agreeing to the . . .

Day 4: Constitutional Convention May 29, 1787 JOURNAL Tuesday May 29, 1787. Mr Wythe reported, from the Committee to whom the motions made by Mr Butler and Mr Spaight were referred, that the Committee had examined the matters of the said motions, and had come to the following resolution thereupon, resolved that it is the opinion of this Committee that provision be made for the purposes mentioned in the said motions — and to that end. The Committee beg leave to propose that the rules written under their resolution be added to the standing orders of the House. And the said rules were once read throughout and then a second time, one by one; and, on the question severally put thereupon, were, with amendments to some of them, agreed to by the House which rules so agreed to are as follow. rules. That no member be absent from the House so as to interrupt the representation of the State without leave. That Committees do not sit whilst the House shall be, or ought to be, sitting. That no copy be taken of any entry on the journal during the sitting of the House without the leave of the House. That members only be permitted to inspect the journal. That nothing spoken in the House be printed, or otherwise published, or communicated without leave. That a motion to reconsider a matter, which had been determined by a majority, may be made, with leave unanimously given,-on-the same day in which the vote passed, but otherwise, not without one days previous notice; in which last case, if the House agree to the reconsideration some future day shall be assigned for that purpose. Resolved that the said rules be added to the standing orders of the House. The honorable John Dickinson Esq a Deputy of the State of Delaware — and the honorable Elbridge Gerry Esquire, a Deputy from the State of Massachusetts, attended and took their seats. Mr Randolph, one of the Deputies of Virginia, laid before the House, for their consideration, sundry propositions, in writing, concerning the american confederation, and the establishment of a national government Resolved that the House will to-morrow resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House to consider of the state of the American Union. Ordered that the propositions this day laid before the House, for their consideration, by Mr Randolph be referred to the said Committee. Mr Charles Pinckney, one of the Deputies of South Carolina, laid before the House for their consideration, the draught of a fœderal government to be agreed upon between the free and independent States of America. Ordered that the said draught be referred to the Committee of the whole House appointed to consider of the state of the american Union And then the House adjourned till to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock MADISON's Notes Tuesday May 29 〈John Dickenson, and Elbridge Gerry, the former from Delaware, the latter from Massts. took their seats, The following rules were added, on the report of Mr. Wythe, from the Committee Additional rules. That no member be absent from the House, so as to interrupt the representation of the State, without leave. That Committees do not sit whilst the House shall be or ought to be, sitting. That no copy be taken of any entry on the journal during the sitting of the House without leave of the House. That members only be permitted to inspect the journal. That nothing spoken in the House be printed, or otherwise published or communicated without leave. That a motion to reconsider a matter which had been determined by a majority, may be made, with leave unanimously given, on the same day on which the vote passed, but otherwise not without one day’s previous notice: in which last case, if the House agree to the reconsideration, some future day shall be assigned for the purpose.〉 Mr. C. Pinckney moved that a Committee be appointed to superintend the minutes. the Compendium: Chapter VI 1819 Publication of the Journal of the Constitutional Convention Annotation: Secrecy rule is adopted. Edmund Randolph proposes the Virginia Plan, this is the framework from which the convention will structure the Constitution. Charles Pinckney of South Carolina also proposes a plan which was referred to the Committee of the Whole for consideration. Both plans committed the Convention to creating a new plan of government rather than simply amending the Articles of Confederation. Authors: Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States — Howard Chandler Christy 1940 James Madison — Gilbert Stuart 1804 Robert Yates James McHenry William Paterson — James Sharples 1794 Sections: Journal of the Constitutional Convention Madison's Notes Yate's Notes McHenry's Notes Patterson's Notes Source: https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/farrand-the-records-of-the-federal-convention-of-1787-vol-1#lf0544-01_head_029 Mr. Govr. Morris objected to it. The entry of the proceedings of the Convention belonged to the Secretary as their impartial officer. A committee might have an interest & bias in moulding the entry according to their opinions and wishes The motion was negatived 5 noes 4 ays. Mr. Randolph 〈then〉 opened the main business He expressed his regret, that it should fall to him, rather than those, who were of longer standing in life and political experience, to open the great subject of their mission. But, as the convention had originated from Virginia, and his colleagues supposed, that some proposition was expected from them, they had imposed this task on him. He then commented on the difficulty of the crisis, and the necessity of preventing the fulfilment of the prophecies of the American downfal. He observed that in revising the fœderal system we ought to inquire 1. into the properties, which such a government ought to possess, 2. the defects of the confederation, 3. the danger of our situation &. 4. the remedy. 1. The character of such a governme[nt] ought to secure 1. against foreign invasion: 2. against dissentions between members of the Union, or seditions in particular states: 3. to p[ro]cure to the several States various blessings, of which an isolated situation was i[n]capable: 4. to be able to defend itself against incroachment: & 5. to be paramount to the state constitutions. 2. In speaking of the defects of the confederation he professed a high respect for its authors, and considered, them as having done all that patriots could do, in the then infancy of the science, of constitutions, & of confederacies, — when the inefficiency of requisitions was unknown — no commercial discord had arisen among any states — no rebellion had appeared as in Massts. — foreign debts had not become urgent — the havoc of paper money had not been foreseen — treaties had not been violated — and perhaps nothing better could be obtained from the jealousy of the states with regard to their sovereignty. He then proceeded to enumerate the defects: 1. that the confederation produced no security agai[nst] foreign invasion; congress not being permitted to prevent a war nor to support it by th[eir] own authority — Of this he cited many examples; most of whi[ch] tended to shew, that they could not cause infractions of treaties or of the law of nations, to be punished: that particular states might by their conduct provoke war without controul; and that neither militia nor draughts being fit for defence on such occasions, enlistments only could be successful, and these could not be executed without money. 2. that the fœderal government could not check the quarrals between states, nor a rebellion in any not having constitutional power Nor means to interpose according to the exigency: 3. that there were many advantages, which the U. S. might acquire, which were not attainable under the confederation — such as a productive impost — counteraction of the commercial regulations of other nations — pushing of commerce ad libitum — &c &c. 4. that the fœderal government could not defend itself against the incroachments from the states: 5. that it was not even paramount to the state constitutions, ratified as it was in may of the states. 3. He next reviewed the danger of our situation appealed to the sense of the best friends of the U. S. — the prospect of anarchy from the laxity of government every where; and to other considerations. 4. He then proceeded to the remedy; the basis of which he said, must be the republican principle He proposed as conformable to his ideas the following resolutions,9 which he explained one by one. The Virginia Plan Resolutions proposed by Mr Randolph in Convention. May 29. 1787. 1. Resolved that the articles of Confederation ought to be so corrected & enlarged as to accomplish the objects proposed by their institution; namely. “common defence, security of liberty and general welfare.”11 2. Resd. therefore that the rights of suffrage in the National12 Legislature ought to be proportioned to the Quotas of contribution, or to the number of free inhabitants, as the one or the other rule may seem best in different cases. 