THE

Henry Slaymaker,
Alexander Lowrey,

John Hay,'
James Edgar,
Francis Crazart,
James Smith,
Robert M'Pherson,
Joseph Donaldson,
John Harris,
Jonathan Hoge,
William Clarke,
William Duffield,

James Brown,
James M'Clean,
Jacob Morgan,
Gabriel Heister,
John Lesher,
Benjamin Spyker,
Daniel Hunter,
Charles Shoemaker,
Thomas Jones,
Simon Dresbach,
Jacob Arndt,
Peter Buckholder,
Peter Rhoads,
Jacob Stroud,
Neigral Gray,
Abraham Miller,
John Ralston,
Thomas Smith,"

John Wilkius,
John Burd,

where a member may wander from the matter in debate. Benjamin Elliott, John Cesna,

7th. That no member speak above twice on the same Thomas Coulter, Walter Clark,

subject, without obtaining leave from the convention. Joseph Powell, John Kelly, and

8th. That where any debate proves very tedious, and Henry Rhoads, James Crawford.

any four members rise and call for the question, the William Sheed, is appointed door-keeper.

president shall put the same. On motion, Resolved, That application be made to 9th. That where the president shall enjoin secrecy, it Gen. Roberdeau, requesting him to issue an order, for is expected that every member is bound by his bonor to permitting John Morris, Esq. and Jacob Garrigues, to re- observe the same. turn to this city, they being appointed to the office of 10th. That where the house is equally divided, the secretary and assistant clerk to this convention.

president shall have the casting vote. Wednesday, July 17, 1776. Upon motion, Resolved, That two-thirds of the perUpon motion, Resolved, that the reverend William sons chosen as members of this convention, be a quorum. White be requested to perform divine service to-mor- Upon motion, Resolved, That no member of this conrow inorning before this convention, that we may joint vention absent himself without leave. ly offer up our prayers to Almighty God to afford us his Upon motion, To resume the consideration of the letdivine grace and assistance in the important and ardu- ter from the Virginia delegates, it was agreed to postous task committed to us; and to offer up our praises pone the same for some time, as the members from and thanksgivings for the manifold mercies and the pe- Westmoreland are not yet arrived. culiar interposition of his special providence in behalf of Upon motion, and after debate, Resolved, That a these injured, oppressed and insulted united states. committee be appointed to make an essay for a declara

Colonel Matlack and Mr. Clynier are appointed to tion of rights for this state. wait on the Rev. Mr. White, and furnish him with a copy

Resolved also, That the said committee consist of elerof the foregoing resolve.

en persons, viz. Mr. Biddle, Col. Bull, the Rev. Mr. Mr. Matihew Brown, John Flemming, Philip Marstel- Vanhorn, Mr. Jacobs, Col. Ross, Col. James Smith, Mr. ler, and Robert Whitehill appeared in the house for the Hoge, Mr. Morgan, Col. Stroud. Col. Thomas Smith first time, took the oaths, and made and signed the pro. and Mr. Martin. fession of faith required.

Mr. Abraham Van Middleswart, Mr. Robert Martin, Thursday, July 18, 1776, a. M. Mr. John Weitzell, and Mr. John Jacobs appeared in the Mr. Morris, the secretary, now attending, it was or house for the first time, took the oath or affirmation, and dered, upon motion, that he should take the following made and signed the profession of faith required. affirmation, viz:

Friday, July 19, 1776, A. N. “I, Jobn Morris, do declare that I do not hold myself Colonel James Potter, one of the members for Northbound to bear allegiance to GEORGE the third, king of umberland, appeared in the house for the first time, Great Britain; and that I will steadily and firmly at all took the oaths, and made and subscribed the profession times promote the most effectual means, according 10 of faith required. the best of my skill and knowledge, to oppose the ty.

