LETTER

OF

A FRIEND TO THE CONSTITUTION,

WRITTEN BY

DANIEL CARROLL,

AND PRINTED IN

THE MARYLAND JOURNAL,

OCTOBER,

1787.

NOTE.

DANIEL CARROLL wrote Madison that he had replied to Chase's "Caution," and as this is the only direct reply to that article I have been able to find, I have ventured to ascribe this to him. The letter is in the Madison Papers in the Department of State, which at present are restricted from use, so I am unable to print it here.

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A FRIEND TO THE CONSTITUTION.

THE MARYLAND JOURNAL.

(Number 977)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1787.

TO THE INHABITANTS OF BALTIMORE TOWN.

You have been addressed in the last Friday's paper, by a writer under the signature of Caution, who would persuade you that you ought to withhold your approbation, at this time, from the Federal Constitution recommended by the Convention.

This writer may have the best intentions in the world towards the public welfare, and the prosperity of Baltimore; but every one must perceive that he is an enemy to the proposed Constitution, and wishes to prevent you from expressing yourselves in its favour, not only at this time, but at any future time.

Mr. C is said to be the author of this admonition; but that this is a malicious insinuation, aimed at his sincerity, will appear by considering his recent promise on this subject, signed and published by himself, in reference with the resolution of the Convention, upon which that promise is founded. I shall state both the resolution and promise, that you may judge for yourselves.

The resolve of the Convention declares, that the Constitution should be submitted to a Convention of Delegates, chosen in each State by the people, under the recommendation of its legislature, for their assent and ratification.

Mr. C being called upon, before his election, to declare himself on this point, promises to the people, "that he will use his endeavours, if elected, to call a Convention."

I would just observe on this resolve and promise: First-that