The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The committee appointed to consider the motion of James Wilson, relative to a cession to the United States of a district for the seat of the federal government, report the following resolution,
That when the Constitution, proposed by the late General Convention, shall have been organized, this commonwealth will cede to the Congress of the United States the jurisdiction over any place in Pennsylvania, not exceeding ten miles square, which, with the consent of the inhabitants, the Congress may choose, for the seat of the government of the United States, excepting only the city of Philadelphia, the district of Southwark, and that part of the Northern Liberties included within a line running parallel with Vine street, at the distance of one mile northward thereof, from the river Schuylkill to the southern side of the main branch of Cohockshink Creek, thence down the said creek to its junction with the river Delaware; but the marshland, and so much of the adjoining bank on the same side of the said creek as shall be necessary for the erecting any dams, or works to command the water thereof, are excluded from this exception.
On the question being put, the yeas and nays were called by Thomas M'Kean and Robert Whitehill, and were as follow.
43 Frederick A. Muhlenberg
46 Benjamin Elliott NAYS [16]
16 Adam Orth So it was carried in the affirmative.
On motion of Timothy Pickering, seconded by Stephen Chambers, Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Convention, that until the Congress shall have made their election of a district for the place of their permanent residence, and provided buildings for their accommodation, they may have the use of such of the public buildings within the city of Philadelphia, or any other part of this state, as they may find convenient.
On the question being put, the yeas and nays were called by Anthony Wayne and Stephen Chambers, and were as follow.
45 Frederick A. Muhlenberg
48 Benjamin Elliott NAYS [11]
11 Adam Orth So it was carried in the affirmative.
On motion of Stephen Chambers, seconded by Anthony Wayne, Resolved, That the President be directed to transmit to His Excellency the President of Congress, by the secretary [James Campbell], the Constitution as ratified by this Convention, together with the resolution respecting the cession of territory and the temporary residence of the honorable the Congress of the United States.
On motion of Thomas Hartley, seconded by Stephen Chambers,
Resolved, That three thousand copies of the Federal Constitution, and the Ratification thereof by this Convention, be printed in the English language, and two thousand copies in the German language, and delivered to the President, for the several members of this body, in proportion to the number of deputies from the several counties, to be distributed amongst their constituents.
2. The committee of accounts made report;
3. whereupon Resolved, That the President draw an order on the treasurer, in favor of James Campbell, Esquire for forty-one pounds, for his services as secretary to the Convention, including fifteen days' allowance for completing the business.
In favor of Andrew Burkhard, messenger, for his services, including four days' allowance, for fifteen pounds.
In favor of Joseph Fry, doorkeeper, for his services, including four days' allowance, for fifteen pounds.
In favor of James Martin, for his services, for six pounds fifteen shillings.
In favor of the secretary, for carrying the new Constitution of the United States, and Ratification thereof by this state, to Congress, for twenty pounds.
In favor of the secretary for four hundred pounds, to defray the printing of the Minutes and other contingent expenses, and that he account with the comptroller general for the same.
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. M'Kean, Mr. Latimer and Mr. Baker be a committee, for the purpose of revising the Minutes and superintending the printing thereof.
On motion of Thomas M'Kean, seconded by Stephen Chambers, Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of this Convention be presented to the President, for the able and faithful manner in which he has discharged the duties of the chair.
James Campbell, Secretary