3. Resd. that the National Legislature ought to consist of two branches. 4. Resd. that the members of the first branch of the National Legislature ought to be elected by the people of the several States everyfor the term of; to be of the age ofyears at least, to receive liberal stipends by which they may be compensated for the devotion of their time to public service; to be ineligible to any office established by a particular State, or under the authority of the United States, except those beculiarly belonging to the functions of the first branch, during the term of service, and for the space ofafter its expiration; to be incapable of re-election for the space ofafter the expiration of their term of service, and to be subject to recall. 5. Resold. that the members of the second branch of the National Legislature ought to be elected by those of the first, out of a proper number of persons nominated by the individual Legislatures, to be of the age ofyears at least; to hold their offices for a term sufficient to ensure their independency, to receive liberal stipends, by which they may be compensated for the devotion of their time to public service; and to be ineligible to any office established by a particular State, or under the authority of the United States, except those peculiarly belonging to the functions of the second branch, during the term of service, and for the space ofafter the expiration thereof. 6. Resolved that each branch ought to possess the right of originating Acts; that the National Legislature ought to be impowered to enjoy the Legislative Rights vested in Congress by the Confederation & moreover to legislate in all cases to which the separate States are incompetent, or in which the harmony of the United States may be interrupted by the exercise of individual Legislation; to negative all laws passed by the several States, contravening in the opinion of the National Legislature the articles of Union; and to call forth the force of the Union agst. any member of the Union failing to fulfill its duty under the articles thereof. 7. Resd. that a National Executive be instituted; to be chosen by the National Legislature for the term ofyears, to receive punctually at stated times, a fixed compensation for the services rendered, in which no increase or diminution shall be made so as to affect the Magistracy, existing at the time of increase or diminution, and to be ineligible a second time; and that besides a general authority to execute the National laws, it ought to enjoy the Executive rights vested in Congress by the Confederation. 8. Resd. that the Executive and a convenient number of the National Judiciary, ought to compose a council of revision with authority to examine every act of the National Legislature before it shall operate, & every act of a particular Legislature before a Negative thereon shall be final; and that the dissent of the said Council shall amount to a rejection, unless the Act of the National Legislature be again passed, or that of a particular Legislature be again negatived byof the members of each branch. 9. Resd. that a National Judiciary be established to consist of one or more supreme tribunals, and of inferior tribunals to be chosen by the National Legislature, to hold their offices during good behaviour; and to receive punctually at stated times fixed compensation for their services, in which no increase or diminution shall be made so as to affect the persons actually in office at the time of such increase or diminution. that the jurisdiction of the inferior tribunals shall be to hear & determine in the first instance, and of the supreme tribunal to hear and determine in the dernier resort, all piracies & felonies on the high seas, captures from an enemy; cases in which foreigners or citizens of other States applying to such jurisdictions may be interested, or which respect the collection of the National revenue; impeachments of any National officers, and questions which may involve the national peace and harmony. 10. Resolvd. that provision ought to be made for the admission of States lawfully arising within the limits of the United States, whether from a voluntary junction of Government & Territory or otherwise, with the consent of a number of voices in the National legislature less than the whole. 11. Resd. that a Republican Government & the territory of each State, except in the instance of a voluntary junction of Government & territory, ought to be guaranteed by the United States to each State 12. Resd. that provision ought to be made for the continuance of Congress and their authorities and privileges, until a given day after the reform of the articles of Union shall be adopted, and for the completion of all their engagements. 13. Resd. that provision ought to be made for the amendment of the Articles of Union whensoever it shall seem necessary, and that the assent of the National Legislature ought not to be required thereto. 14. Resd. that the Legislative Executive & Judiciary powers within the several States ought to be bound by oath to support the articles of Union 15. Resd. that the amendments which shall be offered to the Confederation, by the Convention ought at a proper time, or times, after the approbation of Congress to be submitted to an assembly or assemblies of Representatives, recommended by the several Legislatures to be expressly chosen by the people, to consider & decide thereon. He concluded with an exhortation, not to suffer the present opportunity of establishing general peace, harmony, happiness and liberty in the U. S. to pass away unimproved.* 〈It13 was then Resolved &c — &c — That the House will to-morrow resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House to consider of the State of the American Union, — and that the propositions moved by Mr. Randolph be referred to the said Committee. Mr. Charles Pinkney laid before the house the draught of a federal Government which he had prepared to be agreed upon between the free and independent States of America.—Mr. P. plan ordered that the same be referred to the Committee of the whole appointed to consider the State of the American Union. adjourned.〉 [May] 29. — (pages 10 to 38.) two additional members take their seats — other rules added on report of Mr W. Mr Randolph on the part of the Virginia delegation opened the main business, enumerating defects of the confederation & proposed his resolutions which were referred to a Comee of the whole—copy of C. Pinkneys resolutions (journal) & note &co on them by J. M. — resolutions referred to same Comee Robert Yates YATES' Notes Tuesday, May 29th, 1787. The additional rules agreed to. His excellency Governor Randolph, a member from Virginia, got up, and in a long and elaborate speech, shewed the defects in the system of the present federal government as totally inadequate to the peace, safety and security of the confederation, and the absolute necessity of a more energetic government. He closed these remarks with a set of resolutions, fifteen in number, which he proposed to the convention for their adoption, and as leading principles whereon to form a new government — He candidly confessed that they were not intended for a federal government — he meant a strong consolidated union, in which the idea of states should be nearly annihilated. (I have taken a copy of these resolutions, which are hereunto annexed.) He then moved that they should be taken up in committee of the whole house. Mr. C. Pinkney, a member from South-Carolina, then added, that he had reduced his ideas of a new government to a system, which he read, and confessed that it was grounded on the same principle as of the above resolutions. The house then resolved, that they would the next day form themselves into a committee of the whole, to take into consideration the state of the union. Adjourned to next day. James McHenry McHENRY's Notes 29. Governor Randolph opened the business of the convention.18a He observed that the confederation fulfilled none of the objects for which it was framed. 1st. It does not provide against foreign invasions. 2dly. It does not secure harmony to the States. 3d. It is incapable of producing certain blessings to the States. 4 It cannot defend itself against encroachments. 5th. It is not superior to State constitutions. 