Exclusive: Diaries From The Constitutional Convention
Introduction by an Anynonomous Writer
As the date of the meeting draws near, I can see the excitement around the United States growing. It has been recognized very quickly that the men going to Philadelphia are an astonishing group in ability, intelligence, and character. Jefferson, John Adams, John jay, Patrick henry and others who are not going to be there commented on the patriotism and talents, the ability, weight, and experience of the group that has been chosen to attend. Beginning this spring, I recall newspapers everywhere remarking on the approaching event. Said one, "The political existence of the United States perhaps depends on the result of this Convention which is to be held in Philadelphia in May next."
The Convention had originally been called for May 14, but according to the rules that had been laid down at the Annapolis Convention, it could not act until seven states were represented. On Friday, May 25, when three delegates from New Jersey arrived, all was well.
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Today was a rainy day in Philadelphia, a heavy drenching rain that skidded down the streets, shining the cobblestones and the slate roofs of the houses. The rain did not stop those that arrived this morning. I saw them entering the State House, all those great names I had only heard of -- Washington, Madison, Hamilton, the two Morrises, Randolph, and the rest of the group.
The State House is two stories high. A brick building, topped by a cupola and spires double the height of the building itself. It is balanced, serene, formal -- precisely the sort of building in which to debate weighty matters.
The conference, for the most part is going to be held in the east room, a chamber forty by forty feet, with great windows on each side and a fireplace set among much wood paneling in the back. At the first debate of the day, the delegates sat grouped in three's and four's at tables the size of ordinary dining-room tables, covered with green baize. However, from time to time, I overheard that they will meet in an upstairs room similarly furnished. When downstairs, they have decided to keep all the windows closed so that no outsider would hear their speeches. With the weather getting hotter and hotter as the minutes go by, they will need to use the upstairs more often since then they would be able to keep the windows open.