Part of a series of articles titled The Constitutional Convention: A Day by Day Account for June 1787.
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Article
June 17, 1787: Sunday Recess
Independence National Historical Park
"We move slowly in our business, it is indeed a work of great delicacy and difficulty, impeded at every step by jealousies and jarring interests."
William Richardson Davie (NC) to Governor Caswell
Sunday, June 17, 1787: The Convention Today
The Convention was in recess after its third full week of meetings. In that time, it had completed committee review of a plan of government, and, one might assume, was looking back with satisfaction at the work accomplished and looking forward to a speedy conclusion. That was not the case. Delegates were already grumbling about lack of progress and bracing themselves for a long summer in Philadelphia. Perhaps the members sensed that the issue of an equal vote for each state in the legislature would not stay resolved, and that days of debate and committee meetings would pass before a compromise could be reluctantly agreed to. Perhaps they sensed unease about other decisions, and the twists and turns debate and votes would take in the weeks ahead.
Synopsis
The Convention was in recess
Delegates Today
The Convention was in recess after its third full week of meetings. In that time, it had completed committee review of a plan of government, and, one might assume, was looking back with satisfaction at the work accomplished and looking forward to a speedy conclusion. That was not the case. Delegates were already grumbling about lack of progress and bracing themselves for a long summer in Philadelphia. Perhaps the members sensed that the issue of an equal vote for each state in the legislature would not stay resolved, and that days of debate and committee meetings would pass before a compromise could be reluctantly agreed to. Perhaps they sensed unease about other decisions, and the twists and turns debate and votes would take in the weeks ahead.
Synopsis
The Convention was in recess
Delegates Today
- Dr. Johnson (CT) worshiped at St. Paul's (Episcopal, Third below Walnut Street), dined at home, and went for a walk.
- General Washington (VA) attended Christ Church, where he heard Bishop White preach and saw him ordain two deacons. He then rode eight miles into the country to dine with John Ross.
- John Lanquay asked the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania for a contribution toward a set of fire works to be performed at City Tavern on July 4. He expected General Washington to attend, and assured Council that, while he planned a brilliant scene, there would be no dangerous work.
Last updated: September 25, 2019