A More Perfect Union

A More Perfect Union: Volume 8

Book Series: Prelude to Glory
Author:         Ron Carter
Publisher:     Bookcraft
Publishing date: 2004
Pages:           529
Number of Chapters: 30

This volume spans just one year, May 1787 - June 1788

Chapter 1
May 1787

Picking up just a few months from where the last book left off, Matthew Dunson is home in Boston with his little family, up early to leave for the big conference/convention in Philadelphia to form a new nation. The last six years have been very stressful as the thirteen infant states continue to sink into oblivion. No one can agree on anything. As a prominent member of his community, Matthew must attend this convention to keep everyone informed back home. 
Kathleen must've lost the baby she announced she was expecting in the last book (volume 7, chapter 36, 1785) because she whispers, repeating almost word-for-word, to her husband she's pregnant and John, now six, won't be an only child for very much longer. 
Adam Dunson, youngest of the brothers, arrives to walk with Matthew to the docks to catch their ship. He is now a young man, newly graduated from Harvard on his way to following in his big brother's footsteps to become a ship's navigator.

Chapter 2

The economic depression seems to be over. Businesses all along the waterfront are humming, including Dunson and Weems (D&W) shipping. Matthew and Adam swing by the office to check in with lifelong best friend and business partner, Billy Weems, before leaving. Billy reminds Matthew he'll be speaking with Brigitte, Matthew's younger sister, to officially propose while Matthew is gone. Matthew assures him they sill have his blessing. 
Adam and Matthew leave on a company ship. For the reader's benefit, Matthew explains to Adam why the states are convening in Philly and the plans they intend to discuss on coming together to form a new kind of government. A few days later, Adam navigates the ship into the Philly harbor while Matthew looks proudly on. 

Chapter 3

Matthew "checks in" at the boardinghouse he's staying in. Since today is Sunday, he attends a local church service and enjoys a good dinner with the other boarders served by the kindly old widow woman who takes a liking to Matthew and wants to know all about the convention. She insists Matthew call her Mother Asher.
Outside, George Washington arrives with great fanfare and cannon; a hero's welcome as crowds line the streets to cheer.

Chapter 4

The next morning, grace is said over breakfast and Matthew walks to the city hall, which everyone is calling the State House now, to check out the venue. Inside, crowds of men are mingling in the halls, waiting for the Grand Constitutional Convention to begin. Matthew spots George Washington and James Madison walking and talking. He catches up to them and takes the liberty of introducing himself to Madison. Washington has no problem with this and is happy to vouch for this Boston commoner. He remembers Matthew and thanks him for all his service during the war.
Since nothing is happening yet, as not all the delegates from all the states have arrived, like New York, (Come on, Hamilton, you were chosen for the Constitutional Convention!) Matthew returns to his room at the boardinghouse to write a letter to his family.

Chapter 5

Little John Matthew Dunson is a good boy, helping his mother and longing to be big so grown ups will take him seriously. He wonders why his mother has no appetite and why Dr. Soderquist has come to talk with his mom. Oh well, he has more important things to do, like marching his toy soldiers into glorious battle to defeat the British.
Mother reads to him from the Bible, they have prayers and she tucks him into bed.

Chapter 6

Days pass in Philadelphia until Matthew is invited to participate in a prominent meeting where important men, like Washington and Madison, debate what to do about this convention that nobody is coming to. Politics is slow business as Matthew is learning.

Chapter 7

At last, enough men from all thirteen states have arrived to allow the convention to proceed. Washington is unanimously elected as Convention President. Others, like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison are elected to keep notes and write up the official rules of procedure. That's it for today, meeting adjourned. Matthew adds this info to his most recent letter and mails it via Mother Asher who takes his coins, promising it will get sent to Boston.

Chapter 8

Spirits are high in Philly next morning with the arrival of Benjamin Franklin who's been off in Paris for so long. (What'd I miss?) So old and frail he's carried by special convoy in a litter, not a carriage, in a grand processional to the State House. The people go nuts.
Matthew observes as the meeting opens with roll call and reading of how this whole thing will proceed. Discussion and changes, more votes and a hot debate over representation of big vs. small states. It is also unanimously agreed this convention will be closed to the public.

Chapter 9
May 1787

Next day's meetings reinforce the rule that not one word is to be spoken to anyone outside this convention until its conclusion, for everyone's own protection. All agree. Also decided is the tossing out of the Articles of Confederation. It served its purpose but out with old, in with the new so ALL the states can exist in harmony.
This is dragging on, Matthew needs to get home. Madison promises to send word to Matthew when this is all over.

