Tempest at Dawn (47 page)

“
Your thoughts?” Franklin
asked.

Sherman switched eye contact from Hamilton
to the worldly old man. “Doctor, when you wade into a swamp, you
encounter nasty creatures. One must find a way to survive them in
order to get to the other side.”

“
May I say again that it’s a pleasure
working with a professional.” Franklin offered an appreciative
expression that said more than his words. Turning in the direction
of the house, Franklin called, “Ah, Mr. Cutler, Mr. Gerry,
welcome.” Manasseh Cutler and Elbridge Gerry had emerged from the
side of the house. Gerry, a representative from Cutler’s state of
Massachusetts, served as his guide. Sherman was surprised to see
that Cutler was a small man who looked more like a bookkeeper than
a land speculator.

Without rising from his seat, Franklin said,
“Mr. Cutler, may I introduce Roger Sherman, a delegate from
Connecticut.”

“
Good afternoon,” Sherman said, as he
rose and approached the two men with an extended hand.

Cutler shook with more strength than Sherman
had expected. “Mr. Sherman, a pleasure.”

Franklin made a grand wave, indicating that
his guests should take a seat. “Among his many talents, Mr. Cutler
is a scientist and a member of my little club, the American
Philosophical Society.”

Gerry took a seat and crossed his long legs
at the thighs. “Mr. Cutler has been a lawyer, a physician, and a
minister, as well as a scientist. His new career is land
speculator.”

Cutler bristled at Gerry’s impolitic
introduction. “If I may beg your pardon, I have no interest in
speculation. I intend to build a new community of freemen, a civil
society, absent the dishonesty, villainy, and extreme ignorance
rampant here. Our first town, which we shall name Marietta, will be
nestled along the Ohio River, and it will be built on pristine land
with no wrong habits or rubbish to remove.”

“
Excuse me,” Gerry said with his
chronic head bob, “but it appears you may add dreamer to your
curriculum vitae.”

“
A dreamer doesn’t make things happen.
I do.”

Sherman shifted his posture slightly toward
Cutler. “How was your trip?”

“
Fascinating. Mr.
Hamilton

”

“
The Cincinnati extorted a price far
beyond their contribution.” Gerry refused to relent.

Cutler swung his head toward Gerry. “The
Cincinnati received their just due. Others extorted tribute. Our
selfless soldiers deserve the opportunity to build a family farm.
Land renders a man secure against a bungling government.”

The irascible Gerry had taken the
conversation close to a flash point. This would not serve their
purpose. Sherman threw a glance at Franklin and saw an
uncharacteristic scowl. Before speaking, Franklin instantly
manufactured a cheery expression. “Gentlemen, it does no good to
damn the ingredients of a meal. We must consume it anyway. Mr.
Cutler, you were saying your trip was enjoyable.”

“
Mr. Hamilton makes a captivating
travel partner. Full of irregular opinions delivered with singular
wit.”

Franklin feigned shock. “Eight hours in a
coach with Alex. You must be exhausted.”

“
I am, but not from the trip. I’m
staying at the Indian Queen and conversed the night away with many
of your delegates. I didn’t retire until half past one and then
rose early to breakfast at Mr. Gerry’s. He then graciously took me
on a tour of Philadelphia.”

Grateful to have diverted the conversation
to an innocuous subject, Sherman asked, “What parts of the city
have you seen?”

“
After a well-prepared breakfast with
the delightful Mrs. Gerry, we visited the Peale Museum and the
State House, and walked the streets. Tomorrow Mr. Hamilton has
promised to take me to the botanical gardens of John
Bartram.”

Sherman saw Hamilton and Franklin trade
knowing glances. The “delightful Mrs. Gerry” was seventeen years
old and strikingly pretty. She presented a sharp contrast to her
odd-looking husband, who appeared far older than his forty-three
years.

“
What’re your impressions of the
city?” Hamilton asked.

