The Daily Advertiser

NEW-YORK, July 3.

Extract of a letter from a Gentleman in Convention at Richmond, to his friend in New-York, dated 25th June, 1788.

"DEAR SIR,

"I have now to congratulate you on the accession of Virginia to the New Government; the final vote in Convention was taken this day, about three o'clock, P. M.--for the ratification 89--against it 79;--a motion for previous amendment was negatived by 88 to 80. The form of ratification is prefaced by a declaration that all power, &c. (but I enclose you a copy). Our country's character never shone more conspicuous than upon this great and interesting event; awful and solemn was the pause which preceded the question; a discussion of 24 days, in which every clause of the plan had been weighed and debated, and its merits and demerits fully exposed, terminated at a period when decision was to involve the happiness or misery of present and future generations; whilst the event of the question too was yet doubtful, on the one hand a powerful, numerous and respectable body of advocates for the system, on the other a decided, respectable and little less numerous body in opposition--could the mind be otherwise than tremulously anxious?--to describe my feelings exceed; my powers of description. But if I felt before, how can I convey to you those sensations which filled my mind after the decision; in presence of upwards of a thousand spectators, with minds agitated by contending and opposite opinions--the dignified humility of the majority--the tempered patience, manly firmness and virtuous demeanor of the minority, accompanied with the most unanimous and honorable professions of acquiescence and support to the Government, finished a scene, which thus stood completed the most grand and solemn I ever beheld.'"

RATIFICATION of the NEW CONSTITUTION by the CONVENTION of VIRGINIA, on Wednesday the 25th ult. by a Majority of 10; 89 agreeing, and 79 dissenting to its adoption.

WE the delegates of the people of Virginia, duly elected, in pursuance of a recommendation of the General Assembly, and now met in Convention, having fully and fairly investigated and discussed the proceedings of the Federal Convention, and being prepared as well as the most mature deliberation will enable us to decide thereon, DO, in the name and on behalf of the people of Virginia, declare and make known, that the powers granted under the Constitution, being derived from the people of the United States, may be resumed by them whensoever the same shall be perverted to their injury or oppression, and that every power not granted thereby remains with them and at their will: That therefore no right, of any denomination, can be cancelled, abridged, restrained or modified by the Congress, by the Senate or House of Representatives, acting in any capacity, by the President, or any department or officer of the United States, except in those instances where power is given by the Constitution for those purposes: That among other essential rights, the liberty of conscience, and of the press, cannot be cancelled, abridged, restrained or modified by any authority of the United States.

"With these impressions, with a solemn appeal to the Searcher of Hearts for the purity of our intentions, and under the conviction, that, whatsoever imperfections may exist in the Constitution, ought rather be examined in the mode prescribed therein, than to bring the UNION into danger by a delay, with a hope of obtaining amendments previous to the ratification:

We the said delegates in the name and in behalf of the people of Virginia, do by these presents assent to and ratify the Constitution, recommended on the 17th day of September, 1787, by the Federal Convention for the government of the United States; hereby announcing to all those whom it may concern, that the said Constitution is binding upon the said people, according to an authentic copy hereto annexed, in the words following:--

Here followed a copy of the Constitution.

Done in Convention, &c. &c.

EDMUND PENDLETON, President.

Attest. JOHN BECKLEY, Sec'ry.