necessary to render the constitution of the federal government adequate to the exigencies of the Union; and to report such an act for that purpose to the United States in Congress assembled, as, when agreed to by them, and afterwards confirmed by the legislature of every State, will effectually provide for the same.

Though your commissioners could not with propriety address these observations and sentiments to any but the States they have the honor to represent, they have nevertheless concluded, from motives of respect, to transmit copies of this report to the United States in Congress assembled, and to the executives of the other States.

By order of the Commissioners.

Dated at Annapolis, September 14, 1786.

ELLIOT, i. 117, V. 115.

HAMILTON'S WORKS (Lodge's edition), i. 319–322.

AUTHORIZATION OF A CONSTITUTIONAL
CONVENTION BY CONGRESS,

FEBRUARY 21, 1787.

Whereas there is provision, in the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, for making alterations therein, by the assent of a Congress of the United States, and of the legislatures of the several States; and whereas experience hath evinced that there are defects in the present Confederation; as a means to remedy which several of the States, and particularly the State of New York, by express instructions to their delegates in Congress, have suggested a convention for the purposes expressed in the following resolution; and such convention appearing be the most probable means of establishing in these States a firm national government:

Resolved, That, in the opinion of Congress, it is expedient that, on the second Monday in May next, a convention of delegates, who shall have been appointed by the several States, to be held at Philadelphia, for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation, and reporting to Congress and the several legislatures such alterations and provisions therein as shall, when agreed to in Congress, and confirmed by the States, render the federal constitution adequate to the exigencies of government and the preservation of the Union.

ELLIOT, i. 120.

THE FEDERAL CONVENTION.

Elliot, i. 120-128;

Bancroft, ii. 3-10;

Curtis, i. 362-375, 380-488; ii. chap. i.
Lalor's Cyclopædia, i. 637-638.

The States were divided into the two groups following. The figures are the estimates of population used in the Convention, only three-fifths of the slaves being included in the enumeration in the five Southern States. New Hampshire was not represented until July 23. Rhode Island was never represented. New York was not sufficiently represented after July 10 to take part in the voting.