Richard Harison's Notes of the New York Ratification Convention Debates (July 4, 1788)

G. LIVINGSTON. President may make himself very formidable if he commands the Armies—his Power to pardon also dangerous— Resolved as the Opinion of this Committee that the President of the United States should never command the Army, Militia or Navy in Person without the Consent of the Congress, and that he should never grant Pardon for Treason without the Consent of Congress, but may respite until the Pleasure of Congress is known.

SMITH thinks the legislative & executive should be kept apart—that it is improper that the Senate who have the Power of trying Impeachments should appoint Officers— proposes a privy Council—for Appointment of Officers—

CONVENTION PROCEEDINGS. Judge Yates proposes an Addition [to Smith's amendment for a privy council] —