“
With my interest in science, I was
much pleased with the Peale exhibit, and I’m anxious to see the
botanical gardens. The city bustles and throbs with people in a
hurry to go God knows where. You must watch yourself when you cross
a street, or you’ll be squashed flat as yesterday’s horse
droppings.”

“
Yes, yes,” Franklin said. “Look both
ways and step with care. But whatever you do, don’t venture across
Race Street.”

“
My goodness, where’s that?” Cutler
asked.

“
Actually it’s Sassafras Street,”
Hamilton explained. “Notorious for young gallants racing their
horses against all comers. They must maim one or two careless
gawkers each day.” The easy laughter erased the earlier tension,
and Sherman hoped that Gerry would refrain from tossing a rude
brickbat into the conversation.

Gerry seemed to read Sherman’s mind and
decided to engage in the light banter. “Mr. Cutler, what did you
think of the State House?”

“
I found the State House a noble
building. Quite a fine example of Georgian architecture. I was
disappointed to see the sentries stationed within and
without.”

“
A fine building. The pride of our
city,” Franklin said, ignoring the reference to the guards. “Did
you see the construction behind the State House on Fifth
Street?”

“
Yes, Mr. Gerry pointed it out and
told me that it was to be our new home for the American
Philosophical Society.”

“
Since your dues helped build the
site, you must return as my guest when it’s finished.”

“
I’d be delighted. I’ll bring notes on
the flora and fauna of the Ohio Valley.”

“
Excellent,” Franklin said. “It would
be a grand addition to our library. Ah, here’s John. Would you
gentlemen care for refreshment?”

Everyone agreed to chilled lemonade. John
had started toward the house when Dr. Franklin politely interrupted
his progress. “John, before you get the lemonade, could you bring
out my specimen?”

“
Of course, sir,” John said without
asking for clarification.

“
Mr. Cutler, I have a very interesting
specimen to show you. Something I’m sure you’ve never seen
before.”

“
Good. I was afraid I’d be suffocated
in boring political talk.”

“
We may get to that, but first I want
to show off.”

“
I’ve seen almost
everything.”

“
Do you like snakes?”

“
I’ve cataloged every known
species.”

John returned holding a quart jar with both
hands. As he approached, Sherman could see something coiled in a
clear liquid. He would rather John had brought the lemonade.
Franklin accepted the jar like it was a precious porcelain vase.
John bowed quickly and, without a word, returned to the house to
fetch their refreshments.

“
Have you seen anything like this?”
Franklin asked as he handed the jar to Cutler.

Cutler wore a bemused expression as he
examined the garden-variety snake. Then he exclaimed, “Oh, my
God!”

“
Yes, an unusual specimen. A freak of
nature.”

Sherman craned his neck to get a better look
but saw nothing unusual. Then he noticed something odd. “Does that
snake have two heads?”

“
Yes, two heads, one body,” Franklin
said with great pride.

Cutler turned the jar, peering hard. “Is
this a trick?”

“
No, it’s as real as you having two
feet.”

“
Will you sell it?” Cutler
asked.

“
I’m sorry, but it gives me too much
pleasure.”

“
I’ll pay a generous
price.”

“
This oddity is priceless,” Franklin
said with a chuckle. “Poor dumb creature. It probably never knew
whether it was coming or going.”

“
Perhaps not so dumb,” Sherman said.
“Two heads means two brains. Perhaps that jar holds a towering
intellect among the community of snakes.”

“
Now that’s a thought,” Franklin
laughed. “Two brains and nothing to do but slither
about.”

“
Would two brains enlighten or
confuse?” Hamilton asked.

“
Confuse, I’m sure,” Franklin said.
“What if the snake approached a branch, and one head decided to go
to one side, and the other started in the opposite direction? The
ensuing bewilderment parallels our own convention. One faction
demands

”

“
Excuse me, sir,” Hamilton
interrupted, “I apologize, but I wish to remind you about our oath
of secrecy.”

“
Of course, Mr. Hamilton. Thank you
for saving a befuddled old man an embarrassing moment.”

