By the time Madison caught up with his notes, he sat alone in the chamber. He looked around the stately room and wondered what the nation would think of their work in a hundred years. Would they understand the contradictions they had struggled to navigate? Would they understand their moment in time?
As he gathered up his materials, Madison knew that the kind of republic he wanted to build would never fathom the blemishes that had disfigured its birth.
Chapter 27
Friday, July 13, 1787
Sherman stopped short of the tavern steps. When he looked up the street, he spotted Baldwin walking in his direction. Baldwin was the only person in this city that Sherman felt comfortable enough with to completely drop his guard and relax. After all the tense meetings at this very same establishment, he looked forward to simply enjoying their excellent food without politics on the menu.
“Roger, this is a grand alteration to our normal meeting place. Are the docks no longer good enough for you?”
“No further need for secrecy. Since the vote, everyone knows we’re in league.”
“Yes, I’ve felt the heat.” Baldwin put his arm on Sherman’s shoulder as they climbed the steps. “I appreciate your buying me a fine supper.”
“I assumed you were buying.”
“The obligation belongs to the debtor.”
“I believe the duty rests with the supplicant.”
“I asked for nothing.”
“You begged for relief from your boorish delegation.”
“If I’m to pay for our entertainment, then we must return to our former haunts.”
“Since neither of us is rich or generously supplied by our states, I propose we split the cost of the evening.”
“You ol’ skinflint, is there nothing you won’t barter?”
“Nothing … except possibly my wife. That I must think about.”
“Think hard. Rebecca’s the only valuable thing you possess.”
“Let’s go in. After a long winter, I crave fresh vegetables.”
“You can have green things. I smell roast beef.”
Sherman and Baldwin were shown to an elegant table set with willow-pattern china on an indigo blue tablecloth. A card at each place setting listed the night’s offerings.
“Since I’m going to pay only half, I suggest we order a bottle of French wine,” Baldwin said.
“Do we have something to celebrate?”
“Not today’s session. I was bored into a stupor.”
“We argued the fate of the empire.”
“Raw wilderness is more like it. If rocks and trees don’t keep a good man from making a go of it, then savages will take a turn at dashing a man’s dreams.”
A servant came to take their order. “What can I get you gentlemen?”
“Are the vegetables fresh?” Sherman asked.
“Arrived by ship from Savannah this morning. No root vegetables—too early—but the peas, beans, and asparagus are fresh.”
Sherman traded a smile with Baldwin. “It looks like we have an opportunity to support Georgia commerce.”
Baldwin laughed. “I’ll have the roast beef, a heavy portion. And a big stack of cornbread.”
“And you, sir?”
“The same, only for me a heavy portion of vegetables.”
“And to drink?”
“I’ll let my young friend order; he’s partial to French wine.”
The servant inclined his head toward Baldwin. “We’ve received glowing reports on a new Bordeaux.”
“That’ll be fine,” he said.
“May I bring you gentlemen water?”
“Where do you get it?” Baldwin asked.
“From far up the Schuylkill River. We bring it in daily and chill it.”
“By all means.” After the servant left, Baldwin turned to Sherman. “Now I know how the rich live. Fresh cold water brought in daily. I’ll bet they even wash the goblets.”
“Yes, with tainted well water.”
“You scoundrel, don’t spoil my evening.”
“You may already have spoiled mine. You never asked the price of the wine.”
“The wine’s my treat. I just received a generous allowance from Georgia.”
“I wish I could say the same. I write to no response.”
“Our respective states know our worth.”
“Jesting aside, I need money or I’ll soon take food off my family’s table.”
“Then we must finish our business. Besides, I tire of being jailed up with a bunch of windbags in a sizzling oven.” Baldwin started rocking his spoon with his middle finger, slapping the stem against his wrist. “Someone should explain to those rambling fools that you can’t use the same kindling over and over.”
“They think we’re stupid. They believe if they explain things one more time, we might finally grasp the point. They fail to recognize that we understand but disagree.”
“Blind bastards. I sometimes want to march to the front of the chamber, shake that prudish Wilson, and tell him that I don’t need to hear any more of his sanctimonious preaching.”
“In that case, I’m glad you were bored into a stupor. Safer for us all.”
Baldwin stopped his nervous twitch with the spoon. “Roger, when will I get to go home?”
“The same question Rebecca asks me.”
“Problems?”
“I have fifteen children, four still at home, the youngest two ill. I’m almost insolvent. In a fit of patriotism, I invested all my savings in worthless Connecticut bonds.” Sherman looked into his friend’s eyes. “Abe, Rebecca’s a saint, not a martyr. She wants me home to put things in order.”
“Can you blame her?”
Sherman tried the trick with the spoon but had no rhythm. “I must complete this business. It may be all I bequeath to my children.”
Sherman thought a minute. “These things have their own rhythm.” Roger picked up the spoon and showed it to Baldwin. “I’m a clumsy man. That’s the real reason I’m not a boot maker.” Sherman laughed. “Probably would have punched an awl through my palm. I don’t have physical grace, but I possess a keen sense for the rhythm of politics.” Sherman put the spoon down. “I have sad news for you. It will be some time before you get to go home.”