Friday, July 19, P. M. rannical proceedings of the king and parliament of

Mr. William Rankin, one of the members for York Great Britain against the American colonies, and sup- county, appeared in the house for the first time, took port a government in this state on the authority of the the oaths and made and subscribed the profession of people;- And that, as secretary of this convention, 1 faith. will be faithful, and make fair and just minutes of all

Monday, July 22, 1776, 1. M. their proceedings according to the best of my abilities, The following members for Westmoreland,viz. James and keep all such secrets as shall be direcied to be kepi Barr, Eduard Cook. John Moor, John Carmichael, John by the convention.”—Which he did accordingly. M‘Clellan, Christopher Lavinger and James Smith, now

Ordered also, That the clerk, when he shall come, appeared in the house, took the oaths, and made and sball make a declaration to the like import.

subscribed the profession of faith, as did also Hugh AlexThe Rev. Mr. White attending, agreeable to the re- ander, of Cumberland, at the same time, quest of yesterday, and having performed divine ser- On motion, Ordered, that Mr. John Moor be added vice, and being withdrawn, it was

to the declaration of rights committee; and that the said Ordered, on motion, That Mr. Matlack and Mr. Cly. committee have leave of absence. mer wait upon that gentleman with the thanks of the Mr. Valentine Eckart appeared in the house for the convention for his services.

first time, and took the oath, and made and subscribed On motion, That a commitee be appointed to draw the profession of faith. up rules and regulations for the government of this con

Tuesday, July 23, 1776. vention, in their proceedings.

Mr. Benjamin Bartholomew, and Mr. James Perry, Ordered, That Mr. Ross, Mr. Matlack, and Mr. Jacobs appeared in the house for the first time, and took the be a committee for that purpose.

oaths, and made and subscribed the profession of faith. The gentlemen appointed to draw up rules and rego

Wednesday, July 24, 1776. A. X. ulations for the government of this convention in their Col. Henry Slagle appeared in the house for the first proceedings, withdrew, and after some time brought in time, and took the oath and made and subscribed the an essay for that purpose, which being read was agreed profession of faith. to, and is as followeth, viz.

On motion, Resolved, that the same gentlemen who 1st. That the members when speaking, address them- are on the declaration of rights committee, be appointed selves to the chair.

to draw up an essay for a frame or system of government 2d. That no member interrupta member when speak for this state. ing:

Wednesday, July 24, 1776, P. M. 3d. That no member use indecent or reflecting lan- On motion, Resolved, That Mr. John Lesher be one guage, or wilfully pervert the sense of what another of the committee for essaying a frame of government in member has said.

the room of Mr. Jacob Morgan, who is absent with leare, 4th, That the members are not to use each other's

Thursday, July 25, 1776. names, but in their answers, to take notice of their time Mr. Thomas Porter appeared in the house for the first of speaking, or their situation as to the right or left of time, and took the oath and made and subscribed the the chair, &c.

profession of faith. 5th. That no member cross between the chair and a It was moved and Resolved, That this convention do speaking member.

agree to the following resolution and declaration, viz. 6th. That the president have a right to call to order, WF, the representatives of the freemen of the state of

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CONSTITUTIONS OF PENNSYLVANIA.

195

Pennsylvania, in general convention assembled, taking

Monday, Aug. 5, 1776. into our most serious consideration the clear, strong&co- On motion, Resolved, that when any member shall gent reasonsgiven by the honorable continental Congress, be absent above half an hour after the time of adjournfor the declaring this, as well as the other united states of ment, or shall leave the house without permission first America, FREE and INDEPENDENT, Do thereupon obtained, he shall be fined seven shillings and six-pence, resolve, and be it hereby resolved and declared, That if there shall be a quorum then met: And if there shall we, in behalf of ourselves and our constituents, do unan- not, within another half hour, appear a quorum, then imously approve of the said resolution and declaration each absent member shall be fined ten shillings, as soon of Congress of the 4th instant: And we do declare be as a quorum appears. fore God, and the world, that we will support and main- Jacob Garrigues, the assistant-clerk, now appearing, tain the freedom and independence of this and the oth took the affirmation required by a former minute. er united states of America at the utmost risque of our

