James Madison to Edmund Randolph (August 21, 1789)

For a week past the subject of Amendts. has exclusively occupied the H. of Reps. Its progress has been exceedingly wearisome not only on account of the diversity of opinions that was to be apprehended, but of the apparent views of some to defeat by delaying a plan short of their wishes, but likely to satisfy a great part of their companions in opposition throughout the Union. It has been absolutely necessary in order to effect any thing to abbreviate debate, and exclude every proposition of a doubtful & unimportant nature.1 Had it been my wish to have comprehended every amendt. recommended by Virg{ini}a. I should have acted from prudence the very part to which I have been led by choice. Two or three contentious additions would even now frustrate the whole project.