Dr. Cochran was of stately presence and most genial. He won his high place by real merit and experience.
He pawned his personal credit for the cause; the last sheets from his bed were used on the wounded. He quieted dissensions in the department, composed the difficulties of individuals, presented petitions for his subordinate officers, and performed routine work which should have been done by others. All this various labor was performed with cheerfulness in adversity, and courage amid danger.
He was on terms of intimacy with Washington, Lafayette, Wayne, Paul Jones and many more. Washington presented him with his camp furniture, Lafayette gave him his watch, Wayne gave him his sword, the silver hilt of which was melted into goblets.
Dr. Cochran was a charter member of the Society of the Cincinnati. He died at his country-seat at Palatine, Montgomery County, N. Y., April 6, 1807. His widow survived him until March, 1813.
Constitution of 1790, the First for the State,
Adopted September 2, 1790
The convention to frame a Constitution for the government of Pennsylvania as a State completed its labors September 2, 1790.
On that day the members signed the instrument, after which they went in procession from the State House to the court-house, where the new Constitution was proclaimed.
Provision had been made for the continuance in office, until the new government went into operation, of the Supreme Executive Council and other State officers, but not of the Legislature, and the latter body believing its authority had ceased, did not proceed to the transaction of business on the following day.