Guardoqui adheres to his Position 323 Committees of Correspondence formed in the West 323 The Inhabitants of Kentucky in Motion 323 Remonstrances of Virginia on the Subject of shutting up the Mississippi 323 Their Delegates intercede with the Spanish Minister 324 Their Efforts ineffectual 324 The Vote of Seven States attacked in Congress 325 Unconstitutionality of that Vote 325, 326 It is not rescinded 326 Critical Position of the Country 326 The Subject of the Mississippi postponed to await the Action of the Federal Convention 326, 327 CHAPTER VI. 1783-1787. DECAY AND FAILURE OF THE CONFEDERATION.--PROGRESS OF OPINION.--STEPS WHICH LED TO THE CONVENTION OF 1787.--INFLUENCE AND EXERTIONS OF HAMILTON.--MEETING OF THE CONVENTION. The Federal Power under the Confederation unequal to the Discharge of its Duties 328 The Confederation destitute of Political Sovereignty 329 Capacities of the Country 330 Difficulties in the Formation of a Federal Constitution 331 Progress of Opinion upon the Subject of a General Government 332, 333 Important Centres of Opinion 334 Action of Massachusetts 334 Distress pervading the Commercial Classes 334, 335 Governor Bowdoin's Message 336 The Legislature recommend a General Convention 336, 337 Their Delegates in Congress refuse to present the Resolves 337 Congress desire only a Temporary Power over Commerce 337 Jealousy in Congress of the Changes likely to be made in the Government 338 The Legislature of Massachusetts rescind their Resolutions 339 Condition of Congress in 1785 339 Action of Virginia 340 Proposed Enlargement of the Powers of Congress over Trade 340 Difficulties between the Citizens of Virginia and Maryland 341 Meeting at Alexandria 341 Report of the Commissioners of Virginia and Maryland to their Governments 342