The new constitution had still to be submitted to the several states for ratification. One after another they fell into line, but Massachusetts held back. On January 9, 1788, the convention met, and week after week dragged by in fierce debate; but finally, on February 6, 1788, the Constitution was ratified by a majority of nineteen votes.
CONVENTION SONG
[February 6, 1788]
The 'Vention did in Boston meet
But State House could not hold 'em,
[So they went to Federal Street],
And there the truth was told 'em.
Yankee doodle, keep it up!
Yankee doodle, dandy,
Mind the music and the step,
And with the girls be handy.
They every morning went to prayer;
And then began disputing;
Till opposition silenced were,
By arguments refuting.
Then 'Squire Hancock, like a man
Who dearly loves the nation,
By a Concil'atory plan,
Prevented much vexation.
He made a woundy Fed'ral speech,
With sense and elocution;
And then the Yankees did beseech
T' adopt the Constitution.
The question being outright put
(Each voter independent),
The Fed'ralists agreed to adopt,
And then propose amendments.
The other party seeing then
The People were against them,
Agreed, like honest, faithful men,
To mix in peace amongst 'em.
The Boston folks are deuced lads,
And always full of notions;
The boys, the girls, their mams and dads,
Were fill'd with joy's commotions.