who led his congregation to Bennington and complained to Colonel Stark, the night before that celebrated battle, that he had been disappointed on several occasions and did not want to miss a fight this time. Colonel Stark assured him that he would have all the fighting he wanted on the morrow, and the reverend gentleman presumably did.
The First Proposal (1778) Rejected
In view of all this unrest and agitation the House of Representatives, in 1776, appointed a committee to take under consideration the matter of a constitution, and, later, the House resolved to recommend to the towns to vote, first, whether they would empower the House and the Council as a joint body to consult, agree, and enact a constitution; and, second, whether it should be published for the inspection and perusal of the inhabitants before the ratification thereof by the Assembly. There were two hundred and fifty towns in the State. Of these only ninety-seven made returns; seventy-four of these were in favor of the propositions; twenty-three including Boston, were against. As a result of this, four members of the Council and eight of the House were appointed, and submitted a draft of a constitution. Unfortunately, the journals of the House and Council throw no information on the proceedings. Suffice it to say however, that a form was agreed upon, and, on the 4th of March, 1778, submitted to the people with the provision that the assent of two thirds of the people should be required for the adoption of the constitution. One hundred and twenty towns neglected to express any opinion. Five sixths of those expressing an opinion voted in the negative, including Boston. The constitution was rejected by some 10,000 to 2000 or a vote of five to one.
There were various reasons for this action. Some thought