1st It does not provide against foreign invasion. If a State acts against a foreign power contrary to the laws of nations or violates a treaty, it cannot punish that State, or compel its obedience to the treaty. It can only leave the offending State to the operations of the offended power. It therefore cannot prevent a war. If the rights of an ambassador be invaded by any citizen it is only in a few States that any laws exist to punish the offender. A State may encroach on foreign possessions in its neighbourhood and Congress cannot prevent it. Disputes that respect naturalization cannot be adjusted. None of the judges in the several States under the obligation of an oath to support the confederation, in which view this writing will be made to yield to State constitutions. Imbecility of the Confederation equally conspicuous when called upon to support a war. The journals of Congress a history of expedients. The States in arrears to the federal treasury from theto the What reason to expect that the treasury will be better filled in future, or that money can be obtained under the present powers of Congress to support a war. Volunteers not to be depended on for such a purpose. Militia difficult to be collected and almost impossible to be kept in the field. Draughts stretch the strings of government too violently to be adopted. Nothing short of a regular military force will answer the end of war, and this only to be created and supported by money. 2. It does not secure harmony to the States. It cannot preserve the particular States against seditions within themselves or combinations against each other. What laws in the confederation authorise Congress to intrude troops into a State. What authority to determine which of the citizens of a State is in the right, The supporters or the opposers of the government, Those who wish to change it, or they who wish to preserve it. No provision to prevent the States breaking out into war. One State may as it were underbid another by duties, and thus keep up a State of war. 3 Incapable to produce certain blessings. The benefits of which we are singly incapable cannot be produced by the union. The 5 per cent impost not agreed; a blessing congress ought to be enabled to obtain. Congress ought to possess a power to prevent emissions of bills of credit. Under this head may be considered the establishment of great national works — the improvement of inland navigation — agriculture — manufactures — a freer intercourse among the citizens. 4 It cannot defend itself against incroachments. Not an animated existence which has not the powers of defence. Not a political existence which ought not to possess it. In every Congress there has been a party opposed to federal measures? In every State assembly there has been a party opposed to federal measures. The States have been therefore delinquent. To What expedient can congress resort, to compel delinquent States to do what is right. If force, this force must be drawn from the States, and the States may or may not furnish it. 5 Inferior to State constitutions. State constitutions formed at an early period of the war, and by persons elected by the people for that purpose. These in general with one or two exceptions established about 1786. The confederation was formed long after this, and had its ratification not by any special appointment from the people, but from the several assemblies. No judge will say that the confederation is paramount to a State constition. Thus we see that the confederation is incompetent to any one object for which it was instituted. The framers of it wise and great men; but human rights were the chief knowlege of the times when it was framed so far as they applied to oppose Great Britain. Requisitions for men and money had never offered their form to our assemblies. None of those vices that have since discovered themselves were apprehended. Its defects therefore no reflextion on its contrivers. Having pointed out its defects, let us not be affraid to view with a steady eye the perils with which we are surrounded. Look at the public countenance from New Hampshire to Georgia. Are we not on the eve of war, which is only prevented by the hopes from this convention. Our chief danger arises from the democratic parts of our constitutions. It is a maxim which I hold incontrovertible, that the powers of government exercised by the people swallows up the other branches. None of the constitutions have provided sufficient checks against the democracy. The feeble Senate of Virginia is a phantom. Maryland has a more powerful senate, but the late distractions in that State, have discovered that it is not powerful enough. The check established in the constitution of New York and Massachusetts is yet a stronger barrier against democracy, but they all seem insufficient. He then submitted the following propositions which he read and commented upon seriatim. . . . The convention resolved that on to-morrow, the convention resolve itself into a committee of the whole. to take into consideration the state of the american union. It was observed by Mr. Hamilton before adjourning that it struck him as a necessary and preliminary inquiry to the propositions from Virginia whether the united States were susceptible of one government, or required a separate existence connected only by leagues offensive and defensive and treaties of commerce. William Paterson — James Sharples 1794 PATERSON's Notes Govr. Randolph — Propositions founded upon republican Principles. 1. The Articles of the Confdn. should be so enlarged and corrected as to answer the Purposes of the Instn. 2. That the Rights of Suffrage shall be ascertained by the Quantum of Property or Number of Souls — This the Basis upon which the larger States can assent to any Reform. Objn. — Sovereignty is an integral Thing — We ought to be one Nation — 3. That the national Legr. should consist of two Branches— 4. That the Members of the first Branch should be elected by the People, etc. This the democratick Branch — Perhaps, if inconvenient, may be elected by the several Legrs. — 5. Members of the 2d. Branch to be elected out of the first — to continue for a certain Length of Time, etc. To be elected by Electors appointed for that Purpose — 6. The Powers to be vested in the national Legr. — A negative upon particular acts, etc. contravening the Articles of the Union — Force — 7. A national Executive to be elected by the national Legr. Checks upon the Legv. and Ex. Powers— 1. A Council of Revision to be selected out of the ex. and judy. Departments, etc. 2. A natl Judiciary to be elected by the natl. Legr. — To consist of an inferior and superior Tribunal — To determine Piracies, Captures, Disputes between Foreigners and Citizens, and the Citizen of one State and that of another, Revenue-matters, national Officers — 1. Provision for future States — 2. A Guary. by the United States to each State of its Territory, etc. 3. Continuation of Congress till a given Day. 4. Provision, that the Articles of national Union should be amended — 5. That the leg. ex. and judy. Officers should be bound by Oath to observe the Union. 6. That Members be elected by the People of the several States to ratify the Articles of national Union —

Day 2: Constitutional Convention May 25th, 1787 JOURNAL In fœderal-Convention. On Monday the 14th of May. ad 1787. and in the eleventh year of the independence of the United States of America, at the State-House in the city of Philadelphia — in virtue of appointments from their respective States, sundry Deputies to the fœderal-Convention appeared — but, a majority of the States not being represented, the Members present adjourned from day to day until friday the 25th of the said month, when, in virtue of the said appointments appeared from the States of Massachusetts The honorable Rufus King Esquire. New-York The honorable Robert Yates, and Alexander Hamilton Esquires. New-Jersey The honorable David Brearly, William Churchill Houston, and William Patterson Esquires. Pennsylvania The honorable Robert Morris, Thomas Fitz Simmons, James Wilson, and Gouverneur Morris Esquires. Delaware The honorable George Read, Richard Basset, and Jacob Broom Esquires. Virginia His Excellency George Washington, Esquire, His Excellency Edmund Randolph Esquire The honorable John Blair, James Madison, George Mason, George Wythe, and James McClurg Esquires. North-Carolina The honorable Alexander Martin, William Richardson Davie, Richard Dobbs Spaight, and Hugh Williamson Esquires. South-Carolina The honorable John Rutledge, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Charles Pinckney, and Pierce Butler Esquires. Georgia The honorable Few Esquire. In fœderal-Convention Friday May 25. 