History of the Origin, Formation, and Adoption of the Constitution of the United States, with Notices of Its Principal Framers (Volume 1) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860 edition. Excerpt: ...until the meeting of the legislature, at its regular session in January, 1787. It was never adopted by that State, and consequently never took effect. 1 The ground of his refusal was, laid before them, and so recently "that he had not the power to con-as at their last session received vene the legislature before the time their determination, it cannot come fixed by law for their stared meet-within that description." Life of ing, except upon 'extraordinary Hamilton, II. 389. occasions, ' and as the present busi-9 August 23, 1786. ness had already been particularly CHAPTER II. 1784-1787. INmAcTIons or THE Tawny or PEACE. THE Treaty of Peace, ratified on the 14th of January, 1784, contained provisions of great practical and immediate importance. One of its chief objects, on the part of the United States, was, of course, to effect the immediate withdrawal of the British troops, and of every sign of British authority, from the country whose independence it acknowledged. A stipulation was accordingly introduced, by which the King bound himself, with all convenient speed, and without causing any destruction, or carrying away any negroes or other property of the American inhabitants, to withdraw all his armies, garrisons, and fleets from the United States, and from every post, place, and harbor within the same. Although the ratification of the Treaty was followed by the departure of the British forces from the Atlantic coast, many important posts in the Wester n country, within the incontestable limits of the United States, with a considerable territory around each of them, were still retained.' On the part of England, it was of great consequence to secure to British subjects the property, and rights of property, of...