Part of a series of articles titled The Constitutional Convention: A Day by Day Account for July 1 to 15, 1787.
Article
July 8, 1787: A Day of Rest
National Library of Medicine, http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101432256
"I think it more than likely that we shall not leave this place before the middle of August. The diverse and almost opposite interests that are to be reconciled, occasion us to progress very slowely."
--letter from Williamson (NC) to James Irdell
Sunday, July 8, 1787: The Convention Today
The Convention was in recess. Over a month into their work, the delegates had made few final decisions beyond determining that a new form of government was needed to replace the Articles of Confederation and that this new government would have three branches. Still, the recess found them in a better position than a week earlier. It now appeared that there were enough votes for a crucial compromise where one house of Congress would grant greater representation to more populous states and the other house of Congress would grant equal representation. Those from large states wanted both houses to grant more representation to more populous states. While the compromise was unsatisfying, it provided a workable path forward.
The Convention was in recess. Over a month into their work, the delegates had made few final decisions beyond determining that a new form of government was needed to replace the Articles of Confederation and that this new government would have three branches. Still, the recess found them in a better position than a week earlier. It now appeared that there were enough votes for a crucial compromise where one house of Congress would grant greater representation to more populous states and the other house of Congress would grant equal representation. Those from large states wanted both houses to grant more representation to more populous states. While the compromise was unsatisfying, it provided a workable path forward.
Synopsis
- The Convention was in recess.
Delegates Today
- Johnson's (CT) records indicate that he went to "Peters"—it's unclear if this refers to St. Peter's Episcopal Church or his acquaintance Richard Peters, whose home overlooked the Schuylkill River. He also visited General Mifflin and wrote a letter to his son, consoling him on a legal case he had lost and advising him not to bother with an appeal.
- Washington (VA) rode to George Logan's estate, Stenton, and dined there before returning to the city to have tea with Robert Morris (PA). He also wrote a letter to his nephew, who was managing his estate at Mount Vernon, asking after the health of his pumpkins, peas, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and turnips.
- Williamson (NC) wrote a letter to James Iredell (quoted above) where he expressed concern that Davie (NC) would return home before the Convention finished.
Philadelphia Today
- It was hot and cloudy amid what was likely the summer's worst heat wave.
Last updated: August 28, 2023