| During the Virginia Convention debates, Edmund Randolph (who favored ratification), feared that if Virginia did not ratify (ie., if it seceded from the Union) the compact with Maryland regarding the Potomac might be void. On June 6, 1788, Randolph made an interesting comment about the Potomac:
"To these considerations [as to why Va. should ratify the consititution], I might add many others of a similar nature. Were I to say that the boundary between us and North Carolina is not yet settled; I should be told, that Virginia and that State go together. But what, Sir, will be the consequence of the dispute that may arise between us and Maryland on the subject of Potowmack river. It is thought Virginia has a right to an equal navigation with them in that river. If ever it should be decided on grounds of prior right, their charter will inevitably determine it in their favor. The country called the Northern neck, will probably be severed from Virginia: There is not a doubt, but the inhabitants of that part will annex themselves to Maryland, if Virginia refuse to accede to the Union. The recent example of those regulations lately made respecting that territory, will illustrate that probability."
For replies to Randolph and full notes from The Documentary history of the ratification of the Constitution edited by Merrill Jensen see dochistrat and George Mason's reply to Randolph. |
