356 THE GRANITE MONTHLY.
were in his favor — all of the signers In 1792, Governor Bartlett was one would have suffered an ignominious of the electors of president and vice- death. Whereas, had he supported president.
the crown, he might have expected In 1794, he retired from the guber- preferment, as he already occupied a natorial chair. He addressed a letter leading position. But perhaps the to the people on the 29th of January, cynic may say he was far sighted declining to be a candidate for any enough to anticipate the downfall of farther office. In it he said. " I now the English rule, and the rise of the find myself so far advanced in life that great Republic in the West. He must it will be expedient for me, at the indeed have had a clearer vision than close of the session, to retire from the any of his contemporaries could he cares and fatigues of public business have done so. Many whigs as well to the repose of a private life, with a as royalists had grave doubts as to the grateful sense of the repeated marks success of the venture — for it was of trust and confidence that my fellow- nothing else. For, on our side, we citizens have reposed in me, and with had only a few poorly drilled militia- my best wishes for the future peace men. We had little money, and but and prosperity of the state." Well few resources. Neither had we a might he be proud of their faith in navy. On the other hand, England him for, besides the honor of signing had a splendid army, immense re- the Declaration of Independence, he sources, andthefinest navyin theworld. had been successively chief justice,
A convention met in New York in president, and governor of New Hamp-
17S7, to prepare some form of gov- shire. As we have seen, he u-as also
ernment for the colonies. A plan elected to the U. S. Senate but could
was suggested and adopted by all the not accept because of poor health,
colonies, and went into operation in Much as he did for the state, could it
17S9. Dr. Bartlett was an active have done more for him ?
member of the Convention and was He was a staunch federalist in poli-
chosen senator to the first congress, tics.
He declined accepting the position, He was an active member in, and
however, on account of bad health. president of, the New Hampshire Med-
A temporary constitution was ical Society, adopted in New Hampshire in 1776, A fine portrait of him by Trum- the chief magistrate of the state hav- bull — in the posses^^ion of his descend- ing the title of president. Dr. Bart- ants — is preserved with great care, lett was elected to that office in 1790, He was a man of fine figure, being six and also in I 79 1. feet in height, and of erect bearing.
When the new constitution went His face was thoughtful and express-
into effect, in 1792, the title was ive, and he had handsome blue eyes,
changed to that of governor. He wore his auburn hair in a queue,
Dr. Bartlett was elected governor and had a white stock at his throat,
in 1792, and in 1 793, thus being the and rufiles on his wrists. He wore
first governor of the state. knee breeches, black silk stockings,
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