The Hillsborough Recorder

MASSACHUSETTS.

The convention for revising the constitution of the state of Massachusetts met at the state house at Boston, on Wednesday the 15th ultimo, the attendance being more full than was expected. Benjamin Pollard was chosen clerk. The house then proceeded to the choice of a president; and, on counting the votes, it appeared that 352 were given in, of which John Adams, late president of the United States, had 355, and was chosen.

The following resolve, offered by judge Parker, accompanied by some remarks from that gentleman, was passed:

Whereas the hon. John Adams, a member of this convention, and elected president thereof, has, for more than half a century, devoted the great powers of his mind, and his profound wisdom and learning, to the service of his country and mankind—

In fearlessly vindicating the rights of the North American provinces against the usurpation and encroachment of the superintending government:

In diffusing a knowledge of the principles of civil liberty among his fellow subjects, and exciting them to a firm and resolute defence of the privileges of freemen:

In early conceiving, asserting, and maintaining the justice and practicability of establishing the independence of the United States of America:

In giving the powerful aid of his political knowledge in the formation of the constitution of his native state, which constitution became, in a great measure, the model of those which were subsequently formed:

In conciliating the favour of foreign powers, and obtaining their countenance and support in their arduous struggle for independence:

In negotiating the treaty of peace which secured for ever the sovereignty of the United States, and in defeating all attempts to prevent it, and especially preserving in that treaty the vital interests of the New England states:

In demonstrating to the world, in his defence of the constitutions of the United States, the contested principle, since admitted as an axiom, that checks and balances in legislative power are essential to the preservation of true liberty:

In devoting his time and talents to the service of the nation, in the high and important trusts of vice president and president of the United States:

And, lastly, in passing an honorable old age in dignified retirement, in the practice of all the domestic virtues, thus exhibiting to his countrymen and to posterity an example of true greatness of mind and of genuine patriotism:

Therefore resolved, That the members of this convention, representing the people of this commonwealth, do joyfully avail themselves of this opportunity to testify their respect and gratitude towards this eminent patriot and statesman, for the great services rendered by him to his country, and their high gratification, that at this late period of life, he is permitted by divine Providence to assist them with his counsels in revising the constitution, which forty years ago his wisdom and prudence assisted to form.

Resolved, That a committee of twelve members be appointed by the chair, to communicate these proceedings to the hon. John Adams, to inform him of his election to preside in this body, and to introduce him to the chair of this convention.

The committee appointed to wait upon Mr. Adams, and inform him of his election as president of the convention, consisted of the following gentlemen: Messrs. Gray, Varnum, M. Martin, Faber, Dr. Baldwin, Mr. Fowler, Mr. Dane, Thomas Melvill, Ward, Nicholas Boylston, Mr. Mattoon, Mr. Moore, Mr. Bartlett.

The above committee having performed the duty assigned them, returned and reported that Mr. Adams declined the honour intended him, and the following communication was subsequently transmitted from that gentleman to the convention:

Fellow Citizens: An election at my age and in my circumstances by the free suffrages of so ample a representation of the fortunes and talents, the experience and wisdom, the authority, the virtue and piety of the ancient and renowned state of Massachusetts, I esteem the purest and fairest honour of my life; and my gratitude is proportionately ardent and sincere. I pray you, gentlemen, to present to the convention my most cordial thanks.

Your enumeration of services performed for this country, recalls to my recollection the long series and succession of great and excellent characters with whom I have had the honour to act in the former part of my life, and to whose exertions I have endeavoured to add my feeble aid; characters who have been employed by Divine Providence as instruments in preserving and securing that unexampled liberty which this nation now possesses; that liberty which is the source of all our happiness and prosperity; a prosperity which cannot be contemplated by any virtuous mind without gratitude, consolation and delight. May it be perpetual.

Gentlemen, as my age is generally known, it will readily be believed that my forces are too much exhausted to perform the arduous duty of the high office which the benevolence of the convention has assigned me. I am, therefore, under the necessity of requesting permission of the convention to decline the appointment and pray that some other gentleman may be elected, whose vigorous age and superior talents may conduct their deliberations with more convenience to themselves and with greater satisfaction to the people of the commonwealth at large.

JOHN ADAMS.

On proceeding, then, to ballot for a president, 195 being a majority, it appeared that judge Parker had 195 votes, and was chosen. The other votes were, for judge Story 150, John Phillips 52, and 11 scattering.

It was then

Ordered, That a seat be assigned for the hon. John Adams on the right hand of the president of this convention.