STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, APRIL 5th, 1781. WHEREAS THE PRESENT SITUATION OF AFFAIRS IN THIS STATE MAKES IT NECESSARY THAT A FULL AND FREE REPRESENTATION OF THE INHABITANTS THEREOF SHOULD MEET IN CONVENTION FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF FORMING AND LAYING A PERMANENT PLAN OR SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT.

[New Hampshire]

Published by [Exeter, 1781

Broadside, 12 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches. Some creasing. Small hole, with loss to two words. Very minor foxing. Contemporary ink inscription on verso: "March & April 1781 No. 2." Overall very good. New Hampshire broadside announcing an important constitutional convention. In January 1776, New Hampshire became the first of the thirteen colonies to adopt a constitution and create an independent commonwealth government. The 1776 constitution, however, had not been submitted to the people, and it severely limited the ability of most New Hampshire citizens to participate in the selection of their representatives. The present broadside, implicitly noting this problem, calls for the different towns and districts of the state to choose delegates to convene for the drafting of a new constitution. Numerous conflicts and amendments caused the convention to last for over two years, and the constitution was rejected by the people of the state four times before it was finally approved and put into effect in June 1784. The constitution itself greatly expanded manhood suffrage in the state, included an extensive bill of rights, and is notable as one of the earliest documents establishing the republican form of government adopted by the Framers in Philadelphia in 1787. NAIP records three copies. EVANS 17250. WHITTEMORE 303. Seller Inventory # WRCAM36057

Bibliographic Details

Title: STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. IN THE HOUSE OF ...
Publisher: [Exeter
Publication Date: 1781