Part of a series of articles titled The Constitutional Convention: A Day by Day Account for July 1 to 15, 1787.
Previous: July 1, 1787: Sunday Recess
Article
July 2, 1787: Deadlock
National Portrait Gallery
"...no modifications whatever could reconcile the Smaller States to the least diminution of their equal Sovereignty."
–Luther Martin (MD), as per Madison's (VA) notes on the convention
Monday, July 2, 1787: The Convention Today
On the question for allowing each state one vote in the Senate, the vote was 5–yes, 5–no, Georgia divided. Maryland's "no" was made possible by Mr. Jenifer's absence, leaving Luther Martin to cast the state's vote. The Convention was deadlocked.
The large states remained convinced that giving Delaware the same voting power as Virginia was unfair. The small states argued that giving Virginia ten votes to Delaware's one would make Delaware insignificant and ultimately nonexistent.
General Pinckney (SC) suggested referral to a committee—no one expected much from this, but something had to be done. The proposal passed, 9–yes, 2–no (NJ and DE). A committee with one member from each of the states present was elected by ballot: Gerry (MA), Ellsworth (CT), Yates (NY), Franklin (PA), Bedford (DE), L. Martin (MD), Mason (VA), Davie (NC), Rutledge (SC), and Baldwin (GA).
To give this committee time and allow those who, as Madison wrote, "...chose to attend to the celebrations on the anniversary of Independence," the Convention adjourned until Thursday, July 5.
Synopsis
Delegates Today
Philadelphia Today
On the question for allowing each state one vote in the Senate, the vote was 5–yes, 5–no, Georgia divided. Maryland's "no" was made possible by Mr. Jenifer's absence, leaving Luther Martin to cast the state's vote. The Convention was deadlocked.
The large states remained convinced that giving Delaware the same voting power as Virginia was unfair. The small states argued that giving Virginia ten votes to Delaware's one would make Delaware insignificant and ultimately nonexistent.
General Pinckney (SC) suggested referral to a committee—no one expected much from this, but something had to be done. The proposal passed, 9–yes, 2–no (NJ and DE). A committee with one member from each of the states present was elected by ballot: Gerry (MA), Ellsworth (CT), Yates (NY), Franklin (PA), Bedford (DE), L. Martin (MD), Mason (VA), Davie (NC), Rutledge (SC), and Baldwin (GA).
To give this committee time and allow those who, as Madison wrote, "...chose to attend to the celebrations on the anniversary of Independence," the Convention adjourned until Thursday, July 5.
Synopsis
- The states deadlocked 5–5–1 on the question of equal versus proportional representation.
- With no foreseeable way to resolve the deadlock, a committee formed to address the issue.
- The Convention adjourned until July 5 to give the committee time to work and give the delegates an opportunity to celebrate Independence Day.
Delegates Today
- Dr. Johnson dined at Moystons. His expenses for the day were nine shillings and six pence.
- William Paterson (NJ) wrote to his wife, Euphemia, "It's impossible to say when the Convention will rise; much remains to be done, and the work is full of labor and difficulty."
- General Washington dined with members of the convention staying at the Indian Queen tavern, took tea at Mr. Bingham's, then walked to the State House yard. Before the convention session he sat "...for Mr. Pine who wanted to correct his portrait of me."
Philadelphia Today
- After a foggy morning, the day turned clear and hot.
Last updated: July 17, 2023