1787. It was moved by the honorable Robert Morris Esquire, One of the Deputies from Pennsylvania, that a President be elected by ballot, which was agreed to — and thereupon he nominated, on the part of the said State, His Excellency George Washington Esquire. The Members then proceeded to ballot on behalf of their respective States — and, the ballots being taken, it appeared that the said George Washington was unanimously elected — and he was conducted to the chair by The honorable Robert Morris, and John Rutledge Esquires. The President then proposed to the House that they should proceed to the election of a Secretary — and, the ballots being taken, it appeared that William Jackson Esquire was elected. The following credentials were produced and read — (here insert the Credentials). The House then appointed Nicholas Weaver Messenger, and Joseph Fry Door-Keeper. On motion of Mr C. Pinckney — ordered that a Committee be appointed to draw up rules to be observed as the standing Orders of the Convention — and to report the same to the House. — a Committee by ballot was appointed of This document appears in the Compendium: Chapter VI 1819 Publication of the Journal of the Constitutional Convention Annotation: Quorum is reached; Washington elected president of the convention; William Jackson is elected secretary; rules committee est. Author: Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States — Howard Chandler Christy 1940 James Madison — Gilbert Stuart 1804 Robert Yates Sections: Journal of the Constitutional Convention Madison's Notes Yate's Notes Source: https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/farrand-the-records-of-the-federal-convention-of-1787-vol-1#lf0544-01_head_018 Mr Wythe, Mr Hamilton, and Mr C. Pinckney. And then the House adjourned ’till monday next at 10 o’clock A.M. James Madison — Gilbert Stuart 1804 MADISON's Notes Friday 25 of May, 〈when the following members appeared to wit: viz. From Massachusetts Rufus King. N. York Robert Yates, Alexr. Hamilton. N. Jersey, David Brearley, William Churchill Houston, William Patterson. Pennsylvania, Robert Morris, Thomas Fitzsimmons, James Wilson, Gouverneur Morris. Delaware, George Read, Richard Basset, Jacob Broom. Virginia, George Washington, Edmund Randolph, John Blair, James Madison, George Mason, George Wythe, James McClurg. N. Carolina, Alexander Martin, William Richardson Davie, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Hugh Williamson. S. Carolina, John Rutlidge, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Charles Pinckney, Pierce Butler. Georgia, William Few.〉 Mr Robert Morris informed the members assembled that by the instruction & in behalf, of the deputation of Pena. he proposed George Washington Esqr. late Commander in chief for president of the Convention. Mr. Jno. Rutlidge seconded the motion; expressing his confidence that the choice would be unanimous, and observing that the presence of Genl Washington forbade any observations on the occasion which might otherwise be proper. General 〈Washington〉 was accordingly unanimously elected by ballot, and conducted to the chair by Mr. R. Morris and Mr. Rutlidge; from which in a very emphatic manner he thanked the Convention for the honor they had conferred on him, reminded them of the novelty of the scene of business in which he was to act, lamented his want of 〈better qualifications〉, and claimed the indulgence of the House towards the involuntary errors which his inexperience might occasion. (The nomination came with particular grace from Penna, as Docr. Franklin alone could have been thought of 〈as a competitor〉. The Docr. was himself to have made the nomination 〈of General Washington, but the state of the weather and of his health confined him to his house.〉 Mr. Wilson moved that a Secretary be appointed, and nominated Mr. Temple Franklin. Col. Hamilton nominated Major Jackson. On the ballot Majr. Jackson had 5 votes & Mr. Franklin 2 votes. On11 reading the Credentials of the deputies it was noticed that those from Delaware were prohibited from changing the Article in the Confederation establishing an equality of votes among the States. The appointment of a Committee, consisting of Messrs. Wythe, Hamilton & C. Pinckney, on the motion of Mr. C. Pinckney, to prepare standing rules & orders was the only remaining step taken on this day May 14, 1787 — appointed for the meeting of ye Convention on the 7 States met May 25. — (page 1 to 4) list of members assembled — G. Washington unanimously elected prest. notes of J. M. Major Jackson elected Secy — credentials of deputies read. Commee appd to prepare rules. Robert Yates YATES' Notes Friday, May 25, 1787. Attended the convention of the states, at the state house in Philadelphia, when the following states were represented: NEW-YORK, Alexander Hamilton, Robert Yates. NEW-JERSEY, David Brearly, William Churchill Houston, William Patterson. PENNSYLVANIA, Robert Morris, Thomas Fitzsimons, James Wilson, Gouverneur Morris. DELAWARE, George Read, Richard Bassett, Jacob Broom. VIRGINIA, George Washington, Edmund Randolph, George Wythe, George Mason, James Madison, John Blair, James M’Clurg. NORTH-CAROLINA, Alexander Martin, William Richardson Davie, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Hugh Williamson. SOUTH-CAROLINA, John Rutledge, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Charles Pinckney, Pierce Butler. A motion by R. Morris, and seconded, that General Washington take the chair — unanimously agreed to. When seated, he (Gen. Washington) declared, that as he never had been in such a situation, he felt himself embarrassed; that he hoped his errors, as they would be unintentional, would be excused. Mr. Hamilton, in behalf of the state of New-York, moved that Major Jackson be appointed secretary; the delegates for Pennsylvania, moved for Temple Franklin: by a majority Mr. Jackson carried it — called in and took his seat. After which, the respective credentials of the seven states were read. N. B. That of Delaware restrained its delegates from assenting to an abolition of the fifth article of the confederation, by which it is declared that each state shall have one vote. Door keeper and messengers being appointed, the house adjourned to Monday the 28th day of May, at ten o’clock.

Day 1: Constitutional Convention May 14, 1787 Madison's Notes Monday May 14th 1787 was the day fixed for the meeting of the deputies in Convention for revising the federal system of Government. On that day a small number only had assembled. Seven States were not convened till, This document appears in the Compendium: Chapter VI Annotation: First day of the convention not enough of the delegates showed up for a quorum so no business was conducted. Author: James Madison — Gilbert Stuart 1804 Source: https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/farrand-the-records-of-the-federal-convention-of-1787-vol-1#lf0544-01_head_021

Day 3: Constitutional Convention May 28, 1787 JOURNAL In fœderal-Convention. The Convention met agreeably to adjournment —The honorable Nathaniel Gorham, and Caleb Strong Esquires, Deputies from the State of Massachusetts, The honorable Oliver Elsworth Esq, a deputy from the State of Connecticut — The honble Gunning Bedford Esq. a Deputy from the State of Delaware and The honorable James McHenry Esquire, a Deputy from the State of Maryland, attended and took their seats. The following Credentials were produced and read. (here insert the credentials of the Deputies from the States of Massachusetts, and Connecticut, and the credentials of James McHenry Esquire from the State of Maryland) His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esquire, and of The honorable George Clymer, Thomas Mifflin and Jared Ingersol Esquires four of the Deputies of the State of Pennsylvania attended and took their seats Mr Wythe reported from the Committee, (to whom the drawing up rules, proper in their opinion, to be observed by the Convention in their proceedings, as standing Orders, was referred) that the Committee had drawn up the rules accordingly, and had directed him to report them to the House — and he read the report in his place, and afterwards delivered it in at the Secretary’s table; where the said rules were once read throughout, and then a second time one by one; and upon the question severally put thereupon two of them were disagreed to; and the rest with amendments to some of them were agreed to by the House, which rules, so agreed to, are as follow: Rules to be observed as the standing Orders of the Convention. A House, to do business, shall consist of the Deputies of not less than seven States; and all questions shall be decided by the greater number of these which shall be fully represented; but a less number than seven may adjourn from day to day. Immediately after the President shall have taken the Chair, and the members their seats, the minutes of the preceding day shall be read by the Secretary. Every member, rising to speak, shall address the President; and, whilst he shall be speaking, none shall pass between them, or hold discourse with another, or read a book, pamphlet, or paper, printed or manuscript — and of two members, rising at the same time, the President shall name him who shall be first heard. A member shall not speak oftner than twice, without special leave, upon the same question; and not the second time, before every other, who had been silent, shall have been heard, if he choose to speak, upon the subject. A motion made and seconded, shall be repeated and, if written, as it shall be when any member shall so require, read aloud, by the Secretary, before it shall be debated; and may be withdrawn at any time before the vote upon it shall have been declared. Orders of the day shall be read next after the minutes, and either discussed or postponed before any other business shall be introduced. When a debate shall arise upon a question, no motion, other than to amend the question, to commit it, or to postpone the debate shall be received. A question, which is