[ [8] "Mr. Houston is an Attorney at Law, and has been Member of Congress for the State of Georgia. He is a Gentleman of Family, and was educated in England. As to his legal or political knowledge he has very little to boast of. Nature seems to have done more for his corporeal than mental powers. His Person is striking, but his mind very little improved with useful or elegant knowledge. He has none of the talents requisite for the Orator, but in public debate is confused and irregular. Mr. Houston is about 30 years of age of an amiable and sweet temper, and of good and honorable principles."–Pierce's Notes, Am. Hist. Rev., iii., 334.
On the question which was put without any debate
N. H. ay. Mass. ay. Ct. ay. Pa no. Del. ay. Md no. Virga no. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.
Ordered that tomorrow be assigned for the reconsideration, Cont & Pena no–all the rest ay.
Mr Gerry moved that the proceedings of the Convention for the establishment of a Natl Govt (except the part relating to the Executive), be referred to a Committee to prepare & report a Constitution conformable thereto.
Genl Pinkney reminded the Convention that if the Committee should fail to insert some security to the Southern States agst an emancipation of slaves, and taxes on exports, he shd be bound by duty to his State to vote agst their Report. The appt of a Come as moved by Mr Gerry. Agd to nem. con.
Shall the Come consist of 10 members one from each State prest–All the States were no, except Delaware, ay.
Shall it consist of 7. members
N. H. ay. Mas. ay. Ct ay. Pa no. Del. no. Md ay. Va no. N. C. no. S. C. ay. Geo. no.
The question being lost by an equal division of Votes.