Chapter 10

Poor Trudy Weems who takes after her plain and homely looking mother. She is now twenty years old and no man has ever darkened her doorstep, asking if he could call on her sometime, for superficial beauty and outwardly appearances really ARE more important in catching a husband than a young woman's character and intelligence. By Boston custom she is now a spinster. Any womanly desires she might have for husband, home, or bearing children of her own must be repressed. She will grieve her loss silently. Good thing Trudy's mother is equally accepting of her situation for Trudy will remain at home, living under her mother's roof, for the rest of her life. (Who will tell her story?)
Trudy can only rejoice with Billy and Dorothy as Billy shows them the lovely ring he commissioned a craftsman to make which he plans to present to Brigitte tonight. He does. She says yes and they kiss for the first time.

Chapter 11

Back at the Convention, the debate turns toward the question of who gets the power, the government or the people? How big a role should the new Congress play? They decide to establish a government consisting of three branches: the legislative, the executive and the judiciary.  (Did anyone else hear Steve Martin from The Three Amigos in that reference?)

Chapter 12

A bicameral legislature is agreed upon which raises the question-can the common people actually be responsible for electing their own government representatives? A "yes" is in the majority favor, two states vote "nay." Finally, the convention decides how much power the government versus the states will have.

Chapter 13
June 1787

Today the delegates will decide the process and amount of time each member of this new government will serve, such as the the executive branch consisting of just one person, the President of the United States who will serve for at least two terms if the candidate decides to run again. (This was not made into law until Roosevelt's presidency in 1951 when he was elected for a fourth term thanks to his popularity but declining health inspired Congress to pass a law putting a limit on just how long one person could serve.)
Checks and balances are also agreed upon. The Commander-in-chief might have the power to declare war or decide if a bill is made into a law but the legislative branch has the power to disagree with the president as backed by the judiciary who has the power to interpret or overturn laws made by the other two branches. Nobody has all the power and with the exception of the judiciary, nearly every single member of these parties are elected by the common people. Which means more decisions must be debated and voted upon: how much pay for each office, the election process for each candidate, age limits, residency, citizenship. Too many issues and this chapter is getting very tedious.

Chapter 14

Back in Boston, a D&W ship that Adam was navigating for the company has gone missing. The latest news arrives. The report says Adam's ship was damaged in a storm but no survivors or bodies were found. Pirates took her.
Caleb is determined to go to the Caribbean, the last place the ship was seen. He will avenge his brother! Billy gives permission, knowing resistance to the new "Batman" of the series is pointless. No stopping Caleb when he's determined to do something. Billy arranges a ship for Caleb who will round up a crew and sail south.

Chapter 15

Matthew is back. A tearful Kathleen fills him in on all the latest gossip, including Caleb's rash plan to head south. He left yesterday. Matthew just missed him. He hides his concern. Instead, he brings John a present of a compass with a promise to take his son on a ship and show him how to use it. John is thrilled.
After a restless night, Matthew finds Billy at the office for more details on Caleb's voyage. It's dangerous but they agree Caleb can probably take care of himself. They feel sorry for the men about to experience his wrath.

Chapter 16

Another boring meeting at the Constitutional Convention, which other men, mostly Madison, narrate for the reader. More debate over state power versus federal. The topic of slavery is danced around which ties into the power of the vote between the two parties. It's a mess with big states wanting equal power while small states protest their under-representation in this new government. And so the debate continues...

Chapter 17

Another argument begins over classification of citizens and how much voting power each group should be allowed. Blacks and Indians. Men and Women. Indians are not recognized as citizens of this new nation. Black slaves are property, not human beings. The debate rages on.
Remember, America was not the melting pot it is today. No one could ever foresee the vast number of immigrants that would descend on our country over the next 200 years as amendments granting citizenship were added. The matter of how much pay each representative and senator should get still hasn't been settled either.
Then, Ben Franklin pulls everyone back with one witty comment about a moderate salary and more days pass as different plans are proposed: some want to go back and reexamine the Articles, others debate we should move forward. The vote is taken. They will move forward. It will be expensive and difficult but, (It's independence, we have to start somewhere.) the majority vote is yes.
One day, Alexander Hamilton stands up to speak. Slender, handsome, thirty-two years old, a native of the West Indies where it was rumored he was an illegitimate child but he's brilliant, a genius which no one can deny. He served as Washington's right hand man during the war. He holds a strong, nationalist view, meaning of the two Plans up for debate at the moment as to what form of government should be created, Hamilton favors government control over civil. He then proceeds to speak for SIX HOURS (the man is non-stop) pushing his own agenda. The Constitutional Convention should nix both these plans in which he spent the last five hours picking apart, clause by clause, phrase by phrase, and go with HIS plan-a new form of government modeling England's. One group has all executive authority-less complicated that way! That's all everyone.
Lucky for us, Hamilton's magnificent but misconceived efforts died on the floor. He was praised by all but supported by none. (You don't have the votes Aha ha ha ha! You're gonna need congressional approval and you don't have the votes) Makes me wonder why I even bring the thunder.