complicated, shall, at the request of any member, be divided, and put separately upon the propositions, of which it is compounded. This document appears in the Compendium: Chapter VI 1819 Publication of the Journal of the Constitutional Convention Annotation: Day 3: Rules of Order This will be the first session Franklin is attending. Weak and ill, he does not play a very active role, but his presence confers importance to this gathering. Rules of the convention were approved. Authors: Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States — Howard Chandler Christy 1940 James Madison — Gilbert Stuart 1804 Robert Yates Sections: Journal of the Constitutional Convention Madison's Notes Yate's Notes Source: https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/farrand-the-records-of-the-federal-convention-of-1787-vol-1#lf0544-01_head_024 The determination of a question, although fully debated, shall be postponed, if the Deputies of any State desire it, until the next day. A Writing, which contains any matter brought on to be considered, shall be read once throughout, for information, then by paragraphs, to be debated, and again, with the amendments, if any, made on the second reading; and afterwards the question shall be put upon the whole, amended, or approved in it’s original form, as the case shall be. That Committees shall be appointed by ballot; and that the members who have the greatest number of ballots, although not a majority of the votes present, be the Committee. When two or more Members have an equal number of votes, the Member standing first on the list in the order of taking down the ballots shall be preferred. A member may be called to order by any other Member, as well as by the President, and may be allowed to explain his conduct or expressions, supposed to be reprehensible — And all questions of order shall be decided by the President without appeal or debate. Upon a question to adjourn, for the day, which may be made at any time, if it be seconded, the question shall be put without a debate. When the House shall adjourn every Member shall stand in his place until the President pass him. Resolved that the said rules be observed as standing Orders of the House. a letter from sundry Persons of the State of Rhode Island addressed to the honorable the Chairman of the General Convention was presented to the Chair by Mr G. Morris — and, being read, ordered that the said letter do lye upon the table for farther consideration. A motion was made by Mr Butler, one of the Deputies of South Carolina, that the House provide against interruption of business by absence of members, and against licentious publication of their proceedings: also A motion was made by Mr Spaight, one of the Deputies of North-Carolina, to provide, that, on the one hand, the house, may not be precluded, by a vote upon any question, from revising the subject matter of it, when they see cause, nor, on the other hand, be led too hastily to rescind a decision, which was the result of mature discussion. Ordered that the said motions be referred to the consideration of the Committee appointed on friday last, to draw up rules to be observed as the standing orders of the Convention; and that they do examine the matters thereof, and report thereupon to the House. adjourned till to-morrow at 10 o’clock A. M James Madison — Gilbert Stuart 1804 MADISON's Notes Monday May 28. — 〈From Masst’s Nat: Gorham & Caleb Strong. From Connecticut Oliver Elseworth. From Delaware Gunning Bedford. From Maryland James McHenry. From Penna. B. Franklin, George Clymer, Ths. Mifflin & Jared Ingersol took their seats.〉 Mr. Wythe from the Committee for preparing rules made a report which employed the deliberations of this day. Mr. King objected to one of the rules in the Report authorising any member to call for the yeas & nays and have them entered on the minutes. He urged that as the acts of the Convention were not to bind the Constituents it was unnecessary to exhibit this evidence of the votes; and improper as changes of opinion would be frequent in the course of the business & would fill the minutes with contradictions. Col. Mason seconded the objection; adding that such a record of the opinions of members would be an obstacle to a change of them on conviction; and in case of its being hereafter promulged must furnish handles to the adversaries of the Result of the Meeting. The proposed rule was rejected nem. contradicente. 〈The standing rules* agreed to were as follow: viz, A House to do business shall consist of the Deputies of not less than seven States; and all questions shall be decided by the greater number of these which shall be fully represented: but a less number than seven may adjourn from day to day. Immediately after the President shall have taken the chair, and the members their seats, the minutes of the preceding day shall be read by the Secretary. Every member, rising to speak, shall address the President; and whilst he shall be speaking, none shall pass between them, or hold discourse with another, or read a book, pamphlet or paper, printed or manuscript — and of two members rising at the same time, the President shall name him who shall be first heard. A member shall not speak oftener than twice, without special leave, upon the same question; and not the second time, before every other, who had been silent, shall have been heard, if he choose to speak upon the subject. A motion made and seconded, shall be repeated, and if written, as it shall be when any member shall so require, read aloud by the Secretary, before it shall be debated; and may be withdrawn at any time, before the vote upon it shall have been declared. Orders of the day shall be read next after the minutes, and either discussed or postponed, before any other business shall be introduced. When a debate shall arise upon a question, no motion, other than to amend the question, to commit it, or to postpone the debate shall be received. A question which is complicated, shall, at the request of any member, be divided, and put separately on the propositions. of which it is compounded. The determination of a question, altho’ fully debated, shall be postponed, if the deputies of any State desire it until the next day. A writing which contains any matter brought on to be considered, shall be read once throughout for information, then by paragraphs to be debated, and again, with the amendments if any, made on the second reading; and afterwards, the question shall be put on the whole, amended, or approved in its original form, as the case shall be. Committees shall be appointed by ballot; and the members who have the greatest number of ballots, altho’ not a majority of the votes present, shall be the Committee — When two or more members have an equal number of votes, the member standing first on the list in the order of taking down the ballots, shall be preferred. A member may be called to order by any other member, as well as by the President; and may be allowed to explain his conduct or expressions supposed to be reprehensible. — and all questions of order shall be decided by the President without appeal or debate. Upon a question to adjourn for the day, which may be made at any time, if it be seconded, the question shall be put without a debate. When the House shall adjourn, every member shall stand in his place, until the President pass him.〉 〈A letter from sundry persons of the State of Rho. Island addressed to the Honorable The Chairman of the General Convention was presented to the chair by Mr. Govr. Morris, and being read, was ordered to lie on the table for further consideration. (For the letter see Note in the appendix). Mr Butler moved that the house provide agst. interruption of business by absence of members, and against licentious publications of their procedings — to which was added by — Mr. Spaight — a motion to provide that on the one hand the House might not be precluded by a vote upon any question, from revising the subject matter of it, When they see cause, nor, on the other hand, be led too hastily to rescind a decision, which was the result of mature discussion. — Whereupon it was ordered that these motions be referred to the consideration of the Committee appointed to draw up the standing rules and that the Committee make report thereon. Adjd till to morrow 10. OClock〉 [May] 28. (pa. 4 to 10). Other members attended — Mr. Wythe from Commee reports rules — one of them rejected others adopted — note of J. M. on rule of voting. a letter from R. I. presented by G. Morris. Robert Yates YATES' Notes Monday, May 28, 1787 Met pursuant to adjournment. A committee of three members, (whose appointment I omitted in the entry of the proceedings of Friday last,) reported a set of rules for the order of the convention; which being considered by articles, were agreed to, and additional ones proposed and referred to the same committee. The representation was this day increased to nine states — Massachusetts and Connecticut becoming represented. Adjourned to next day.