“If we can get past the legislature, the rest should fall easily.”
“We haven’t sealed our bargain with New York.” Sherman leaned across the table. “Hamilton returned last night. He brought someone with him—Manasseh Cutler.”
“Cutler? That’s good news, right?”
“One would presume so. He would not have made the trip from New York if he hadn’t taken the bait.”
“Then why can’t we get this damn thing over with?”
“I’ll push tomorrow morning for a vote on the entire legislative proposal, but that still leaves the executive and the judiciary.”
Baldwin nodded and then said, “Any scuttlebutt on Cutler?”
“None I’ve heard. I presume he’s meeting with Washington and Franklin.”
“They’ve not taken you into their confidence?”
Sherman picked up the spoon and distractedly held it aloft, as if fascinated by his upside down image reflected on its shiny surface. “They want to come to an understanding amongst themselves first.”
“Roger, I’m willing to struggle through new issues, but I fatigue at rehashing the same old ground. We backwoodsmen like the direct route. Chop down the trees, roll the boulders out of the way, and plow a future filled with plenty.”
“First you must survey the landscape.”
“And kill the Indians.”
“Or bribe them to go elsewhere.”
On Saturday, Sherman tried to force a comprehensive vote. “I move that we consider the legislature on the whole: equality in the Senate, the money bill privilege, and the lower house proportionality. It is a conciliatory plan, and a great deal of time has been spent on it. If we alter any part now, we will have to go over the ground again.”
Gerry surprised Sherman with an unusual proposal. “In the interest of progress, I offer an additional compromise. I propose that each state have two senators and that each vote independently.”
Sherman sat straighter. This was an idea he could embrace. Give away something that has the appearance of substance, but in fact, changes nothing. He believed that the states could control their representatives.
King threw in another surprise. “In order to tie the states allegiance to the new government, I propose that all state debts be absorbed by the national government, making one aggregate debt of about seventy million dollars.”
Sherman guessed this suggestion came from Hamilton. It made sense, and his Connecticut bonds might again have value. He made a mental note to put this in a letter to Rebecca. It would lighten her concern if she thought he could do more in this chamber than at home to improve their financial future. After some additional squabbling, he was disappointed to see them adjourn without voting on any of the day’s proposals.
Sherman circled Franklin’s house to the rear courtyard and saw Hamilton sitting with the doctor. “Good afternoon, Doctor. Am I early?”
“Oh goodness, no. The others are scheduled to arrive in a half hour. I thought the three of us should talk privately first.”
“Always a pleasure,” Sherman said as he warily sat in a chair facing Franklin.
“Roger, the deal is struck.” Franklin inclined his head toward Hamilton and added, “Alex has handled the negotiations to this point, but Cutler wants to hear from the leader of the opposition.”
Without bidding, John brought Sherman coffee service. After the little ceremony, Sherman asked, “Doctor, if I may ask, do you have qualms about this?”
Franklin’s normally good-humored countenance grew serious. “Every night. Yourself?”
“Every waking moment.”
“It’s late to bring up reservations.”
“I’d suggest another approach, but I’m empty.”
“Then we’re of the same mind.”
Hamilton shooed away a fly with a nonchalant flick. “Our contemptible Congress would never move solely due to an enlightened regard for the country.”
Franklin gave Hamilton a pat on the forearm. “Alex, you never fail to offer a slice of gloom to temper my natural goodwill.”
“We all have a role to play in this little drama.”
“Indeed we do. But we’re here to discuss Mr. Sherman’s role.”
Sherman set down his coffee. “That’s why you called me here before the others arrived?”
“There are things we need to discuss.” Franklin’s eyes conveyed not a hint of their typical mirth. “Roger, I want your assurance that you’ll add no new conditions.”
“You fear I came to negotiate?”
“Cutler wants to get your measure. The general doesn’t want you to view this as an opportunity to gain additional concessions.”
“That’s disappointing. I was going to ask for a two-horse buggy.”
Franklin threw a sideways glace at Hamilton. “I apologize if I offended you.”
“No need to apologize; we’re engaged in politics.” Sherman leaned back, crossed his legs, and tried for a relaxed pose. “You have my assurance.”
“Excellent. I shall convey your assurance to Gen. Washington.”
“More politics?”
“Yes, indeed. It’s a pleasure working with a professional.”
“What’s the timing?”
“Congress will pass an ordinance in a week or so. We’ll have to do our part in a session shortly thereafter. In the meantime, we’ll pass your committee’s full recommendation on Monday.”
“Thank you.”
“Roger, Virginia and Pennsylvania won’t vote for the resolution. We have large delegations, and not everyone has been taken into our confidence.”
“The committee report should still pass with six or seven votes.”
“Five to four.” Franklin spoke with finality. “Massachusetts will split, and the New York delegation will be conveniently absent. The price of Clinton’s acquiescence.”
“And you worry about new concessions from me?”
“Clinton doesn’t want footprints.”
“He wants more.”
“We’ll handle him.” Franklin signaled closure on the subject by taking a huge bite of teacake that would occupy his mouth for a long moment.
