Research

Scope and Content Note

The journal of the proceedings of the convention, kept by secretary John McKesson, consists of minutes of resolutions and votes by delegates on the proposed Constitution, the text of which is included in printed form. The minutes largely concern the day-to-day business of the convention, but the texts of proposed resolutions, the names of their sponsors, and the yea or nea votes of each delegate are included and provide information on the deliberations of the body. The proceedings include the text of the "Declaration of Rights, Ratification of the Constitution and Explanatory Amendments" which were adopted on July 25, 1788. At the end of the proceedings are the signatures of the president of the convention, George Clinton, and of the other delegates.