[The following account of the Ratification of the Constitution
of the United States by the Convention of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts convened at Boston on the 9th day of January,
1788, and continued until the 7th of February, was printed in
the Massachusetts Gazette of Feb. 8th, 1788, published by John
Wincoll Allen of Boston. It is here inserted as a historical
document of those times that tried men's souls, which will,
we think, be read with deep interest by those of the present
generation. In this way, too, it will be preserved, as it should
be, for posterity. It is printed as we find it in the Gazette,
with only the addition of the names of the towns, in which the
individuals of the Convention resided. Of the Convention, John
Hancock was President, William Cushing, Vice-President, and
George Richards Minot, Secretary.]
With the highest satisfaction we announce to the publick, that the
Convention of this commonwealth, on Wednesday last, at five o'clock,
P. M. _ASSENTED TO_ the CONSTITUTION, proposed by the late federal
Convention. On this pleasing event, WE DO HEARTILY congratulate
the publick, and do express our sincere wishes, that the general
joy which it has diffused through all ranks of citizens, may be an
auspicious omen of the superiour advantages which will undoubtedly
result from the establishment of such a federal government as this
constitution provides.
Immediately on the news of this joyful decision being announced, the
bells in every publick building in this metropolis began to ring, and
continued to sound the glad tydings for two hours. At sun set the
Convention adjourned: after which, a multitude of people, from all
quarters, moved into State-Street, where they manifested the joy they
felt from this event, by incessant tokens of approbation, and loud
huzzas. The bells of the North church continued to chime harmonious
peals of gratulations the whole night, and part of the next day.
Illuminations were made and other insignia of joy exhibited.
The yeas and nays, on the question of adoption, being taken,
agreeably to the orders of the day, were as follows, viz.