John Dickenson and Elbridge Gerry, the former from Delaware, the latter
from Mass^{ts} took their seats. The following rules were added, on the
report of M^r Wythe from the Committee--
That no member be absent from the House, so as to interrupt the
representation of the State, without leave.
That Committees do not sit whilst the House shall be or ought to
be, sitting.
That no copy be taken of any entry on the journal during the
sitting of the House without leave of the House.
That members only be permitted to inspect the journal.
That nothing spoken in the House be printed, or otherwise
published or communicated without leave.
That a motion to reconsider a matter which has been determined
by a majority, may be made, with leave unanimously given, on the
same day on which the vote passed; but otherwise not without one
day's previous notice: in which last case, if the House agree to
the reconsideration, some future day shall be assigned for that
purpose.
M^r C. Pinkney[28] moved that a Committee be appointed to superintend
the Minutes.
[28] "Mr. Charles Pinckney is a young Gentleman of the most
promising talents. He is, altho' only 24 y^s of age, in
possession of a very great variety of knowledge. Government,
Law, History, and Phylosophy are his favorite studies, but
he is intimately acquainted with every species of polite
learning, and has a spirit of application and industry
beyond most Men. He speaks with great neatness and
perspicuity, and treats every subject as fully, without
running into prolixity, as it requires. He has been a Member
of Congress, and served in that Body with ability and
eclat."--Pierce's Notes, _Am. Hist. Rev._, iii., 333.
M^r Gov^r Morris objected to it. The entry of the proceedings of the
Convention belonged to the Secretary as their impartial officer. A
committee might have an interest & bias in moulding the entry according
to their opinions and wishes.
The motion was negatived, 5 noes, 4 ays.