Sherman thought the admonishment
unnecessary. Franklin was hardly befuddled, and his example was
probably going in an innocent direction. Besides, Cutler seemed to
be oblivious to the exchange, his attention focused on the jar.
“I’ll give you twenty sovereigns for the specimen.”

Sherman sat back, interested to see how the
great diplomat would handle this churlish proposition without
damaging their delicate negotiations.

“
Mr. Cutler, that’s a fine offer. You
tempt me, but unfortunately the specimen is already designated for
my daughter in my will. I’m afraid she has her hat set for it. As
much as I appreciate your generous proposal, I must live out my
remaining days dependent on my daughter’s good nature.”

After a pause, Cutler said, “I can make the
offer more generous.”

“
Oh my goodness, you embarrass me. But
I’ll keep it in mind. Perhaps one day my daughter may tire of it.
So you intend to catalog the Ohio Valley?"

“
It depends on our little pact. I look
forward to new terrain.”

Sherman saw the opening. “I’m sure
everything will proceed along the lines that have been
discussed.”

“
You’re aware of the
intricacies?”

“
I am.”

“
And you’re confident?”

“
I am.”

Cutler smiled and then said, “It’s a shame I
must hurry back to New York to snip a few loose ends.”

Sherman wanted to probe further but knew
better. He looked at Franklin and received the slightest of nods.
The business portion of this meeting was over.

On Monday, July 16, Sherman’s compromise passed just
as Franklin had promised. No debate. No delaying tactics. Sherman
suppressed a smile. He had won. Everything. The states would have
an equal voice in the Senate. The lower house would be proportioned
to the numbers his second committee had recommended. A census would
be required every ten years to determine representation. The number
of representatives must be adjusted to the census of inhabitants,
with the three-fifths rule for “all others.” New states would be
admitted on an equal basis. Direct taxation would be tied to
representation. Money bills originated in the lower house, and the
Senate could not alter appropriations.

The impasse had been breached.

Sherman sighed. He scribbled out a
note to Ellsworth that simply said, “
We
won
!” Ellsworth turned from the page with a huge smile
and started to extend his hand. Sherman gave a tiny shake of his
head to ward off an unseemly celebration and turned his eyes
forward to reinforce the message. Gloating would not be
productive.

In short order, several mechanical resolves
from the Virginia Plan passed in quick succession. Sherman felt the
relief and renewed energy in the chamber.

Randolph didn’t share the sense of relief.
“The vote this morning embarrassed this assembly. I see no reason
to discuss the subject further and move for adjournment so the
large states can consult on this sad crisis.” Randolph started to
return to his table but stopped and looked directly at Paterson. “I
suggest the small states deliberate on a means to conciliate.”

Paterson could not contain his anger. “There
will be no further conciliation from the smaller states. I agree
with Mr. Randolph. It’s high time to adjourn. I also believe that
the rule of secrecy ought to be rescinded so we can consult with
our constituents.” Paterson slapped his notes against the table.
“If Mr. Randolph will revise the form of his motion for an
adjournment sine die, I’ll second it with all my heart.”

Sherman winced at Paterson’s angry
rejoinder. Adjournment sine die meant an adjournment with no
specified day to reconvene—in effect, a permanent suspension of the
convention.

Pinckney quickly asked, “Did Mr. Randolph
mean an adjournment sine die? I wish him to know that if I go home,
I’ll not return to this … place.”

Randolph responded in his equivocal manner.
“I never entertained an adjournment sine die. I merely recommended
an adjournment until tomorrow. The large states need to decide on
appropriate actions.”

John Rutledge muttered in a voice strong
enough to be heard throughout the chamber, “All that remains is for
the large states to decide whether they capitulate.”

Further progress seemed impossible, so the
assembly voted to adjourn for the day. The room quickly bunched up
into noisy clusters of men expressing their joy or anger. Sherman
walked over and stood with his back to the northwest corner of the
chamber, and soon all the small state delegates surrounded him in a
tight, boisterous semicircle. Sherman held up both hands, palms
out, to quiet their jabbering.