Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1850-05-30
M AY 80, 1850.

'0's"t u WHICH tney may be entitled; and
when we assemble again, hope it will be with
determination to form a constitution, if not
such an one as we can individually, and in all re-
'pects, approve, yet the best, which, under exist
ng circumstances, can be obtained" (Here
he countenance of Washington frightened,
md cheering ray seemed to break in upon the
gloom which had recently covered our political
lorzon.) The doctor continued: "Before sit
lown, Mr.. President, will suggest another
natter; and | am really surprised that it has not
been proposed by some other member at an
earlier period of our deliberations l will sug.
gest, Mr.. President, the propriety of nominating
and appointing, before we separate, a chaplain
to this Convention, whose duty it shall uniform
y to assemble with US, and introduce the bust,
ness of each day by an address to the Creator Of
the universe. and the Governor of all nations,
beseeching Him to preside in our council, en-
Tighten our minds with a portion of heavenly
wisdom, influence our hearts with love of truth
and Justice, and crown our labors with complete
and abundant success"
The doctor sat down, and never (said Gen.
d. did behold countenance at once so digni-
fled and delighted as was that of Washington, at
the close of this address Nor we're the men,
bers of the Convention, generally, less affected.
The words of the venerable Franklin fell upon
our ears with weight and authority. even great
er than we may suppose an oracle TO have had
in Roman senate! A silent admiration super.
seded, for moment, the expression ofthat as
sent and appreciation which was strongly mark
ed on almost every countenance; say almost
for one man was found in the Convention, Mr.
IL, from --, who rose and said
with regard to the first motion of the honorable
gentleman, for an adjournment, he would yield
his assent; but he protested against the second
motion, for the appointment Of a chaplain. He
then commenced high-strained eulogium or
the assemblage of wisdom, talent, and expert
ence, which the convention embraced declaring
the high sense he entertained Of the honor which
his constituents had conferred upon him, in ma
king him u member of that respectable body
said he was confidently of opinion that they ,Uer
competent to transact the business which hat
been entrusted to their care-that they were e
quail to every exigence which might occur ant
concluded by saying, that therefore he did no
see the necessity of calling in foreign aid.
Washington fixed his eyes upon the speaker
with mixture of surprise and indignation, Will
he uttered this impertinent and impious speech
aA then 9eksd agoand e ASCERTAIN ain U ,s whe
him moment to doubt; no one deigned to re
ply, or take the smallest notice Of the speake,
but the motion for appointing chaplain was in
stontly seconded and carried whether unde
the silent dsapprobation Of Mr. IL, or hi
solitary negative do not recolect The mo
ton for an adjournment was then put and carri
ed unanimously, and the convention adjourned
accordingly.
The three days of recess were spent in tn
manner advised by DR.. Franklin; the OPPOSITE
parties mixed with each other, and free an,
frank interchange ofsentiments took place o.
tho fourth day we assembled again, and if grea
additional light had not been thrown on the sub
ject every unfriendly feeling had been expell
ed; and spirit of conciliatiod had been cult
waited, which promised, at least, a calm and dis
sionate reconsideration of the subject.
As soon as the chaplain had closed his prayer
and the minutes of the last sitting were read, al
eyes were turned to the doctor. He rose, an
in few words stated, that during the recess h
had listened attentivey to all the arguments pr
and CON- which had been urged by both sides O
the house, that he had himself said much, AM
thought more on the subject; he saw difficutie
and objections, which might be urged by indi
vidual States, against every scheme which ha
been proposed; and he was now, more than ev
er, convidced that the constitution which the
were about to form, in order to be just and equa
must be formed on the basis of compromise an
mutual concession. With such views and feel
ings, he would now move a consideration of tn
vote last taken on the organization Of the Senate
The motion was seconded, the vote carr ed, tn
former vote rescinded, and by a successive mo
ton and resolution, the Senate was organize
on the present plan.
Thus, my dear son, l have detailed, as far a
my memory serves me, the information which
received personally from Gen. Dayton. 1t ha
been done from a recollection of ten years, an
may have differed much from Gen. Dayton il
his phraseology, but am confident have faith
fully stated the facts. have related this anec
dote at different times to gentlemen of informa
ton, TO all of whom 1t was entirely new Som
of them requested me to furnish them writte
copy, but deemed that improper without tn
consent of Gen. Dayton; and Intended, tn
first opportunity / should have, to make the sam
request of hm--but the hand Of death has re
moved him.
In committing this auecdote to paper, l hav
been actuated not only by wish to crafty you
but by aldesire to perpetuate the facts, if, as
fear, they are not elsewhere recorded. As the,
relate to very important featu:e in our republi
can institutions, and to some of the most cele
brated individuals who achieved our ndepend
ence, and framed our national government, the,
will, am pursuaded, be interesting to ever.
lover of this happy country.
am, very ahectonately,
Your father
WIN. STEELE.
To JONATHAN d. STEELE.
THE LONG PACK.