James Madison

Journal of the Federal Convention Kept by James Madison

Reprint of the Special Edition. Edited by E. H. Scott. Originally published: Chicago: Scott, Foresman and Co., 1898. 805 pp. Founding father (and fourth President of the United States) James Madison [1751-1836] appreciated the significance of the Federal Convention and took great care to compile an accurate report of its proceedings. His journal, which covers the period from May 14 and September 17, 1787, is often referred to as "The Madison Papers" or "Madison's Notes." It remains the most complete record of the proceedings, which were held behind closed doors. This volume is based on the edition of 1840, which was published by the United States government from Madison's original manuscripts under the direction of President Andrew Jackson who authorized payment of the sum of "thirty thousand dollars" (Preface, 4) to Mrs. Madison, which later passed as an Act of Congress for the reduced sum of "five thousand dollars," (Preface, 5) still an exorbitant amount reflecting their comprehension of the historical significance of the notes to the nation. The volume also includes the text of another manuscript that traces the history of American constitutionalism from 1754 to 1787. This edition with E. H. Scott's complete "general and analytical" index.