Chapter 18

Under Caleb's direction, his ship the Zephyr, has arrived at the shipwreck where they deduce Adam's ship was first attacked, then driven onto the reef. Everyone on board was evacuated onto life boats but taken prisoner by England when they reached the shore of that island over there which is British territory. They must continue following the trail to Kingston Harbor in Jamaica.

Chapter 19

Sure enough, Caleb sends his British born crewmen ashore to do some undercover investigation around Kingston. Caleb and his "away team" go with them intending to let the Brits do all the talking so as not to give themselves away. They find street vendors hacking stolen and salvaged items. Caleb recognizes his brother's personal navigator's compass with his name engraved on the inside. What a coincidence! And look, there's the prison where everyone's being kept.
They storm the structure, blow things up, wreak havoc, free Adam and all his friends and escape to the waiting Zephyr. Lucky for them, a huge storm is rolling in, providing the perfect cover for their escape. When a big British warship gives chase out of the harbor, they fire on it and sink the ship! Later, Adam thanks his big brother, on behalf of his crew mates, for coming for them. Caleb just shrugs and says their Mother told him to go fetch his baby brother home, so he did!

Chapter 20

Back to the dry and very boring Constitutional Convention as seen through the eyes of yet another obscure narrator (It's no one you've ever heard of, I promise, Nathaniel Gorham) until omnipotent third person takes over. Lots of long wined speeches are made: what is the nature of congress, of the senate, exactly how should the house of representatives be based? Hamilton is among the list of delegates who weigh in on these important issues as the debate over states rights continues.Many delegates have been coming and going throughout this Convention. For example, William Pierce of Georgia went to New York to attend a meeting and to fight a duel for which Alexander Hamilton was to be his second.
Suddenly 81 year old Ben Franklin rises to his feet to speak, the first time he's done so, officially, since this Convention opened. He moves the Convention consider supplicating the Almighty, "the Father of Lights" at the opening of every future session from henceforth and forever because if they are ever going to reach some kind of compromise in what form of government they want, it's getting pretty obvious they're going to need all the help they can get!
Everyone is stunned into silence. Nearly all of these men, Alexander Hamilton included, are God-fearing, religious men, who grew up learning Bible passages by heart and treasuring them. All agree a return to prayer is needed.
They get back to business of how a house of representatives will be formed. A compromise is also reached as to each state getting exactly one vote in the senate. Progress is being made.

Chapter 21
July 1787

Many days pass in Philadelphia as everything gets hammered out. That delicate issue of slavery is again brought forth. It is time to decide and vote. All Southern states are adamant. If slavery is abolished they are walking out! No compromise, unless these "other persons" are counted as only 3/5 of a person to represent the population of their respective southern state thereby preventing the minority race having the majority vote which everyone knows, by Divine Right, belongs to whites. Nobody is happy with this.
Alexander Hamilton (a stalwart abolitionist of slavery) left weeks ago, offended nobody liked his nationalist plan, as frustrated as everyone else. The other two delegates from New York are calling it quits and heading home as well. They are not the only ones as other states are ready to give up and go home.
Nobody has ever seen Washington looking more discouraged. He retires to his room and taking up quill and paper, pens a letter to Alexander Hamilton, wishing his good friend were here to offer some some much needed wisdom and advice.

Chapter 22

Caleb, Adam and the crew of the Zephyr are traveling north. So far, nobody is in pursuit. They did it. Mission accomplished.
Until the crow's nest sights a body floating in the water. It's a black slave. Dead. They find more floating bodies and deduce a slave ship is nearby. They catch up to it, take it hostage and free the slaves who don't speak English but gaze in reverent white supremacist awe at their saviors. Caleb just can't get away from having ownership of slaves thrust upon him.