Landing of Columbus — John Vanderlyn 1847 Low Res. Landing of Columbus — John Vanderlyn 1847 Low Res. Maximilian I - Bernhard Strigel, c. 1508 Voyages of Christopher Columbus - Simeon Netchev 2021 Real Cedula (Royal Order) for exporting African Slaves to the Americas - September 16, 1501 A letter from Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabel to Nicolas Ovando allowing black slaves of African descent to be imported to Hispaniola (present day Dominican Republic and Haiti), 16 September 1501, courtesy of the Archivo General de Indias, Sevilla, Spain. The monarchs reasoned that recent converts, heretics, and peoples of other religions would harm the American Indians’ conversion to Catholicism. However, they permitted slaves of sub-Saharan African descent provided that they were born in Spain. This is the first known example of Europeans transporting black slaves across the Atlantic to work in the New World. Isabella's Letter to Ovando on establishing the Encomienda - December 20, 1503 Letter from the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabel to Nicolas Ovando, Spain, 20 March 1503, courtesy of the Archivo General de Indias, Sevilla, Spain. The monarchs, on Ovando's recommendation, ban the trans-Atlantic slave trade. In the fourth paragraph from the top, the Spanish monarchs address Ovando’s concern that escaped black slaves might inspire the American Indians on Hispaniola to revolt and, on Ovando’s recommendation, Ferdinand and Isabel ban the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Spanish Atrocities during the Conquest of Hispaniola - Theodor de Bry ca. 1552 Bobadilla Betrays Columbus - Luigi Gregori c. 1883 Vasco Núñez de Balboa - 1791. Map of the Voyages of Amerigo Vespucci - Simeon Netchev Real Cedula 1501 Nicolas Ovando Cover of "Leyes Nuevas" of 1542 The death of Queen Isabella the Catholic - Eduardo Rosales Germaine of Foix Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar - 1728 Henry VIII — Meynnart Wewyck, 1509 Possibly Catherine of Aragon c. 1502 — Michael Sittow 1514 An account of the Magellian Expedition Narvaez Failed Expedition/Cabeza de Vaca Odessy The Trial of Queen Catherine of Aragon - Henry Nelson O'Neil 1846–1848 Portrait of Anne Boleyn, Henry's second queen 1534 The annulment verdict given by Thomas Cranmer, 1533 Jane Seymour De Soto Expedition Niccolo Machiavelli Anne of Cleves - Hans Holbein the Younger 1539 Coronado Expedition Catherine Howard - Hans Holbein the Younger 1540 Catherine Parr, Henry's sixth and last wife Portrait of Edward VI of England Lady Jane Grey Mary I Mary and Philip Philip II - Jooris van der Straeten, c. 1554 Bernardino de Sahagun The Abdication of Emperor Charles V in Favor of his son Philip II - Louis Gallait 1842 Ferdinand I - Hans Bocksberger the Elder Elizabeth in her Coronation Robes Maximilian II - Nicolas Neufchatel c. 1566 (became HRE July 25, 1564 - October 12, 1576 Henry Morgan's Panama Expedition Rudolf II - Martino Rota, c. 1576-1583 (October 12, 1576 - January 20, 1612) Francis Drake's First Expedition Failed Assassination of Admiral de Coligny One morning at the gates of the Louvre - Édouard Debat-Ponsan. Historia general de las Cosas de Nueva España Sir Humphrey Gilbert Sir Humphrey Gilbert's Expedition Charter to Sir Walter Raleigh Sir Raleigh Knighted Roanoke Colony Map - John White The Death of Mary Stuart - Abel de Pujol Baptism of Virginia Dare John White Returns to Roanoke English Blockade of Western Cuba The arrival of the Great Carrack 'Madre de Dios' at Dartmouth Harbour, 18th Sept 1592 - 19th century illustration. Recife in the early 17th century - Gillis Peeters Raleigh's raid on the island of Trinidad. The captured Spanish Governor de Berrío is being escorted - Theodore de Bry Burial of Drake off Panama - Thomas Davidson British illustration of the battle Elizabeth's Death - Paul Delaroche 1828 Matthias - Lucas van Valckenborch, 1583 (June 13, 1612 - March 20, 1619) Ferdinand II - Ferdinand, c. 1614 (August 28, 1619 - February 15, 1637) Ferdinand III - Frans Luycx, c. 1660–68 (February 15, 1637 - April 2, 1657) James I Treaty of London Engraving by Champlain of the Battle Galileo facing the Roman Inquisition - Cristiano Banti 1857 Mayflower Compact Massacre of Jamestown - Matthaeus Merian 1628 Cannon from Nuestra Señora de Atocha at the Archivo General de Indias, Seville Attack on San Salvador (c. 1624), oil painting by Andries van Eertvelt (1590–1652) Charles I Galileo before the Holy Office - Joseph-Nicolas Robert-Fleury Pequot War Mystic Massacre Treaty of Hartford Cover of the Bloody Tenent Rump Parliament Appoints a Council of State Leviathan - Thomas Hobbes Battle of Worcester Oliver Cromwell Becomes Lord Protector of the Commonwealth Flushing Remonstrance Richard Cromwell Charles II Lands in England Charles II becomes King Charter of Connecticut Rhode Island Royal Charter Concession and Agreement of New Jersey Dutch Surrender of New Netherlands to England Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina James II Declaration For Liberty of Conscience Mathematical Principles of Natural Philasophy - Isaac Newton William and Mary become co-monarchs Second Treatise of Government - John Locke Charter of Massachusetts Bay Colony 1691 Anne, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland by Michael Dahl George I - Godfrey Kneller George II - Thomas Hudson The Walk Frederick during his early reign by Antoine Pesne Maria-Theresa An Incident in the Rebellion of 1745 - David Morier 1750 Third Attack on the Cartagena de Indias Siege of Arcot - Harry H. Johnston 1913 Robert Clive and Mir Jafar after the Battle of Plassey, 1757, by Francis Hayman The Spirit of Laws- Montesquieu Jumonville affair Fort Necessity - Robert Griffing. Braddock Expedition Robert Monckton - Benjamin West Battle of Monongahela (Braddock's Defeat) Battle of Fort Oswego Siege of Fort William Henry Fort William Henry Massacre Cover of The Law of Nations - Emerich de Vattel Capture of the Foudroyant by HMS Monmouth - Francis Swaine Siege of Louisbourg - Richard Paton 1758 The Victory of Montcalm's Troops at Carillon - Henry Alexander Ogden Battle of Fort Frontenac An Iroquois pipe tomahawk from the Easton peace talks George Washington planting the Union Flag on the ruins of Fort Duquesne The battle off Lagos - Richard Paton 1760 The Death of General Wolfe - Benjamin West 1770 The Battle of Quiberon Bay - Dominic Serres 1779 The Battle of Sainte-Foy - George B. Campion A view of the City of Quebec - Captain Hervey Smyth A Bend in the St. Lawrence - Elizabeth Simcoe Battle of Restigouche Articles of Capitulation of Montreal George III Becomes King Capture of Belle Ile Battle of Cape Finisterre Battle of Signal Hill

