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process of national deliberations, may impart to the latter a livelier and more attractive interest.

The Constitution of the United States is thus also exhibited, not merely in the collective and final result of its provisions, but in the successive stages of its elaboration and development from the first elementary conception to the last finishing touch; showing, at each step, the influence which the principles and opinions of the prominent actors, and the interests and policy of the different States, had in moulding and deciding its ultimate shape. In this view, the chapters devoted to a general outline of the proceedings and debates of the Convention, in their chronological sequence, will, it is presumed, not appear misplaced or unimportant in the work we have undertaken. The correspondence and papers of Mr. Madison throwing new and important lights on every act and scene of the great national drama in which his own rôle was so conspicuous and influential, no explanation is deemed necessary for the liberal use which has been made of them, whether for the illustration of his conduct and opinions, or the elucidation of contemporary events.

SEPTEMBER, 1865.

CONTENTS.

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