Wednesday, Aug. 7, 1776. lives and fortunes. The committee for essaying a declaration of rights, time, took the oath, and made and subscribed the pro-,

Mr. William Cook appearing in the house for the first reported a draught for that purpose, which being read, fession of faith. was ordered to lie on the table for further consideration. On motion, Ordered, That Cul. Matlack, Mr.Cannon,

Thursday, Aug. 8, 1776.: Col. Potter, Mr. Rittenhouse, Mr. Whitehill, and Col.

A member observing that this was a day appropriated Galbreath be added to the committee for bringing in an

by a very respectable religious society for humiliation essay for a frame of government,

and prayer, it was thereupon Friday, July 26, 1776.

Resolved, that this convention do adjourn to nine o'.

clock to-morrow morning. The report of the committee for the declaration of

Tuesday, Aug. 13, 1776, A. . 9 rights, was again read, and a motion was made and se. The order of the day was then read; and thereupon conded,—that the same be recommitted; --but the pre- the draught of the declaration of rights being read, the vious question being called for, it was thereupon, house resolved itself into a committee of the whole.

Resolved, That the question be not now put on the Colonel Kirkbride was called to, and assumed the said motion.

chair; after some considerable time spent in debating Upon motion, Resolved, that the minutes of this thereon, the president resumed the chair, when Col. convention be published weekly in English and Ger- Kirkbride reported from the committee, that they had man, and that this house will appoint a committee to suo made some progress in the business referred to them, perintend the publication.

and desired leave of the house to sit again. The house resumed the consideration of the report of the declaration of rights, and after some considerable

Tuesday, August 13, 1776, P.M.

The convention then resolved itself into a committee time spent therein, it was, Upon motion, Resolved, That the said report be re: assumed the chair; and after some considerable time

of the whole house; colonel Kirkbride was called to, and committed to the same committee who were originally spent in debating and considering the draught of the appointed thereon. Saturday, July 27, 1776.

declaration of rights, the president resumed the chair, The committee appointed to bring in an essay of the that they had made considerable progress in the business

when colonel Kirkbride reported from the committee declaration of rights, and to whom the same was recom committed to them, and desired leave of the house to mitted, reported a new draught thereof; which being in part read by paragraphs, and debated upon for some

sit again on Thursday next.

Thursday, August 15, 1776, A.M. time, was postponed for further consideration.

The house then, agreeable to the order of the day, Monday, July 29, 1776. resolved itself into a committee of the whole, in order The house resumed the consideration of the draught to resume the consideration of the draught of the decof the declaration of rights; and went through the same laration of rights; after some time spent in considering by paragraphs: Whereupon it was

and deliberating thereon, the president resumed the Ordered, that Col. Hill and Mr. Hubley procure to chair, and colonel Kirkbride reported from the commitbe printed ninety-six copies of the said draught, for the tee, that they had made some further progress in the further consideration of the members of this house. business committed to them, but had not completed the

Thursday, Aug. 1, 1776. same, and desired leave of the house to sit again in the On motion, Resolved, that this convention will to-afternoon. morrow morning resolve itself into a committee of the

Thursday, August 15, 1776, P.M. whole house, in order to take into consideration some According to the order of the day, the convention important matters relative to the proposed new frame of resolved itself into a committee of the whole house; col. government.

onel Kirkbride was called to, and assumed the chair,

Friday, Aug. 2, 1776. after some further deliberations on the declaration of A memorial from the inhabitants of Turkey Foot rights, the president resumed the chair, and colonel township, in Bedford county, setting forth their opinion Kirkbride, from the committee, reported that they had respecting the intended new frame of government, was agreed to the report, which he then delivered into the read, and

house, and being read, the further consideration there. Ordered to lie on the table.

