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

United States. Constitutional Convention (recorded by James Madison) · 1787 (composed during the convention; Madison’s notes later revised) primary

passage 18 of 238 · part of the Fifth Article of the Confederation of the said (11/11)

in brief

Pinckney’s December 30, 1818 letter to Adams continues, discussing how Madison’s journal shaped his memory of the Convention, describing secrecy and specific shifts he admits in his own preferences.

of the Journal of the Convention to be sent me as also of the Secret Journals of Congress should it be considered not improper in me to make the request.

"I have already informed you I have several rough draughts of the Constitution I proposed & that they are all substantially the same differing only in words & the arrangement of the Articles--at the distance of nearly thirty two years it is impossible for me now to say which of the 4 or 5 draughts I have was the one but enclosed I send you the one I believe was it--I repeat however that they are substantially the same differing only in form & unessentials--It may be necessary to remark that very soon after the Convention met I changed & avowed candidly the change of my opinion on giving the power to Congress to revise the State Laws in certain cases & in giving the exclusive Power to the Senate to declare War thinking it safer to refuse the first altogether & to vest the latter in Congress--I will thank you to acknowledge by a line the receipt of the Draught & this.

"With very great respect & esteem "I have the honour to be your most "Obedient servant "CHARLES PINCKNEY.

"December 30 1818 "In Charleston."--Const. MSS.

The plan is written upon paper of the same size as the

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topics: counsel and advisers to rulers · forms of government · separation of powers and checks

The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitut… · United States. Constitutional Convention (recorded by James Madison) · 1787