Page:Debates in the Several State Conventions, v1.djvu/410

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YATES'S MINUTES.
Virginia ... Geo. Washington,         Wm. R. Davie,
Edm. Randolph, Richard D. Spaight,
Geo. Wythe, H. Williamson.
Geo. Mason, South Carolina ... John Rutledge,
James Madison, C. C. Pinckney,
John Blair, Chas. Pinckney,
James M'Clurg. Pierce Butler.
North Carolina ... Alexander Martin,

A motion by R. Morris, and seconded, that General Washington take the chair. Unanimously agreed to.

When seated, he (General 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 5th 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 10 o'clock.

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.

Tuesday, May 29, 1787.

The additional rules agreed to. His excellency, Gov. RANDOLPH, a member from Virginia, got up, and, in a long and elaborate speech, showed 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