of was postponed. The order of the day was then read, and the conven

Friday, August 16, 1776. tion, in consequence thereof, resolved itself into a com- The house then resumed the consideration of the remittee of the whole house.

port of the committee, respecting the declaration of Col. Joseph Kirkbride was called to, and assumed the rights, which being read by paragraphs, received the chair.

final assent of this convention. After a very considerable time spent in deliberation,

Saturday, August 17, 1776. the president resumed the chair, and then colonel Kirk. Ordered, on motion, That the attention of this house bride, the chairman of the committee reported, be wholy confined, for the next ensuing week, to the

That it was the opinion of the said committee, that consideration of the frame of government, the ordinance the future legislature of this state shall consist of one for making equal the burthens of associators and nonbranch only, under proper restrictions.

associators, and the ordinances for appointing conservaWhereupon it was moved, and Resolved, that the fu- tors of the peace; unless such emergency should arise, as ture legislature of this state shall consist of one branch in the opinion of this house, should supersede these only, under proper restrictions,

a

Monday, August 19, 1776.

Thursday, August 29, 1776, A.M. The committee appointed to essay a frame or plan for The house then resolved itself into a committee of the the future government of this state, brought in a draught whole, to consider of the draught of the frame of gove for that purpose, which being read, was ordered for con

ernment: Mr. Rittenhouse was called to, and assumed sideration on Wednesday next, the 21st instant. the chair; after some time the president resumed the

Tuesday, August 20, 1776, P.M. chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse reported from the commitThe convention resolved itself into a committee of tee, that they had made some progress therein, but not the whole house, in order to consider further of the or

having completed the same, desired leave to sit again dinance read in the morning, Mr. Rittenhouse was call- in the afternoon; which was granted, ed to, and assumed the chair; after a considerable time

Thursday, August 29, 1776, P.M. spent in debate, the vice-president resumed the chair, The house, agreeable to the order of the day, resolvand Mr. Rittenhouse reported from the commitlee, that ed itself into a committee of the whole, to consider of they had made some further progress in the business the frame of government: Mr. Rittenhouse was called committed to them, and desire leave of the house to sit to, and assumed the chair; after some time the presiagain on some future day, which was given accordingly. dent resumed the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse reportWednesday, August 21, 1776.

ed from the committee, that they had made some fur. The convention, according to the order of the day,

ther progress therein, but not having completed the resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, in

same, desired leave to sit again to-morrow; which was order to take into consideration the frame of govern

granted. ment,- Mr. Rittenhouse was called to, and assumed the

Friday, August 30, 1776, A.M. chair; after a very considerable time employed in de- solved itself into a committee of the whole house, to

The convention, agreeable to the order of the day, rebating and deliberating, the president resumed the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse reported from the commit consider of the draught of the frame of government: tee, that they had made some progress in the business Mr. Kittenhouse was called to, and assumed the chair; committed to them, and desired leave of the house to after some time the president resumed the chair, and sit again to-morrow morning; which was given accord. Mr. Rittenhouse reported from the committee, that they ingly.

had made further progress therein, but not having com Thursday, August 22, 1776, A.M.

pleted the same, desired leave to sit again in the afterAgreeable to the order of the day, the convention re

noon; wich was granted. solved itself into a committee of the whole house, Mr.

Friday, August 30, 1779, P.M. Rittenhouse was called to, and assumed the chair; after resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to

The convention, agreeable to the order of the day, some time spent in deliberating on the frame of govern consider of the draught of the frame of governmentment, the president resumed the chair, and Mr. Ritten. house reported from the committee,

that they had made Mr. Rittenhouse was called to, and assumed the chair; some further progress in the business committed to after some time the president resumed the chair, and them, but had not completed it, he therefore desired Mr. Rittenhouse reported from the committee, that they leave of the house to sit again in the afternoon, which had made further progress in the business referred to was granted.

them, but not having completed the same, desired Thursday, August 22, 1776, P.M.

leave of the house to sit again to-morrow; which was Agreeable to the order of the day, the convention re

granted. solved itself into a committee of the whole house, Mr.

