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These elections now approached; and it seemed to be, with the great mass of the people, who it is to be confessed, seldom see speculative objects in politics, with very clear discrimination, settled into an opinion, that the ratification of the federal constititution, was to be rejected-for want of previous amend ments--with the exception of Jefferson county: where public opinion at that time, was governed by strong federal views, and wishes.

The requisite number of members, were every where elected, and without a failure, it is believed, took their seats in the convention; attended a session of three weeks, and voted on the question of ratification--eleven against, and three for itHumprey Marshall, of Fayette, with the two members from Jefferson-under a conviction, that previous amendments, amidst the divided, agitated, and conflicting opinions, and views of the popular leaders throughout the continent, were impracticable--that the attempt would hazard the existence of the union--whereas by the adoption of the constitution, all would be secured. Time, and experience have proved the correctness of that course. The vote for ratification took place on the 20th of June-eighty-eight, to seventy-eight-Virginia being the tenth adopting state. At the same time amendments were prepared, by unanimous concurrence, to be offered, to congress, and incorporated with the constitution, in the manner prescribed by it; and which so far as they have been deemed proper, have been adopted. And thus were defeated, many factions, no less hostile to the union, than that imbodied as "The Hartford Convention." In Kentucky, it was deeply felt, and strongly censured, by those who were themselves personally implicated--and who had yet influence enough to sway popular opinion. A strenuous attempt was made to direct this against the Fayette member, who had voted for the constitution; and not without effect. He had, it is true, been abudantly forewarned, of the loss of popularity, while on the convention--and admonished, that it was Mr. Brown's decided opinion, rendered in a letter to a member, that the constitution

ought to be REjected. This, however, was not his first sin, against the light, and knowledge, of such men. He had par ticipated in the active scenes of the revolution-heard the want of power in congress, often deplored, and witnessed its defects, as to Indian affairs, and the union generally; to which he was strongly attached: he had also been an observer of General Wilkinson's conduct, which was not to be accounted for upon legitimate motives; and he deemed, the new constitution an important improvement of the federal system—after hearing it ably discussed; his own convictions. he could not violate; these taught him that he was subserving the real interests of his constituents-and according to these, he acted; putting to hazard, and at naught, his own popularity. Thinking withall, for his experience was then in its bud, that the people possessed, intelligence, and justice enough, to perceive and applaud, the propriety of the course pursued.

On the 28th of July, the Kentucky convention met at Danville. While in session, intelligence was brought, that congress had declined acting any further on the subject of Kentucky, without having passed an act for her admission into the confederation--preferring to leave the decision on that important point, to the congress, about to be formed under the recently adopted constitution.

This news, to the convention, and to the leaders generally, was as disagreeable, as it was unexpected. The favourite object of separation, in which was included a thousand hopes, and a thousand expectations, was a second time snatched from their eager grasp, when it was almost realized within their embrace. This was an event, which considerably agitated, but could not overturn the attachment, to union.

This period, so eventful! might never again return. Had the separation been complete, and a constitution of government formed, and organized; it might have been made a question, Whether, in case the new government of the United States took effect, of which there was yet doubt, Kentucky would be a member, or not. Nor were there wanting those who urged,

that although formally included in the adoption of Virginia, yet in fact, her representatives, by a great majority, were epposed to the constitution; as were also the people of the country, generally.

The temper manifested in this convention, was remarkably different, from that which characterized the disappointed convention of 1787. In the place of a momentary vexation, which yielded to a sense of duty, a love of peace, and the force of the reasons which had occasioned the postponement of separation, in that instance; there were now observable, the most deep-felt vexation, a share of ill temper bordering on disaffection to the legal course of things; and some strong symptoms of assuming independent government. And had not these dispositions been met with a determined countenance, and overawed, by those of a contrary tendency, in others; it is not difficult to say what would have been the result. A violent separation, without doubt.

The navigation of the Mississippi, and the trade to Orleans, now just tasted for the first time, were strenuously pressed into the argument in favour of completing the constitution, and organizing government, without delay. Amidst the difficulty, and embarrassment of the moment, it was proposed that each militia captain should take the sense of his company individually upon the course to be pursued. This proposition, being opposed by those in favour of a legal separation, was rejected after debate; and for reasons which merit a place in history.

"1st. Because such a measure would supersede the necessity of a convention, or deliberative body.

"2d. Because, these officers, must be able and willing, to give every necessary information to the people, in order to obtain from them a correct opinion. 'Qualifications, it may be added, not necessarily belonging to militia captains.

"3d. Because, these captains should be perfectly disinterested, and impartial, else the votes would not be correctly taken; even if correctly formed.

“4th. Because, the mode proposed, although it had a flatter

ing appearance, was calculated to disappoint every honest man, who depended on it for a correct result.

"5th. Because, to avoid the manifest mischiefs incident to such a course, resort was had to representatives, and general assemblies; where all were to hear, and be heard, preparatory to decision."

A large majority concurred in these reasons. The session was however protracted to several days. At length the discussions terminated in the following recommendation, and resolutions:

"Whereas it appears to the members of this convention, that the United States in congress assembled, have for the present, declined to ratify the compact entered into between the legislature of Virginia and the people of this district, respecting the erection of the district into an independent state: in consequence of which the powers vested in this convention are dissolved, and whatever order or resolution they pass cannot be considered as having any legal force or obligation: but being anxious for the safety and prosperity of ourselves, and constituents, do earnestly recommend to the good people inhabiting the several counties within the district each to elect five representatives at the times of holding their courts in the month of October next, to meet at Danville on the first Monday in November following, to continue in office until the first day of January, 1790; and that they delegate to their said represen tatives full powers to take such measures for obtaining admission of the district, as a separate and independent member of the United States of America; and the navigation of the Mississippi as may appear most conducive to those important purposes: and also to form a constitution of government for the district, and organize the same when they shall judge it necessary or to do and accomplish whatsoever, on a consideration of the state of the district, may in their opinion promote its interests.

"Resolved, That the elections directed by the preceding recommendation be held at the court house of each county,

and continued from day to day for five days including the first day.

"Resolved, That the sheriffs within the respective counties of this district be requested to hold the said elections, and make return thereof to the clerk of the supreme court immediately after the same are finished; and also deliver to each representative so elected, a certificate of his election; and in case there shall be no sheriff in either of the said counties, or he should refuse to act, that any two acting magistrates then present may superintend and conduct said elections, and make returns, and grant certificates in the same manner the sheriffs are requested to do.

"Resolved, That every free male inhabitant of each county within the said district, has a right to vote in the said elections within their said counties.

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Resolved, That a majority of the members so elected be a quorum to proceed to business.

"Resolved, That if the said convention shall not make a house on the first Monday in November, any three or more members. then assembled, may adjourn from day to day for five days next ensuing, and if a convention should not then be formed at the end of the fifth day, that they may then adjourn to any day they think proper, not exceeding one month.

"Resolved, That the clerk of each county, or the said magis. trates, as the case may be, read, or cause to be read, the aforesaid resolutions on each day immediately preceding the opening of the said elections.

"Ordered, That the president do request the printer of the Kentucky Gazette to publish the proceedings and resolves of congress, by him laid before this convention; also such of the proceedings of this convention as the president shall think proper; and in particular, that the printer continue to publish, weekly until the first of October next, the recommendation for electing another convention, and the several resolutions relative thereto."

This being done, the convention adjourned without day.