1783.]

NEW YORK EVACUATED.

305

On the 25th of November the British troops evacuated New York; and from that date not a single hostile soldier remained in arms in any portion of the disenthralled American provinces.

CHAPTER XXIII.

A national convention called-Influence of New York-Action of the state in regard to the import duties-Meeting of the national convention-Adoption of the Federal ConstitutionAction of the Anti-Federalist party in New York-Popularity of Clinton-Fierce party feuds-Jay elected governorReception of his treaty with Great Britain-Hamilton insulted -Re-election of Jay-Foreign relations of the United States -Alien and Sedition laws-Clinton elected governor-Aaron Burr-His quarrel with Hamilton-Death of HamiltonProscription of Burr-His western journeys-His arrest, trial, and acquittal-Subsequent life-Increasing foreign difficulties-British orders in council-Berlin and Milan decrees -American Embargo Act-Collision between the frigate President and British sloop-of-war Little Belt-War declared -Ill success of the American forces at the north-Important naval victories-Americans defeated at the River RaisinCapture of York, Upper Canada-Forts George and Erie abandoned by the British-Defeat of Boerstler-Victory at Sackett's Harbour-Perry's victory on Lake Erie-Naval successes and disasters-Battle of the Thames-Defeat of the Creeks by Jackson-Battles of Chippewa and Bridge water- -Capture of the Capitol-Death of Ross-Battle of Plattsburg-McDonough's victory on Lake Champlair- Battle of New Orleans-Peace declared.

THE peace of 1783 found the United States staggering under a burden of debts from which there was no hope of a speedy relief. The ability to maintain the independence which had just

been acquired at so much cost and bloodshed was also doubted by many reflecting minds, who, seeing the inadequacy of the old articles of confederation to perpetuate an harmonious union, were disposed to regard as impracticable the attempt to construct a more perfect scheme of confederation. Others, however, were more sanguine. Acting on the suggestion of certain commissioners from several states of the Union, who met at Annapolis in September, 1786, Congress, during the month of February, 1787, recommended that a convention of delegates should be held at Philadelphia on the second Monday of the succeeding May, for the purpose of revising the articles of the confederacy. From the selection of delegates to this important convention emanated the Republican and Federal parties.

The influence of the growing power of New York was now about to be felt. Already, as early as 1781, the state legislature had granted the import duties of New York city to the United States, giving to Congress full authority to levy and collect the same, and to appoint the necessary officers. This act was modified in 1783; the general government still received the duties as before, but the power to appoint the collectors and other officers was assumed by the state. In 1786 the act was still further altered, so as to give the state the sole power to levy and collect the duties; but still placing the revenues

1787.] MEETING OF NATIONAL CONVENTION. 307

thus acquired at the disposal of Congress. This law Congress refused to acknowledge, and requested Governor Clinton to call an extra session of the legislature, in order that the question might be reconsidered. Disclaiming all power to convene the assembly, except under extraordinary circumstances, Clinton declined, stating his reason for so doing to the legislature of 1787. General Alexander Hamilton, a steady advocate of a strong national government, and subsequently to become so well known as the bold and able defender of the Federal Constitution, was at this period a member of the assembly. As chairman of the customary committee, he prepared an answer to the governor's opening speech, in which he rigidly refrained from any comment upon Clinton's refusal to call an extra session. This roused the friends of the latter, who offered an amendment approving the course of the governor, which, after an animated debate, was carried by a large majority. Having decided to send delegates to the general convention at Philadelphia, Hamilton, Yates, and Lansing were appointed, but with their course of action bounded by particular instructions.

The national convention met at Philadelphia at the appointed time, and on proceeding to the business before them, commenced a discussion of three separate plans, presenting marked differences from each other. The first proposed an

enlargement of the powers of the confederacy; and it was this plan for which the delegates from New York were instructed to vote. Its rejection being determined upon by the agreement of a majority of the members to adopt a new form of government, Yates and Lansing withdrew from the convention; but Hamilton determined to risk the censure of his constituents by placing himself at the head of a second party, who strongly advocated the plan of a purely national government.

“The Virginia plan," which was the third, was calculated to conciliate the prejudices of both extremes, by offering a frame of government partly national and partly federal. The constitution formed upon this plan was finally adopted, though not without many ominous misgivings on the part of those delegates who reluctantly voted for it.

The Anti-Federalists in New York immediately arrayed themselves in strong opposition. They denounced the new constitution as crippling the state sovereignties, and establishing a central government with powers so extensive as to endanger the permanence of the republic. The Federalists, with Hamilton at their head, entered upon an able defence; and at the legislative session of 1788 it was resolved upon to call a convention of delegates fresh from the people, for the purpose of ratifying or rejecting the new constitution.

The election took place at the appointed time,

1788.] THE CONSTITUTION ADOPTED.

309

and on the 18th of June, 1788, the convention was organized by the appointment of Governor Clinton as president. After a protracted discussion, continued through three weeks, Mr. Jay, on the 11th of July, moved "that the constitution be ratified; and that whatever amendments might be deemed expedient should be recommended." The Anti-Federalists strongly objected to the passage of any such resolution: but, while the discussion was still warm, tidings were received that New Hampshire had ratified the constitution; and as nine states, the number necessary to its adoption, had thus already signified their assent, the action of New York was now a matter of but little moment. After entertaining, briefly, the question whether they should ratify the instrument or recede from the Union, they came to the conclusion to accept Jay's resolution, altered in such a manner as to express their "full confidence" that the amendments to the constitution, as recommended by the convention, would be adopted by the national Congress.

So warm a contest between the Federalists and their opposers naturally engendered some bitterness of feeling, which the ratification of the constitution did not wholly allay. Governor Clinton, the most popular man in the state, was decidedly averse to the surrender of so much power to the general government, and his adherents pertinaciously persisted in entertaining a similar opinion.