Suturday, August 31, 1776. Rittenhouse was called to, and assumed the chair; after of the whole house, in order to take into consideration

The convention then resolved itself into a committee some time spent in deliberating on the frame of govern the frame of government-Mr. Rittenhouse was called ment, the president resumed the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse reported from the committee, that they had made to, and assumed the chair; after some time the president sume further progress in the business committed to resumed the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse reported from them, but had not completed it, he therefore desired in, but not having completed it, desired leave to sit

the committee, that they bad made some progress thereleave of the house to sit again to-morrow, which was granted.

again; which was granted. Friday, August 23, 1776, A.M.

Monday, September 2, 1779, A. M. Agreeable to order, the convention resolved itself in

A number of the members met, but there not appearto a committee of the whole house, Mr. Rittenhouse ing a quorum, was called to, and assumed the chair; after some time Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon. spent in deliberating on the frame of government, the president resumed the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse re.

Tuesday, September 3, 1776.

1 he House then resolved itself into a committee of ported from the committee, that they had made some the whole, in order to take into consideration the frame further progress in the business committed to them, of government-Mr. Rittenhouse was called to and as but had not completed it; he therefore desired leave of sumed the chair; after some time the president resumed the house to sit again in the ofternoon, which was grant the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse reported from the comed. Friday, August 23, 1776, P.M.

mittee, that they had made some further progress in the According to the order of the day, the convention re- the same, desire leave to sit again in the afternoon;

business committed to them, but not having completed solved itself into a committee of the whole house, Mr. which was granted. Rittenhouse was called to, and assumed the chair; after some time spent in deliberating on the frame of govern

Tuesday, September 3, 1776, P.M. ment, the president resumed the chair, and Mr. Ritten.

The convention then resolved itself into a committee house reported from the committee, that they had made of the whole house, in order to take into consideration some further progress in the business committed to them, the frame of government—Mr. Rittenhouse was called but had not completed it, he therefore desired leave to, and assumed the chair; after some time the president of the house to sit again, which was granted.

resumed the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse reported from

the committee, that they had made some further proWednesday, August 28, 1776, A.M. gress in the business committed to them, but not having Major William Coats, one of the members for Phila- completed it, desired leave to sit again to-morrow;which delphia county, appeared in the house for the first time, was granted. took the oath, and made and subscribed the profession

Wednesday, September 4, 1776, P.M. of faith-required.

The house resolved itself into a committee of the whole,

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CONSTITUTION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

197

to take into consideration the frame of government

Wednesday, September 25, 1776, A.M. -Mr. Rittenhouse was called to, and assumed the chair;

A letter from the Reverend Messrs. Duffield and Marafter some time the president resumed the chair, and shall, praying that the clergy of this state may be exo Me. Rittenhouse reported from the committee, that they empted from the burthen of civil officers, and setting had made some further progress therein, but not having forth their reason for such exemption, was read, and orcompleted the same, desired leave of the house to sit dered to lie on the table for consideration. again to-morrow; which was granted.

A petition from the Reverend Messrs. Muhlenberg & Thursday, September 5, 1776, A.M. Weynberg, praying for an addition to the 47th article of The convention then resolved itself into a committee the proposed frame of government, confirming the inof the whole house, in order to resume the considera corporations for promoting religious and charitable pur, tion of the frame of government-Mr. Rittenhouse was

poses, was read, and

Ordered to lie on the table. called to, and assumed the chair; after some time the

The house resumed the consideration of the frame of president resumed the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse reported from the committee, that they had finished the government. business referred to them, and were ready to report tenhouse be appointed to prepare the draught of a pre

Ordered, That Mr. Cannon, Mr. Jacobs and Mr. Rit. thereon.

amble to the declaration of rights and frame of governThursday, September, 5, 1776, P.M.

