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companions, Sherman explained, “The general will be a
fair presiding officer, and his election cannot be stopped in any
case. If the rules reported out tilt in their favor, we’ll have an
opportunity to challenge them or quit a treacherous affair with
honor.” Sherman looked directly at Paterson. “Most important, we
don’t have an alternative plan. We must begin working on one
immediately.”
    Paterson’s eyes blazed. “We must challenge
them immediately. Why wait to write a plan?”
    “ Because we have no choice,” Sherman
answered. “The Virginians, and their friends from Pennsylvania,
have the votes to control the early days of the
convention.”
    “ Then we ought to go home. They can’t
form a government without us.”
    “ Of course they can,” Sherman said.
“And without our participation, it will surely match your worst
fears.”
    “ Then we’ll reject it.”
    “ Connecticut isn’t ready to go it
alone. The wisest course is for us to concentrate on designing a
superior plan—one acceptable to the states and to
Congress.”
    “ I don’t like passivity,” Paterson
said. “Do you know what’s in their plan?”
    “ Only the same rumors you’ve heard.
But I know their inclinations and Madison’s mind. The plan will be
far too ambitious.”
    Washington interrupted their conversation to
offer another toast. “To the good doctor, since no one entertains
more respect for your character, none can salute you with more
sincerity. Thank you for this enchanting afternoon.”
    As glasses were again raised, the six
servants swept back into the room, bearing huge platters of pork,
roasted beef, turkey, and chicken pieces. Each platter had a ring
of potatoes, squash, and asparagus surrounding the meats. Even as a
provincial New Englander, Sherman knew this opulent display of meat
was uniquely American, a way of celebrating their new abundance and
escape from European scarcity. He suspected that Franklin served a
different meal to his friends visiting from Europe.
    Paterson fidgeted beside him and then said
angrily, “My instructions won’t allow me to participate in any
scheme that threatens to dissolve the states.” Sherman noted that
Paterson’s jaw jutted out so far, he could hang a lantern on it.
“We cannot sit idle.”
    Sherman sighed. “For the moment, we must
allow the Virginians to believe that they control events. Our
initial strategy must be to simply present our views without
threat. Meanwhile, we prepare, and then act when we can startle and
bewilder their coalition.”
    Read looked uncomfortable. “This intrigue is
beyond my skills and temperament. Delaware needs Dickinson in
Philadelphia. I intend to write him this evening and urge him to
hurry.”
    “ Excellent,” Sherman said. “John can
add weight to our side.”
    John Dickinson was an old friend and
political compatriot. Sherman had been disappointed to learn that
he hadn’t arrived yet and was glad to hear that Read would try to
hurry his departure for Philadelphia.
    Sherman returned his attention to the other
end of the table. He noticed a collective angry gaze from the far
side of the room.

Chapter 6

Wednesday, May 16,
1787

    “ Mr. Madison?”
    Madison had started to merge with the throng
moving toward Dr. Franklin’s dining room. When he turned, he felt
annoyed that the hand on his shoulder belonged to Charles Pinckney.
“This isn’t an opportune time. We’ve been called to dinner. It
would insult our host to tarry.”
    “ This herd will take forever to file
into the house. We have a few moments.”
    “ Can we talk during the meal? I’ll be
seated next to you.”
    “ This is private.”
    Remembering Sherman’s foray into the South
Carolina camp, Madison made a decision. “Let’s step out of
earshot.” While everyone else gravitated toward the house, Madison
led Pinckney to a quiet corner in the garden. “What’s on your mind,
Charles?”
    “ I’ve written a proposal for the new
government.”
    “ Do you