of business in which he was to act, lamented his want of 〈better qualifications〉,[1] 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〉.[2] 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.〉[3]
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.[4]
On[5] 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.[6]
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[7]—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.
- ↑ Crossed out “the requisites for it”.
- ↑ Crossed out “for the President”.
- ↑ Crossed out “of the Genl. but the season of the rain did not permit him to venture to the Convention chamber.”
- ↑ On the election of Jackson as secretary see Introduction, note 6.
- ↑ This paragraph may be a later insertion suggested by Yates.
- ↑ See below Records, May 30, and Appendix A, XXIII, CLVIII (3), Appendix B, note 6.
- ↑ Memoranda by Madison, preserved with his Debates. Evidently a summary of his notes.
