The Constitution was adopted September 17, 1787, and by this action of the convention a new Nation was born in Philadelphia.
While these things were taking place in a lower room of the State House, the Legislature of Pennsylvania was in session in a room above, and the Constitution was read to it on the morning of September 18.
Copies were then given to the press, and the next day the people of Philadelphia were reading the new plan in the “Packet,” the “Journal” and the “Gazetteer.” For a few days nothing but praise was heard, but before a week was gone, it was attacked.
The principal supporters of the plan of the Federal Convention were former officers of the Revolution, many of whom had served throughout the entire struggle for independence, while not one prominent soldier of that war was included among the twenty-three Anti-Federalists who consistently voted against ratification.
All was not satisfactory, and there was much trouble about the adoption of the Constitution, which did not go into effect until ratified by nine States.
Patrick Henry, of Virginia, and Elbridge Gerry, of Massachusetts, opposed it violently. It also had many opponents in Pennsylvania. Particularly was this true among the partisans of the State Government.
A draft of the instrument was reported to the Assembly, when a motion was made to authorize the calling of a State convention to deliberate upon its adoption.
This body met November 21, and was organized by the choice of Frederick A. Muhlenberg as president, and James Campbell, as secretary. On December 12, following, the final adoption of the draft of the Constitution was carried by a vote of 46 to 23 against it.
The following day the members of the convention and of the Supreme Executive Council, with officers of the State and the City of Philadelphia and others, went in procession from the State House to the old court house, where the ratification of the instrument was solemnly proclaimed. Twelve cannon were fired and the bells were rung.
The convention returned to the State House, where two copies of the ratification of the Constitution were signed. According to Hamilton, a motion was made that all members should sign it as an acquiescence to the principle that the majority should govern, which was strenuously objected to by the opponents of this instrument.