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Cover image of Documentary History of the First Federal Congress of the United States of America, March 4, 1789-March 3, 1791
Cover image of Documentary History of the First Federal Congress of the United States of America, March 4, 1789-March 3, 1791
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Documentary History of the First Federal Congress of the United States of America, March 4, 1789-March 3, 1791

The Diary of William Maclay and Other Notes on Senate Debates

edited by Kenneth R. Bowling and Helen E. Veit

Volume
Volume 9
Publication Date
Binding Type

Winner of the Thomas Jefferson Prize from the Society for History of the Federal Government

Caustic, witty, and rich in anecdotes and personal observations, the diary of William Maclay is the preeminent unofficial document of the First Federal Congress and, with James Madison's notes from the Federal Convention, one of the two most important journals in American political and constitutional history.

The first U.S. Senate met in secret, and much of what is known about its proceedings comes from Pennsylvania senator William Maclay, who kept a diary of what was said on the floor and who seldom...

Winner of the Thomas Jefferson Prize from the Society for History of the Federal Government

Caustic, witty, and rich in anecdotes and personal observations, the diary of William Maclay is the preeminent unofficial document of the First Federal Congress and, with James Madison's notes from the Federal Convention, one of the two most important journals in American political and constitutional history.

The first U.S. Senate met in secret, and much of what is known about its proceedings comes from Pennsylvania senator William Maclay, who kept a diary of what was said on the floor and who seldom failed to make an entry for each day. To this record he added his analysis of the debate, details about behind-the-scenes politicking and social lists in New York and Philadelphia, and comments on the character, motives, and morals of those with whom he associated—including Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, and Hamilton.

The diary establishes beyond any doubt that the Founding Fathers practiced legislative politics much as their descendants do today. Rich in both information and opinion, the book makes for engrossing reading.

Reviews

Reviews

This unique eyewitness account of the launching of the government under the Constitution is also one of the great American diaries, consistently entertaining and compulsively readable.

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Book Details

Publication Date
Status
Available
Trim Size
6
x
9
Pages
560
ISBN
9780801835353
Table of Contents

Illustrations
Introduction
Editorial Method
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations and Symbols
Members of the Senate
Members of the House of Representatives
Part I. The Diary of William Maclay
First Session
Second

Illustrations
Introduction
Editorial Method
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations and Symbols
Members of the Senate
Members of the House of Representatives
Part I. The Diary of William Maclay
First Session
Second Session
Third Session
Appendix A: Miscellaneous Diary Documents
Appendix B: Newspaper Pieces
Appendix C: Genealogical Chart
Appendix D: Correspondence of William Maclay
Appendix E: Biography of William Maclay
Part II. Other Notes on Senate Debates
The Notes of:
Johns Adams
Pierce Butler
William Samuel Johnson
Rufus King
William Paterson
Paine Wingate
Index

Author Bios
Featured Contributor

Helen E. Veit

Helen E. Veit is an associate editor of the Documentary History of the First Federal Congress, 1789–1791.
Featured Contributor

Helen E. Veit

Helen E. Veit is an associate editor of the Documentary History of the First Federal Congress, 1789–1791.