Virginia Independent Chronicle, 9 July
1Previous to the adjournment of the late Convention, a proposition was made by Mr. Mason, that the minority should meet at the public buildings and prepare an address to reconcile the minds of their constituents to the new plan of government.
Accordingly very full meeting was had, when to their surprise an address was offered for their signatures, tending to irritate, rather than to quiet the public mind.
A number of that respectable body immediately withdrew, others for some time either remained in silence, or, in general terms recommended temper and moderation,—till at length, Benjamin Harrison, Esq; of Charles City, rose, and in a firm and manly stile opposed not only the address which had been read, but earnestly recommended an adjournment without taking any farther steps in the business.—He observed they had done their duty as free and independent men, in opposing the constitution, but as it had been adopted by a majority of their countrymen it became their duty to submit as good citizens, until those destructive consequences to their liberty should appear, which the minority apprehended, in which however he hoped they would be mistaken. He reminded them of their promises in Convention to unite the people in the opinion of the majority, and by their precept and example endeavor to secure harmony and order among their fellow citizens. The opinion was supported by the Honorable John Tyler and General Lawson so successfully, that Mr. Mason discovering their sentiments to prevail generally, prudently and with temper withdrew his address.—An adjournment sine die took place—It is to be hoped that the laudable example of those patriots will be followed by their constituents, and that the fears of those who have opposed the new government will shortly be removed.