The Critical Period of American History

MEMBERS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION

The names of those who for various reasons were absent when the Constitution was signed are given in italics; the names of those who were present, but refused to sign, are given in small capitals.

Of those who signed their names to the Federal Constitution, the six following were signers of the Declaration of Independence: —

Roger Sherman,

Benjamin Franklin,

Robert Morris,

George Clymer,

James Wilson,

George Read.

The ten following were appointed as delegates to the Federal Convention, but never took their seats: —

No delegates were appointed by Rhode Island. In a letter addressed to "the Honourable the Chairman of the General Convention," and dated "Providence, May 11, 1787," several leading citizens of Rhode Island expressed their regret that their state should not be represented on so momentous an occasion. At the same time, says the letter, "the result of your deliberations … we still hope may finally be approved and adopted by this state, for which we pledge our influence and best exertions." The letter was signed by John Brown, Joseph Nightingale, Levi Hall, Philip Allen, Paul Allen, Jabez Bowen, Nicholas Brown, John Jinkes, Welcome Arnold, William Russell, Jeremiah Olney, William Barton, and Thomas Lloyd Halsey. The letter was presented to the Convention on May 28th by Gouverneur Morris, and, "being read, was ordered to lie on the table for further consideration." See Elliot's Debates, v. 125.

The Constitution was ratified by the thirteen states, as follows: —

PRESIDENTS OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.