Connecticut Ratification Convention Proceedings: Weekly Monitor (January 3, 1788)

The assembly being thus formed and the roll called in the State House; on motion of Colonel Jesse Root, seconded by Colonel Eliphalet Dyer, etc., the delegates repaired in solemn procession to the North Meeting House, where, after prayers offered by the Reverend Mr. [Nathan] Strong, by order of the President, the proposed CONSTITUTION was read, together with the several public resolves, official letters, etc., accompanying the same, in their order. Whereupon, the Lieutenant Governor [Oliver Wolcott] proposed that in order to obtain and facilitate a fair, free, full, and advantageous discussion of the important subject, it should be taken up in cursory manner, by single articles, sections, paragraphs, or detached clauses and sentences as occasion might require; with suitable pauses for any objections, doubts, or queries to be freely offered for particular explanation, etc., yet so as to preclude no general remarks or observations which any gentleman might be disposed to make on either side in the process of such disquisition, or general review, at the close thereof. And being seconded by General Samuel H. Parsons, Dr. William Samuel Johnson, Judge Richard Law, Mr. Oliver Elsworth, Colonel John Chester, etc., with this addition, viz., "that no other vote be taken thereon till the one decisive, general question." It was agreed nem. con. and voted accordingly; and thereupon from day to day.1 [Weekly Monitor, 14 January]