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Convention: A Daily Journal

Center for Civics Education

Convention: A Daily Journal

Convention: A Daily Journal is a day-by-day journal of the 1787 Constitutional Convention convened by twelve of the original thirteen states to amend the Articles of Confederation and create a “more perfect union.” It chronicles the daily activities of the Convention, profiles the delegates and their interactions with each other, and looks back to life in America in the 1780s. Writing in the first person, the story is told from an “observer” hearing events as told in contemporary newspaper accounts and delegates’ personal notes and letters.


Sunday, July 1, 1787

July 01, 2020 - 4 minute read


Burr-Hamilton Duel

George Mason is a voice of reason in any conversation. He is described by William Pierce as “a gentleman of remarkable strong powers and possesses a clear and copious understanding.  He is able and convincing in debate, steady and firm in his principles, and undoubtedly one of the best politicians in America.”

As a Virginian representing a large State, Mason is nevertheless willing to compromise with the small States by supporting equal representation in the Senate. After yesterday’s bitter debate, he wrote to Beverley Randolph, a friend and member of the Virginia Assembly. Without violating the rule of secrecy, he confided that “things are now drawing to that point on which some of the fundamental principles must be decided, and two or three days will probably enable us to judge - which is at present very doubtful - whether any sound and effectual system can be established or not. If it cannot, I presume we shall not continue here much longer; if it can, we shall probably be detained ‘til September.”

Coincidentally, North Carolina’s Governor Richard Caswell just this day approved an additional two months allowance to support the delegates from his State. Realizing that “the future happiness of the States so much depends on the determination of the Convention,” he offered to do “anything I can which may tend towards making your stay agreeable.”

George Washington is less sanguine than Mason and shared his frustration in a letter to David Stuart. Stuart is a medical doctor and politician, married to the widow of Martha Washington’s son who died after contracting camp fever while serving as Washington’s aide-de-camp at the Battle of Yorktown. Stuart represents Fairfax County in the Virginia General Assembly and, as friend and confidante, frequently corresponds with Washington and occasionally translates letters in French for his friend.

Because of their close relationship, Washington is able to share his irritation with the events swirling about him. “Rhode Island,” he began, “still perseveres in that impolitic – unjust – and one might add without much impropriety, scandalous conduct, which seems to have marked all her public councils of late. New Hampshire, tho’ delegates have been appointed, is also unrepresented – various causes have been assigned – whether well or ill-founded I shall not take upon me to decide. The fact, however, is that they are not here. Political contests, and want of money, are amidst the reasons assigned for the non-attendance of the members.”

He went on at some length, unburdening himself to Stuart while confessing that argumentation is needed, however unpleasant. “It is necessary,” he said, “to hear all arguments that can be advanced.” Any plan that is ultimately recommended by the Convention must be able to “bear the scrutinizing eye of criticism,” and then be left “to the good sense and patriotism of the people to carry it into effect.” 

Today, Washington “dined and spent the evening at home,” a rare pleasure as he testified in a letter to Annis Boudinot Stockton. “What with my attendance in Convention, morning business, receiving and returning visits, and dining late with the numberless, etc., which are not to be avoided,” he said, “I scarcely have a moment” to enjoy visits with everyone he would like to see. Last night, another social event was entered into Washington’s diary: “Dined with a Club at Springsbury [Springettsbury] – consisting of several associated families of the city – the gentlemen of which meet every Saturday, accompanied by the females of the family every other Saturday. This was the ladies’ day.” 

Washington is much more upbeat and positive in his letter to Augustine, his nephew and manager of Mt. Vernon during his absence. Washington’s obvious enthusiasm and detailed inquiries into the daily routine of his farms betray his longing to be at home at Mt. Vernon, conducting his daily tours and surveying the land where he finds peace and solace.

Today, William Pierce and William Few of Georgia left Philadelphia to return to New York to attend Congress. Alexander Hamilton had left for New York on Friday. 

William Pierce was born in Virginia. After the Revolutionary War he moved to Georgia with his new wife, Charlotte Fenwick, the daughter of a wealthy South Carolina planter. Pierce had distinguished himself during the War, including two years as aide-de-camp to General Nathanael Green. As a young man, he studied art under Charles Willson Peale, who currently maintains a gallery and museum in Philadelphia and has painted portraits of well-known figures such as Washington, Green and Meriwether Lewis. 

Pierce’s businesses have not been favorable and the decline in the European rice market has added to his financial difficulties.  Recently, he sought political office and was elected in 1786 to represent Chatham County in the Georgia House of Representatives. That body immediately selected him to represent Georgia in the Confederacy Congress and then as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. 

When Pierce left Philadelphia, it was due only in part to his role in the Congress. He also had to attend to “a piece of business so necessary that it became avoidable.” That business was a duel. It seems that W. Pierce & Co. owed a substantial sum to a London-based company who sent a Mr. Auldjo to collect. Claiming the “irregularity” Pierce’s books and little satisfaction, Auldjo let the issue be known publicly, causing Pierce to complain that “my enemies triumphed, and my friends grew cool.” To make matters worse, Auldjo showed up in Philadelphia, insulting him with “indelicate language.”

Finally, Pierce challenged Auldjo to a duel, choosing Nathaniel Mitchell as his second. Auldjo prevailed on Alexander Hamilton to be his second. Eventually, Hamilton was able to broker a truce and prevent the duel but years later, Hamilton himself will be killed in a duel.

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