By the end of October, 1787, the two side in the debate had been clearly delineated. There were those who were opposed to the Constitution, and there were those who favored it.

Those opposed, the Anti-Federalists, as they would become known, had been first to publish their ideas with the first two DeWitt letters. But even as the second hit the papers, the first pro constitution article appeared. It was addressed to the People of the State of New York, and signed by the penname Publius,  one of four men who overthrew the monarchy and established the Roman Republic in 509 b.c.e.

Over the coming months, many more pro constitution, or “Federalist Papers” would be written. Their purpose was clear – to convince the people of the State of New York, and by extension, the entire country, to favor ratification of the Constitution.

John DeWitt Letter #2

Federalist #1