James I Proclamation Prohibiting Disorderly Trading to New England November 6, 1622 A Proclamation prohibiting interloping and disorderly trading to New England in America. As it hath ever beene held a principall Office of Christian Kings, to seeke by all pious meanes the advancement of Christian Religion; so the consideration thereof, hath beene a speciall motive unto Us, from time to time, as often as cause hath required, to further, by Our Royall authority, the good disposition of any of Our well affected Subjects, that have a will to attempt the discovering and planting in any parts of the World, as yet savage and unpossessed by the Subjects of any Christian Prince or State. And now for that, by Gods sacred favour, there is likely to ensue great advancement of his glory, Our Crown, and State, by reason of Our grant heeretofore made to the Counsell for the managing of the affaires of New England in America, being in breadth from forty degrees of Northerly latitude from the Equinoctiall line to forty eight degrees of the sayd Northerly latitude, and in length by all the breadth aforesayd, thorowout the maine land from Sea to Sea; We cannot but continue Our speciall respect and favour unto them in their endevours, and exercise Our Royall authority against the hinderers thereof. Wherefore, having received certaine information of many and intolerable abuses offered by sundry interlopers, irregular and disobedient persons, that seeking principally their present and private profits, have not only impeached some of the Planters there, of their lawfull possessions, but also taken from them their Timber without giving any satisfaction, as in justice they ought to have done: and not therewith contented, have rined whole woods to the utter ruine of the same for ever after; as also, by casting of their ballast in the harbors of some of their Ilands, have almost made them unserviceable: And yet not so contented, by their promiscuous trading, as well Mariners as Masters with the Savages, have overthrowne the trade and commerce that before was had, to the great profit of the Planters, and which were indeed their principall hopes for the advancement of that plantation, next unto the commodities that coast affords of Fishing: Neither This document appears in the Compendium: Chapter 2 Annotation: James I of England issued a royal proclamation aimed at regulating and restricting unauthorized commercial activity in New England, prohibiting “disorderly trading” by private merchants and unlicensed vessels operating outside the authority of the Crown and its approved colonial enterprises. The order reflected growing English efforts to impose tighter imperial control over Atlantic trade, ensure that colonial ventures like Virginia and New England remained under sanctioned governance, and prevent economic disorder that could undermine royal revenue and colonial stability. Author: James I Transcript Source: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/46167/46167-h/46167-h.htm#x1622_November_6 heerwith satisfied, but as if they resolved to omit nothing that might be impious and intolerable, they did not forbeare to barter away to the Savages, Swords, Pikes, Muskets, Fowling peeces, Match, Powder, Shot, and other warlike weapons, and teach them the use thereof; not only to their owne present punishment (divers of them being shortly after slain by the same Savages, whom they had so taught, and with the same weapons which they had furnished them withall) but also to the hazard of the lives of Our good subjects already planted there, and (asmuch as in them lay) to the making of the whole attempt it selfe (how pious and hopefull soever) frustrate, or so much the more difficult. We, for reformation and prevention of these or the like evils heerafter, and for the more cleare declaration of Our Kingly resolution and just intents, both to maintayne Our Royall grant already made, and to uphold and encourage by all wayes and meanes the worthy dispositions of the undertakers of those designes, have thought fit, and doe heerby straitly charge and command, That none of Our Subjects whatsoever, (not Adventurers, Inhabitors or Planters in New England) presume from hencefoorth to frequent those Coasts, to trade or traffique with those people, or to intermedle in the woodes or freehold of any the Planters or Inhabitants (otherwise then by the licence of the sayd Counsell, or according to the orders established by Our Privy Counsell for the releese or ease of the transportation of the Colony in Virginia) upon paine of Our high indignation, and the confiscation, penalties and forfeitures in Our sayd Royall grant expressed: Leaving it neverthelesse, in the meane time, to the discretion of the sayd Counsel for New England, to proceed against the foresayd offenders according to the same, especially, seeing We finde the armes of the sayd Counsell to bee open to receive into that plantation any of Our loving Subjects, who are willing to joyne with them in the charge, and participate in the profits thereof. Given at Our Court at Theobalds, the sixt day of November, in the yeere of Our Reigne of England, France, and Ireland, the twentieth, and of Scotland the sixe and fiftieth. God save the King. Imprinted at London by Bonham Norton and John Bill, Printers to the Kings most Excellent Majestie. M.DC.XXII.

