John McKesson's Notes of the New York Ratification Convention Debates (July 15, 1788)

ALEXANDER HAMILTON produced the form of a Ratificat—and also a number of Amendments which he read—& Pledged the Gent of New York to endeavour to obtain them—

JOHN LANSING, JR. Let us take the Question whether we will adopt the Constitution Conditionally or absolutely— Many of these Ideas are valuable and ought be introduced into the Amendments—

JOHN JAY. We are endeavouring to agree—Gent See we have brot forth valuable Amendmts. Cannot the Conditional Amendments be paired down so that we may agree We honestly think Congress must reject such an Adoption—Cannot we endeavour further to Accommodate—The Gentlemen have advanced for Accommodation— We have now advanced for Accommodat.

WILLIAM HARPER. We are now where we were 3 or 4 days ago— If the Gent move these as amendmts. we may proceed—If they withdraw their former Motion we may proceed—We delay Time without new Light—

GILBERT LIVINGSTON. I explain my Conduct of yesterday— It was improper to Submit to Congress to do what they had no power to do lt is now amended agreeable to the 5th. Article and my Objection removed—

ALEXANDER HAMILTON. I ask that Gent if his constituents gave him a Right of Judging can he surrender that right of Judging—

GILBERT LIVINGSTON. I do not find that Observance of Contracts that could have been wished—The Confe[de]rat[ion] now laughed out of Doors was most Solemnly agreed to—It is admitted we have a right to make Conditions I am sure Congress must deem that Gent. are willing to receive the Constitution with all its Imperfections if a Convention will not amend it—Then why risque a doubtful Question whether Congress will receive us or no—