(Massachusetts. Constitutional Convention)

State of Massachusetts-Bay. In Convention, June 16, 1780. Whereas … more than Two-thirds of the Inhabitants thereof, who have voted on the same have expressed their Approbation of the Form of Government agreed upon by this Convention, and laid before them for their Consideration, in Conformity to a Resolve of the said Convention of the Second Day of March last: This Convention do hereupon declare the said Form to be The Constitution of Government established by and for the Inhabitants of the State of Massachusetts-Bay. … It is Resolved, That the said Constitution or Frame of Government shall take Place on the last Wednesday in October next, and not before, for any Purpose, save only for that of making Elections agreeable to this Resolution. … In the Name, and pursuant to a Resolution of the Convention, James Bowdoin, President. … [Boston: Benjamin Edes and Sons?, 1780?]

Broadside (15 1/4 x 10 in.; 385 x 254 mm) on laid paper. Small loss to left margin, central fold reinforced on verso.

Evans 16846; Ford, Massachusetts Broadsides 2259

Broadside announcement of the ratification and implementation of the Massachusetts State Constitution, the oldest functioning written constitution in continuous effect in the world. The compact is largely the work of John Adams, though he was joined on a committee appointed to draft the document by Samuel Adams and James Bowdoin, over whose name, as president of the constititonal convention, the present broadside was issued. In addition to delcaring when the constitution would take effect, the present resolution directed that elections be held for governor, lieutenant governor, senators and representatives. Scarce.