There had to be more to this story. Governor Clinton had the most to lose from a strong central government. Persistent rumors hinted that he sought complete independence for New York. Sherman was certain Clinton was working dual strategies: tentative support for the union, while keeping his options open to strike out on his own.
“Anything not discussed previously?” Sherman asked Hamilton.
Hamilton looked at Franklin and received a nod. “Full concurrence required some sweetener. Gen. Arthur St. Clair, president of Congress, will be appointed governor of the Northwest Territory, and Colonel William Duer used his pivotal position in Treasury to become another sprocket in our wheel of intrigue.”
“How?”
Hamilton placed both elbows on his knees and rested his chin against his folded hands. “Duer will loan the Ohio Company the money to finance the first payment, and in return he will be given a major interest in the companion Scioto Company. Both companies will be awarded their grants simultaneously. Congress will have previously set up a territorial government.”
Sherman kept quiet for a moment. He expected personal accommodations and guessed that Hamilton had only disclosed the breaking water of this conspiratorial sea. Sherman knew St. Clair and Duer, and believed them capable, but seldom constrained by ethical norms. St. Clair brandished political power like a whip, and Duer alternately competed or partnered with Robert Morris for financial primacy. Manasseh Cutler looked wholesome in comparison.
“Your thoughts?” Franklin asked.
Sherman switched eye contact from Hamilton to the worldly old man. “Doctor, when you wade into a swamp, you encounter nasty creatures. One must find a way to survive them in order to get to the other side.”
“May I say again that it’s a pleasure working with a professional.” Franklin offered an appreciative expression that said more than his words. Turning in the direction of the house, Franklin called, “Ah, Mr. Cutler, Mr. Gerry, welcome.” Manasseh Cutler and Elbridge Gerry had emerged from the side of the house. Gerry, a representative from Cutler’s state of Massachusetts, served as his guide. Sherman was surprised to see that Cutler was a small man who looked more like a bookkeeper than a land speculator.
Without rising from his seat, Franklin said, “Mr. Cutler, may I introduce Roger Sherman, a delegate from Connecticut.”
“Good afternoon,” Sherman said, as he rose and approached the two men with an extended hand.
Cutler shook with more strength than Sherman had expected. “Mr. Sherman, a pleasure.”
Franklin made a grand wave, indicating that his guests should take a seat. “Among his many talents, Mr. Cutler is a scientist and a member of my little club, the American Philosophical Society.”
Gerry took a seat and crossed his long legs at the thighs. “Mr. Cutler has been a lawyer, a physician, and a minister, as well as a scientist. His new career is land speculator.”
Cutler bristled at Gerry’s impolitic introduction. “If I may beg your pardon, I have no interest in speculation. I intend to build a new community of freemen, a civil society, absent the dishonesty, villainy, and extreme ignorance rampant here. Our first town, which we shall name Marietta, will be nestled along the Ohio River, and it will be built on pristine land with no wrong habits or rubbish to remove.”
“Excuse me,” Gerry said with his chronic head bob, “but it appears you may add dreamer to your curriculum vitae.”
“A dreamer doesn’t make things happen. I do.”
Sherman shifted his posture slightly toward Cutler. “How was your trip?”
“Fascinating. Mr. Ha
milton—”
“The Cincinnati extorted a price far beyond their contribution.” Gerry refused to relent.
Cutler swung his head toward Gerry. “The Cincinnati received their just due. Others extorted tribute. Our selfless soldiers deserve the opportunity to build a family farm. Land renders a man secure against a bungling government.”
The irascible Gerry had taken the conversation close to a flash point. This would not serve their purpose. Sherman threw a glance at Franklin and saw an uncharacteristic scowl. Before speaking, Franklin instantly manufactured a cheery expression. “Gentlemen, it does no good to damn the ingredients of a meal. We must consume it anyway. Mr. Cutler, you were saying your trip was enjoyable.”
“Mr. Hamilton makes a captivating travel partner. Full of irregular opinions delivered with singular wit.”
Franklin feigned shock. “Eight hours in a coach with Alex. You must be exhausted.”
“I am, but not from the trip. I’m staying at the Indian Queen and conversed the night away with many of your delegates. I didn’t retire until half past one and then rose early to breakfast at Mr. Gerry’s. He then graciously took me on a tour of Philadelphia.”
Grateful to have diverted the conversation to an innocuous subject, Sherman asked, “What parts of the city have you seen?”
“After a well-prepared breakfast with the delightful Mrs. Gerry, we visited the Peale Museum and the State House, and walked the streets. Tomorrow Mr. Hamilton has promised to take me to the botanical gardens of John Bartram.”
Sherman saw Hamilton and Franklin trade knowing glances. The “delightful Mrs. Gerry” was seventeen years old and strikingly pretty. She presented a sharp contrast to her odd-looking husband, who appeared far older than his forty-three years.
“What’re your impressions of the city?” Hamilton asked.
“With my interest in science, I was much pleased with the Peale exhibit, and I’m anxious to see the botanical gardens. The city bustles and throbs with people in a hurry to go God knows where. You must watch yourself when you cross a street, or you’ll be squashed flat as yesterday’s horse droppings.”
Tempest at Dawn Page 33
