Journal Notes of the Massachusetts Ratification Convention Proceedings (February 6, 1788)

Met according to adjournment The Convention proceeded in the consideration of the motion That to-morrow 11. o Clk AM. be assigned to take the question by Yeas and Nays whether this Convention will accept of the report of the Committee made on Monday last; and, the question being put, passed in the negative.

It was then voted, that 4. o Clk PM be assigned for that purpose.

A motion was made and seconded, that the report of the Committee made on Monday last, be amended so far as to add the following, to the first article therein mentioned viz. "And that the said Constitution be never construed to authorize Congress, to infringe the just liberty of the press, or the rights of conscience;1 or to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms;2 or to raise standing armies, unless when necessary for the defence of the United States, or of some one or more of them; or to prevent the people from petitioning in a peaceable and orderly manner the federal legislature, for a redress of grievances;3 or to subject the people to unreasonable searches & seizures of their persons, papers, or possessions4 And the question being put, was determined in the negative.

Adjourned to 3. o Clk PM.