Chapter 23

In Boston, Matthew and Billy are working in the office when Adam and Caleb march in, triumphant. Matthew can hardly believe the story they have to tell. Billy just shakes with laughter as cocky Caleb snarks on how easy it was, how they blew up the prison because it was old-they needed a new one anyway and, yeah, we blew up a British Man O'war, my apologies to King George.
Oh, and he rescued some slaves from pirates that had taken over the ship. Matthew just shakes his head and promises to make arrangements to send the slaves back to their native Africa.
Matthew is pleased, a little shocked and relieved but he tells everyone to come to his mother's house for a big party to celebrate the return of Caleb and Adam, the Dunson brothers, all safe and together at last.

Chapter 24

Back in Philly, everything is coming together. Comprises are being found regarding how the people will vote, how votes will be counted and how much power to give to each branch of government. All have reached the final decision points. The delegates will take a break for the rest of July and reconvene in August. George Washington visits the old Valley Forge camp and solemnly remembers that hard winter of 1777-78.

Chapter 25
August 1787

Margaret and Brigitte laugh themselves silly over a new Boston law concerning the solemnization of marriages also known as "the posting of the bans" which must be posted in three different public locations or declared verbally at three religious meetings so everyone will be informed and have the opportunity to offer objections should anything be amiss. The intended couple must also obtain a marriage certificate before they are married either by a religious leader or justice of the peace.
Brigitte has no problem with any of these requirements, but finds great humor speculating with her mother if men passed similar laws for child bearing! They go off again into gales of laughter. (wonder how hard they'd laugh over same-sex marriage 200 years later?)
Billy arrives later to talk to Brigitte about the wedding plans, he's also found a house for them to move into as newlyweds. Caleb takes Billy aside and they share a "bromance" moment.
The big day arrives. Reverand Silas Olmstead is on hand to marry them on a Friday evening at their neighborhood church packed with family and friends and other invited guests. Brigitte wears a white dress, (even though white will not become popular until after 1840) everyone cries for joy.
That night, Caleb takes it upon himself to stay out very late. Margaret is waiting up for him when he finally comes in. Where was he? Hanging around outside the newlywed's house by the window to make sure their wedding night was undisturbed. (Um, creepy?)

Chapter 26
August 1787

Back in Philly, it's finally ready! It even includes a preamble-"We the People..." but some final details, like the issue of slavery, still need to be voted on and decided once and for all. Again, there is no compromise with the Southern states who will secede right now unless they are allowed to keep their slave trade. A weak compromise is reached to "kick the can down the road" by allowing slavery to continue for the next thirteen years and they'll deal with it then.
Other final details like national currency, coinage and how long leaders, including the President, should be allowed to serve are given a final, determining vote.
Alexander Hamilton's back! He participates with other men in writing up that final draft. He also stands and adds his vocal support to this plan which, he admits, surpasses the one he tried to push. He urges all to sign and support it, confident the rest of the nation will follow suit. Ben Franklin also stands and declares his support.
Some are unhappy there is still no Bill of Rights (don't worry, it's coming) but at last, everyone is persuaded to sign the completed Constitution of the United States of America.

Chapter 27
September 1787

Adam picks up mail for D&W shipping. There's a letter to Matthew from a Mr. James Madison along with a package containing copies of the new, hot-off-the-press, Constitution of the United States of America which every state must vote on if they wish to join the new nation. Everyone marvels over such a document where the people decide on laws and who will represent them in government.
One problem, as Madison's letter explains, not everyone agrees with this new Constitution, including the representative for their own state of Massachusetts. Two other states are also refusing to support the new document. The battle for ratification is starting.
Wondering what they can do to help, the men remember Caleb can be pretty persuasive and decide to send him on the next D&W ship to Philly. Billy is going north to find Eli because his home state is also divided over this new Constitution. As he's proven in past volumes of this series, Eli can also be very persuasive.
Remember Samuel Adams and John Hancock from volume I? They pop up in the narrative again as men who have risen up the political ladder, now enjoying power and authority. John Hancock is governor of Massachusetts and NOT in favor of this new document. Sam Adams agrees with him.
Caleb promises to find them and have a little talk.

