The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitution of the United States, May-September 1787. Volume 1

The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitution of the United States, May-September 1787. Volume 1

James Madison's contemporaries generally conceded that he was the leading statesman in the convention which framed the Constitution of the United States; but in addition to this he kept a record of the proceedings of the convention which outranks in importance all the other writings of the founders of the American Republic. He is thus identified, as no other man is, with the making of the Constitution and the correct interpretation of the intentions of the makers. His is the only continuous record of the proceedings of the convention. He took a seat immediately in front of the presiding officer, among the members, and took down every speech or motion as it was made, using abbreviations of his own and immediately afterwards transcribing his notes when he returned to his lodgings. A few motions only escaped him and of important speeches he omitted none. The proceedings were ordered to be kept secret, but his self-imposed task of reporter had the unofficial sanction of the convention. Alexander Hamilton corrected slightly Madison's report of his great speech and handed him his plan of government to copy. The same thing was done with Benjamin Franklin's speeches, which were written out by Franklin and read by his colleague Wilson, the fatigue of delivery being too great for the aged Franklin, and Madison also copied the Patterson [pgviii] plan. Edmund Randolph wrote out for him his opening speech from his notes two years after the convention adjourned.[1] ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 40861
Author: Madison, James
Release Date: Sep 25, 2012
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Contributor (Author): United States. Constitutional Convention (1787)
Editor: Hunt, Galliard, 1862-1924