ment, and of the oaths of allegiance and office, to be inThe report of the committee of the whole house, on serted in the said frame. the frame of government, was now read; and thereupon it was

Wednesday, September 25, 1776, P.M. Ordered, That the president, Mr. Rittenhouse and The gentlemen appointed to draw up a preamble to Mr. Vanborn be desired to revise the same, and make the declaration of rights and frame of government, resuch alterations therein), in method and stile, without ported an essay for that purpose, which was read, and affecting the sense, as they may think proper; and, referred for further consideration. when that is done, to get four hundred copies printed They also reported an essay for the oaths and affirmafor public consideration.

tions of allegiance, and of office; which being read and

amended at the table, were approved of, and ordered to Monday, September 16, 1776, P.M.

be inserted in the frame of government. The house, agreeable to the order of the day resumed the consideration of the frame of government.

Thursday, September 26, 1776, A.M. It was moved by colonel Ross, and seconded by Mr.

The convention appointed to draw up the resolve reClymer, that the first and second sections of the propos- specting the election for the present year, reported a ed frame of government be debated upon and amended. draught for that purpose; which being read and amend Whereupon it was

ed, was agreed to in the following words: Resolved, That the further debate, on the second section, is precluded; because it was fully debated and de

In Convention for the state of Pennsylvania. termined before, as appears by the minutes of the first

Whereas it is not convenient to hold the next elecand second of August last.

tion throughout this state, for choosing the elective ofMoved and seconded, That the yeas and nays, on any fficers thereof, on the day on which it will be most conquestion in the frame of government, shall be entered convenient to the people to hold their elections for the on the minutes, when it shall be requested by any four future-And this convention being desingus that the members—But the previous question being put, it was freemen of this state may, as soon as possible, enjoy the determined, that the question be not now put.

advantages of a free and established government; it is Tuesday, September, 17, 1775, A.M. therefore The house resumed the consideration of the frame of Resolved, That the next election of representatives in government.

general assembly, and of all other elective officers hereTuesday, September 17, 1776, P.M. tofore usually chosen on the first day of October, shall be The house resumed the consideration of the frame of held for the city of Philadelphia, and for the county of government.

Philadelphia, and for every other county in this state, on Wednesday, September 18, 1776, P.M. Tuesday, the fifth day of November next; &c. The house resumed the consideration of the frame of Every elector, before his vote is received, shall take government.

the following oath or affirmation, instead of that heretoThursday, September 19, 1776, P.M. fore required, viz. “I

do swear, (or afThe house then resumed the consideration of the firm) that I will be faithful and true to the common. frame of government.

wealth of Pennsylvania; and that I will not, directly or Friday, September 20, 1776, A.M. indirectly, do any act or thing prejudicial or injurious The house resumed the consideration of the frame of to the constitution or government thereof, as established government.

by the convention." Friday, September 20, 1776, P.M. And the judges and inspectors of the said elections The house resumed the consideration of the frame of shall, besides the oath prescribed in the law directing government.

the choice of inspectors above-mentioned, take the oath Saturday, September 21, 1776. of allegiance above recited. And The house resumed the consideration of the frame of Resolved, that the said general assembly, chosen in government.

consequence of the foregoing resolves, shall meet at Monday, September 23, 1776, A.M. Philadelphia, on Tuesday the nineteenth day of NovemThe convention proceeded to the further considera- ber next. tion of the frame of government.

Thursday, September 26, 1776, P.M. Monday, September 23, 1776, P.M. The house resumed the consideration of the draught The convention resumed the consideration of the of the preamble offered to them yesterday, and the same frame of government.

was agreed to. Tuesday, September 24, 1776, P.M.

Friday, September 27, 1776, P.M. The house resumed the consideration of the frame of On motion Resolved, That it be recemmended to the government.

first general assembly of this state, to make a law simiTuesday, September 24. 1776, P.M. lar to the

habeas corpus act of England, for the security The bouse resumed the consideration of the frame of of the personal liberty of the inhabitants. government

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