Chapter 28
September 1787

Caleb arrives in Philly and, at Matthew's recommendation, checks into Mother Asher's boardinghouse. The sweet widow woman is delighted to meet the brother of Matthew Dunson. Next day, Caleb wanders around the Statehouse and observes the ongoing sessions of national business until they adjourn for the day. He next finds the lawyer Matthew told him to meet for much needed information and advice.
A few days later, the lawyer introduces Caleb to the political friends of Matthew who are very pleased to have Caleb's reconnaissance skills to give these boring politics a little kick.
More days pass and Caleb is impatient when the men needed to overturn the vote in favor of ratification chicken out, pull a no-show at the next meeting. Caleb decides to take matters into his own hands. He gets someone to swear him in as a sergeant at arms (think wild west deputy) so he can legally go to the hotel room where these men are hiding out and "persuade" them to come do their civic duty. This involves Caleb knocking out the two bodyguards at the door before kicking in the door and rushing the room. The sight of this young man and his armed escort are enough to convince these cowardly representatives to come peacefully with Caleb back to the Statehouse just in time to join the final vote of ratification.
Caleb is hailed as a hero by the small group of men Matthew sent him to round up. Mission accomplished, he leaves to return to Boston.

Chapter 29
January 1788

One by one, each state is holding its own convention and the votes are coming in. The majority supports the new law of the land. One of the biggest influences has turned out to be a series of essays which will go down in history as "The Federalist Papers," a total of 85 essays written under the pseudonym "Publius" which is no secret as everyone knows who the true authors are: John Jay, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton. (Why do you write like you're running out of time?) Most everyone is in support of ratification, all except Massachusetts; plus some other states still dragging their feet. The men of D&W Shipping discuss this, including how Matthew tried to talk to Sam Adams but didn't make much progress.
Suddenly, Trudy Weems bursts in-the baby is coming! Matthew bolts out the door after her, worried Kathleen might die in childbirth like Eli's wife, Mary (whom Matthew never even met). Kathleen gives birth to identical twin girls. A wet nurse is brought in to help. Everyone rejoices over the new additions to the family.
Matthew meets with John Hancock, the governor of Massachusetts, who remains on the fence about ratification. A few days later, Matthew is at the Boston statehouse to observe the Massachusetts Ratification Convention. Their governor is conspicuously absent so no progress is made on ratifying but some amendments are drawn up. Matthew returns to John Hancock's home several time but is always turned away as John is supposedly under the weather, too "sick" to see anyone. Matthew has trouble believing this. He returns again, this time with Adam in tow and are admitted inside. Both silently note how healthy he looks. They show him the proposed amendments to the new constitution. They add Sam Adams approves of these changes then proceed to bribe Hancock with the promise if he'll sign his name in ratification of the new Constitution, they promise full campaign support if he ever decides to run for vice president or even THE president of the United States. They guarantee the future political support of Sam Adams and Paul Revere as well.
On the last day of the month, John Hancock attends the convention, declares his support and a few days later, it's official. Massachusetts is the newest state to join the new nation.

Chapter 30
June 1788

Adam is studying the writings of "Publius" the authors are still doing all they can to get everyone behind the ratification of the constitution which now includes amendments and a Bill of Rights.
Billy enters the office. He's back from his trip to see Eli which was a success. New Hampshire is on board, thanks to efforts traveling from village to village meeting and convincing people to hurry and form groups in support of their state's ratification before their enemies had a chance to sway public opinion. It was a very close margin but "yes" votes ended up winning. Eli was a big help because, apparently, he knows a lot of important people in his home state. Billy reports he's doing well and Laura looks more like her mother every day. Matthew is glad to hear this. Billy also reports Eli wants to migrate west. He's interested in settling in the newly opened Ohio river valley. Billy goes home to Brigitte who missed him.

Epilogue
June 1778 (Um, I think you meant 1788, Ron!)

It's the Dunson Family Reunion! A big dinner has been laid out in the parlor and here's the head count: Margaret and Matthew preside at the table, Kathleen,  Billy and Brigitte, Prissy, Adam and Caleb. Dorothy and Trudy are here too. Finally, little John takes his seat and everyone kneels by their chairs for the blessing on the food which Matthew offers.
Plates are passed and pleasant talk begins while two whole pages of narrative recount everything that's happened since 1775 The Battle of Concord all the way to 1781 with Yorktown ending the war and the treaty assuring their freedom.
Dessert is enjoyed by all and Brigitte declares they must be going. Coats and bonnets are found (in colonial Bostontown, if a woman went out in public without her bonnet and shawl it was considered scandalous) hugs and goodbyes make the rounds. Everyone agrees they'll have to do this again sometime.
Kathleen finds Matthew in their bedroom later that evening marveling at his twin daughters (they named the twins Louise and Linda who will come of age with our young nation) and what the future of this new country holds for them.
Matthew visits his father's grave to report everyone in the family is doing well, even Caleb seems to be coming back to them. The long hard battle for independence is truly over. Let us strive to honor what he and so many others died for.

THE END (or is it?)