December 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, December 12th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/12/2019
Important newspaper reporting on the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, the body that drafted, deliberated and finally signed the U.S. Constitution on 17 September 1787. Based in Philadelphia, where the Convention deliberated from 25 May to 17 September, ''The Pennsylvania Packet, and Daily Advertiser'' reports on 18 September 1787 the following: ''We have the heart-felt pleasure to inform our fellow citizens that the Federal Convention adjourned yesterday, having completed the object of their deliberations-And we hear that Major W. Jackson, the secretary of that honorable body, leaves this city for New York, this morning, in order to lay the great result of their proceedings before the United States in Congress.''
After the Convention ended, Major William Jackson of South Carolina who served as its Secretary, was dispatched to the Confederation Congress in New York to read the Constitution aloud. After that, it went to the public for deliberation, with Article VII of the new document stating that 9 of the 13 states needed to ratify it for passage. This happened on 21 June 1788 with New Hampshire's vote, although all 13 states wouldn't ratify it until 29 May 1790 with the last hold out of Rhode Island.
Although it was considered an imperfect document - with only 39 of the 55 delegates signing it on 17 September, the U.S. Constitution drafted by the Convention was aptly described by delegate Benjamin Franklin: ''I confess that there are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve...it therefore astonishes me, Sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it does; and I think it will astonish our enemies...'' Four page newspaper features the Convention coverage in large type at the beginning of page three. Newspaper measures 11.5'' x 18.5''. Chipping to edges, restoration to center fold, and spot of toning at bottom of second sheet. Overall very good condition given age.
Philadelphia Newspaper From 18 September 1787, Reporting on the Constitutional Convention That Ended a Day Earlier on 17 September, When the U.S. Constitution Was Signed
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