Letter on the First African Slaves Sold in Virginia August 1619 Letter to Sir Edwin Sandys, treasurer of the Virginia Company of London, by the Jamestown colonist John Rolfe describes events in the Virginia colony in the years of 1619 and 1620. Honored Sir Studieng with my self what service I might doe yow, as a token of my gratefull rememberance for yor many favors and constant love shewed me, aswell in my absence as when I was present with yow I could not at this tyme devise a better, then to give yow notice of some pticulers both of our present estate, and what happened since the departure of the Diana. And though I am well assured, yow wilbe satisfied herin more fully by our Governor, yet I desire your kind acceptance of this my poore indeavor. Presently after the Diana hadd her dispatch Sir George Yeardley (according to a Commyssion directed unto him and to the Councell of State,) caused Burgesses to be chosen in all places who mett at James City, where all matters therin conteyned were debated by severall Commyttees and approved: and likewise such other lawes enacted, as were held expedient & requisite for the welfare and peaceable govermt of this Common-weale. Captaine Martines Burgesses for his Plataccon were not admitted to this Assembly, the reasons I am assured yow shall receive from our Governor, who sendeth home a report of all those proceedings. These principall men being at James Citie, Capten William Epps (who commandeth Smythes Hundred Company) was arraigned (as neere as might be) according to the lawdable Lawes of England, for killing one Captaine Edward Roecroft alias Stallenge. He came hether from the North Colony in a ship of Sir fferdinando Gorges (as he sayd) for some necessaries which he wanted; and to coast along the shoare to fynd and discover what Harbors and rivers he could: but through neglect of the Master of the shipp and others she was forced a ground in a storme neere Newports Newes, and there sprang so greate a leake, that he could not carry her back againe. This myschance happened through uncivill and unmanly words urged by Stallenge (there being no precedent malice) with which ot long after restored him to his Command. Captaine Henry Spelman being accused by Roberte Poole (one of the interpretors of the Indian language) of many crimes which might be prejudiciall to the State in generall, and to every mans safety in particular, received Censure at this generall Assembly. But the Governor hoping he might redeeme his faults being proceeding much of Childishe This document appears in the Compendium: Chapter 2 Arrival of the First Africans to Virginia — Sydney King Annotation: The first recorded sale of African slaves in Virginia took place in 1619 at Point Comfort (present-day Hampton, Virginia). A ship of approximately 20 Africans, captured from a Portuguese slave ship and traded by English privateers, was brought to the colony and sold to local planters. This event marked the beginning of the system of African chattel slavery in English North America, introducing a labor force that would become central to the colony’s tobacco economy and establishing a racialized institution that shaped the social, economic, and legal development of Virginia and other future colonies. Author: John Rolfe & Pocahontas — ca. 1850 Transcript Source: https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/twenty-and-odd-negroes-an-excerpt-from-a-letter-from-john-rolfe-to-sir-edwin-sandys-1619-1620/ . ignorance, pardoned the punishment upon hope of amendment. In trial whereof he was ymploied as interpretor to Patawamack to trade for Corne. About the latter end of August, a Dutch man of Warr of the burden of a 160 tunnes arrived at Point-Comfort, the Comandors name Capt Jope, his Pilott for the West Indies one Mr Marmaduke an Englishman. They mett with the Treasurer in the West Indyes, and determined to hold consort shipp hetherward, but in their passage lost one the other. He brought not any thing but 20. and odd Negroes, which the Governor and Cape Marchant bought for victualls (whereof he was in greate need as he pretended) at the best and easyest rates they could. He hadd a lardge and ample Commyssion from his Excellency to range and to take purchase in the West Indyes. Three or 4. daies after the Treasurer arrived. At his arrivall he sent word presently to the Governor to know his pleasure, who wrote to him, and did request myself and Leiftenante Peace and Mr Ewens to goe downe to him, to desyre him to come up to James Cytie. But before we gott downe he hadd sett saile and was gone out of the Bay. The occasion hereof happened by the unfrendly dealing of the Inhabitants of Keqnoughton, for he was in greate want of victualls, wherewith they would not releive him nor his Company upon any termes. He reported (whilst he staied at Keqnoughton) that if wee got not some Ord’nance planted at Point Comfort, the Colony would be quyte undone and that ere long: for that undoubtedly the Spanyard would be here the next spring wch he gathered (as was sayd) from some Spanyards in the West Indyes. This being spread abroade doth much disharten the people ingenerall. ffor wee have no place of strength to retreate unto, no shipping of certeynty (wch would be to us as the wodden walles of England) no sound and experienced souldyers to undertake, no Engineers and arthmen to erect works, few Ordenance, not a serviceable carriadge to mount them on; not Ammunycon of powlder, shott and leade, to fight and 2. wholl dayes, no not one gunner belonging to the Plantaccon, so your Honors our soveraignes dignity, your honors our poore reputacons lives and labors thus long spent lieth too open to a suddayne, and to an inevitable hazard, if a forroigne enemy oppose against us. Of this I cannot better doe, to give yow full satisfaccon, then to referr yow to the judgement and opynion of Capt Argall who hath often spoken and herof during his goverment, and knoweth (none better) these defects. About the begynnyng of September J-apazous (the King of Patawamacks brother) came to James Cyty to the Governor. Amongst other frivoulous messages he requested, that 2. shipps might be speedyly to Patawamack where they should trade for greate stoore of corne. Hereupon (according to his desyre) the Governor sent an Englishman with him by land, and in the begynning of October, Capt Wards ship and Sommer-Iselands frigate departed James Cyty hether-ward. Roberte Poole being whole ymployed by the Governor of messages to the greate King, perswaded Sir George, that if he would send Pledges he would, he would come to visite him. Our Corne and Tobacco being in great aboundance in our grounds (for a more plentyfull yere then this, it hath not pleased God to send us since the beginning of the Plantaccon, yet very contagious for sycknes, whereof many both old and new men died) the Governor sent two men unto him, who were returned with frivoulous aunsweres, sayng he never hadd any intent to come unto him. The Governor being jealous of them (the rather because wee hadd many straggling Plantaccons, much weakened by the greate mortality, Poole lykewise proving very dishonest) requested Captaine William Powell and myself (for Opachankano professeth much love to me, and giveth much credite to my words) to goe in a shallopp unto Pomonkey ryver: wch wee did. Going up that ryver within 5. myles of his house wee sent Capt Spelman and Tho: Hobson unto him with the Governors message. The shipp and frigate (being not farr out of their way to Patawamack) went in the night about 12. myles into the river, and wee hasting upp wth our shallopp, the messengers were with Opaihankano, before or asone as any newes came to him eyther of the shipps or our arrivall, wch much daunted them and putt then in greate feare. Their intertayment at first was harshe, (Poole being even turned heathen) but after their message was delyvered, it was kindly taken, they sent away lovingly, and Poole accused and Condemned by them, as an instrument that sought all the meanes he could to breake our league. They seemed also to be very weary of him. Sh Opachankano much wondered I would not goe to him, but (as I wished the messengers) they said I was syck of an ague, wherewith they was were satisfied. Wee hadd no order to bring Poole away, nor to make any shew of discontent to him, for feare he should perswade them to some myscheif in our corne feilds, hoping to gett him away by fayre meanes. So wee returned in greate love and amyty to the greate content of the Colony, wch before lived in dayly hazard, all messages being untruly delyvered by Poole on both sides. The Chikahomynies come not at us, but wee receyve no domage by them. Thus ffarr farr as parte of my duty (ever ready at your service) have I breifly made knowen unto yow, some partyculers of our estate: and withall in conclusion cannot chose but reveale unto yow the sorrow I conceyve, to heare of the many accusaccons heaped upon Captaine Argall, with whom my reputaccon hath bene unjustly jointed but I am perswaded he will aunswere well for himself. Here have also bene divers deposyccons taken and sent home by the Diana, I will tax no man therein: but when it shall come to farther triall, I assure yow that yow shall fynd many dishonest and faithles men to Captaine Argall, who have receyved much kindnes at his hands & to his face will contradict, and be ashamed of much, wch in his absence they have intymated against him. Lastly, I speake on my owne experience for these 11. yeres, I never amongst so few, have seene so many falseharted, envious and malicious people (yea amongst some who march in the better ranck) nor shall yow ever heare of any the justest Governor here, who shall live free, from their scandalls and shameles exclamaccons, if way be given to their reports. And so desyring your kind acceptance hereof, being unwilling to conceale any thing from yourself (who now, to myne and many others comforts, standeth at the helme to guide us and bring us to our the Port of our best happyness, wch of late wee say principally by your goodnes wee now injoy) eyther wch yow may be desirous to understand or wch may further yow for the advauncement of this Christian Plantaccon I take my leave, and will ever rest At your service and commaund in all faithfull dutyes Jo: Rolf