At the Convention
 

    The Annapolis Convention was called expressly to discuss the interstate economic crises that were facing the states.  Some of the Delegates like Alexander Hamilton had hopes of discussing other problems and strengthening the national government.  The representatives from New Jersey were also sent to the Convention with other concerns in mind.  As they introduced themselves at the convention the asserted that not only had the state legislature sent them there to discuss uniform commercial regulations but to consider "other important matters, might be necessary to the common interest and permanent harmony of the several states."   The representatives also felt that the decisions made at the convention be passed onto the Congress and they be given more power to provide for the "exigencies of the union."
    Unfortunately other state representatives were only charged with discussing the possibility of creating uniform commercial regulations.  The role of the New Jersey representatives was very important.  Their pressure to discuss other matters other than commercial matters lead to the only definite outcome of the Annapolis Convention.  What was decided was to hold another convention in Philadelphia the following year in 1787.  At this convention all matters were to be discussed and recommendations were to be handed to the national congress.  Of course from this convention comes The Constitution.

• Abraham Clarke
• William C. Houston
• James Schuarman

Return to New Jersey During the Critical Period