Alexander Hamilton's Notes of the New York Ratification Convention Debates (July 17, 1788)

HAMILTON.
[I] 1 not permitted to be out of union
2 Self preservation-West Point
3-Interest to consolidate-

Discontented minorities-
Examine story of expediency
2 history of minorities. Rhode Island N Carolina—
III Unequal contest
1 Government organised
2 Ruling parties in each state Fæderal
3 Sea Coast source of Wealth Fæderal
4 Property abilities Fæderal. But why risk

IV Suppose contest equal What the consequences of two great parties marshalled against
Where look for aid? If to G B will she afford it unless with views of conquest &c. France &c V Suppose contest equal— What result of two great parties marshalled against each other &c Who will be the leader? Who are we willing to trust?

VI—Why risk all this?
1 Will it not be more expedient to acquiesce.
2 What motive—Southern district will join? N York odious
3 What situation of the rest of the State?

VII History of opinions leading to Convention &c previous measures—
1 Impost begat Convention
2 Rejection of constitution may beget a despotism.
3 Various opinions respecting government
Love of repose would unite all—

VIII Various opinions concerning mode of rectifying—present constitution
1 This peaceable expedient adopted
2 What responsibility if frustrated by us?
1 Republics disgraced till revolution—
2 Situation favourable—
3 Objects not yet obtained
1 A CAUSE calls upon us to do nothing—improper—
2 Most distinguished Patriots in and out of Convention—
G[overnor] Livingston-
Dickinson-
Rutlege-
Franklin
Washington-
3 Heroes who have died
4 Sister states
5 Mankind
6—Heaven