Nay. Nay. Nay. Nay. Marlborough Mr. Jonas Morse, Yea. Yea. Warwick and Orange Groton-Dr. Benjamin Morse, Joseph Sheple, Esq., Nay. Nay. Capt. John Goldsborough, Chester-Capt. David Shepard, Charlemont Mr. Jesse Reed, Ashfield-Mr. Ephraim Williams, Nay. Worthington-Nahum Eager, Esq., Yea. Shutesbury—Mr. Asa Powers, Chesterfield-Col. Benj. Bonnev, Nay. Yea. Yea. Nay. Yeu. On the motion for ratifying being declared in the affirmative, by a majority of nineteen, the Hon. Mr. WHITE rose, and said that, notwithstanding he had opposed the adoption of the Constitution, upon the idea that it would endanger the liberties of his country, yet, as a majority had seen fit to adopt it, he should use his Yea. Tyringham-Capt. E. Herrick, Nay. Nay. Yea. Windsor-Mr. Timothy Mason, Nay. Partridgefield E. Peirce, Esq., Nay. Nay. Nay. Nay. Nay. utmost exertions to induce his constituents to live in peace under and cheerfully submit to it. He was followed by Mr. WIDGERY, who said, that he should return to his constituents, and inform them that he had opposed the adoption of this Constitution; but that he had been overruled, and that it had been carried by a majority of wise and understanding men; that he should endeavor to sow the seeds of union and peace among the people he represented; and that he hoped, and believed, that no person would wish for, or suggest, the measure of a PROTEST; for, said he, we must consider that this body is as full a representation of the people as can be convened. - After expressing his thanks for the civility which the inhabitants of this town have shown to the Convention, and declaring, as his opinion, that they had. not in the least influenced the decision, he concluded by saying, that he should support, as much as in him lay, the Constitution, and that he believed, as this state had adopted it, that not only nine, but the whole thirteen, would come into the measure. Mr. WHITNEY said that, though he had been opposed to the Constitution, he should support it as much as if he had voted for it. Mr. COOLEY (Amherst) said, that he endeavored to govern himself by the principles of reason; that he was directed to vote against the adoption of the Constitution, and that, in so doing, he had not only complied with his directions, but had acted according to the dictates of his own conscience; and that, as it had been agreed to by a majority, he should endeavor to convince his constituents of the propriety of its adoption. Dr. TAYLOR also said, he had uniformly opposed the Constitution; that he found himself fairly beaten, and expressed his determination to go home and endeavor to infuse a spirit of harmony and love among the people. Other gentlemen expressed their inclination to speak; but, it growing late, the Convention adjourned to the next morning. THURSDAY, February 7, 1788. -The Convention met, when Major NASON, in a short address, intimated his decermination to support the Constitution, and to exert himself to influence his constituents to do the same. Mr. RANDAL said, he had been uniformly opposed to the Constitution. He had, he said, fought like a good soldier; but, as he was beaten, he should sit down contented, hoping the minority may be disappointed in their fears, and that the majority may reap the full fruition of the blessings they anticipate. In the hope that the amendments recommended by his excellency, the president, will take place, I shall, says he, go home and endeavor to satisfy those that have honored me by their choice, so that we may all live in peace. Major SWAIN declared, that the Constitution had had a fair trial, and that there had not, to his knowledge, been any undue influence exercised to obtain the vote in its favor; that many doubts which lay on his mind had been removed; and that, although he was in the minority, he should support the Constitution as cheerfully and as heartily as though he had voted on the other side of the question. The Convention then passed the pay-roll, amounting to £4499 2 s.; and, after unanimously passing votes of thanks to his excellency, the president, the honorable the vice-president, and the reverend clergymen of the town of Boston, who officiated as chaplains, for their services, it was voted, That, when the business of the Convention shall be completed, the members will proceed to the state-house to proclaim the ratification, and to take an affectionate leave of each other. An invitation from a number of the inhabitants of Boston, requesting the members of the Convention to take refreshment at the senate-chamber, when the ratification of the Constitution should be declared, was read, and thereon voted, That the thanks of the Convention be given to the inhabitants of Boston for their polite invitation, and that the Convention will attend, as requested. The business being finished, the Convention proceeded to the statehouse, when the ratification was proclaimed by Joseph Henderson, Esq., high sheriff of the county of Suffolk; after which, the Convention was dissolved. |