[FredZarguna]

The draft Constitution encountered de facto rejection in New Hampshire in February 1788, outright refusal to convene a ratifying convention in Rhode Island in March 1788, and formal rejection absent prior amendments in North Carolina in August 1788. [From By Pauline Maier's book on ratification, AMONG MANY OTHERS.]

And, as already noted (post #39), the Bill of Rights acknowledges -- implicitly and offhandedly, because Madison was not in favor of it -- that the promise of a Declaration of Rights was promised sub rosa to a number of States, including the most important: Virginia. Absent the promise, he would almost certainly have LOST his congressional election the anti-Federalist Monroe.

[Jacquerie]

Keep blowing smoke if you wish. It will do no good.

VA thought it was the ninth to ratify, it was not. That honor was assumed by NH.

Despite Henry’s desires, no state made ratification of amendments a precondition to joining the Union.