George Washington

Oh how I hate attending those events! I am neither a great student of political science, not am I fertile with ideas! Legitimacy? What has that to do with me? My presence will assure ordinary Americans everywhere that nothing bad will come out of this Convention -- then let this be my only motivation to attend. But how I will long to be galloping around my farm or trekking off into the wilderness to search out likely streams for canals. But duty calls. I must go. I hope that it does not go sour. This would do a terrible number on my reputation.

I do not think that my peers understand the tortuous experiences I have had these past eight years, holding the states together by my sheer willpower. Peace I ask for. Is this so much to ask for?

I have become obsessed with the notion of building a canal through the Allegheny Mountains to connect the Ohio River system with the Potomac, which flows into the sea. It could make me a fortune! But after my most recent meeting with the commissioners, Madison seems to have stepped into my business. I believe that he has proposed that Congress take over the power of regulating American commerce, All will be well as long as money is not leaving my pocket.

Back to this convention, if I am to go, it must accomplish something productive. If it fails, as I stated before, the reputation of my name is on the line. It is obvious that the states might now respond to this call for a new conference any better than they had to call for the Annapolis Conference. But then again, Annapolis had been a kind of caucus for the nationalists. It had inspired them and given them cohesion and a chance to work out strategy. They had been young, rigorous, prestigious men who understood politics. By now, they've become a bit of a pressure group, corresponding with each other and proselytizing for their cause both personally and publicly. Also, the economy seems to be doing well. But it does have its weaknesses, anyone can see that with the farmer's debts. The Old Congress is becoming very impotent. Daniel Shays would vouch for that. I must go to this Convention. I must be the first name on that list in Philadelphia.