New Hampshire Statesman And Concord Register

WASHINGTON AND FRANKLIN.
THEIR RESPECT FOR RELIGION.
In the Convention which assembled at Philadelphia for the purpose of digesting a constitution for the United States, the debates were frequently of a warm and angry character. At the close of a speech which he made on one of these occasions, the celebrated Franklin is said to have made the remarks which we have inserted below.—
We copy them from a late number of the N. Y. Gazette, to the editor of which paper they were communicated by a gentleman who received them from General ---, a member of the convention.
"Before I sit down, Mr President, I will suggest another matter, and am really surprised that it has not been proposed by some other member, at an early period of our deliberations. I will suggest, Mr President, the propriety of nominating and appointing, before we separate, a Chaplain to this convention, whose duty it shall be uniformly to assemble with us, and introduce the business 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, enlighten our minds with a portion of heavenly wisdom, influence our hearts with a love of truth and justice, and crown our labors with complete and abundant success."
The Doctor sat down, and never, said General ---, did I behold a countenance at once so dignified and delighted, as was that of Washington, at the close of this address. Nor were the members of the convention generally less affected. The words of the venerable Franklin fell upon our ears with a weight and authority, even greater than we may suppose an oracle to have had in a Roman Senate. A silent admiration superceded, for a moment, the expression of that assent and approbation which was strongly marked on almost every countenance I say almost, for one man was found in the convention, Mr H., 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 a high strained eulogium on the assemblage of wisdom, talent, and experience, which the convention embraced: declared the high sense which he entertained of the honor which his constituents had conferred upon him in making him a member of that respectable body; since he was confidently of opinion that they were competent to transact the business which had been entrusted to their care: that they were equal to every exigence which might occur: and concluded by saying that, therefore, he did not see the necessity of calling in foreign aid!
Washington fixed his eye upon the speaker with a mixture of surprise and indignation, while he uttered this impertinent and impious speech; and then looked round to see in what manner it affected others. This did not leave him a minute to doubt—no one deigned to reply, or take the smallest notice of the speaker; but the motion for appointing a Chaplain was instantly seconded and carried: whether under the silent disapprobation of Mr H—, or his solitary negative, I do not recollect. The motion for an adjournment was then put, and carried unanimously, and the Convention adjourned accordingly.