Creating the United States

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When delegates at the Federal Constitutional Convention became frustrated and angry because of the contentious issue of proportional representation in the new national legislature, Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) urged “great Coolness and Temper.”  James Wilson (1742–1798) from Pennsylvania reading Franklin’s speech, told the delegates “we are sent here to consult, not to contend, with each other.”  As the eldest delegate at the convention, Franklin acted on several occasions to restore harmony and good humor to the proceedings.

(Transcription)

“The Congress in this Case ...”


When delegates at the Federal Constitutional Convention became frustrated and angry because of the contentious issue of proportional representation in the new national legislature, Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) urged “great Coolness and Temper.”  James Wilson (1742–1798) from Pennsylvania reading Franklin’s speech, told the delegates “we are sent here to consult, not to contend, with each other.”  As the eldest delegate at the convention, Franklin acted on several occasions to restore harmony and good humor to the proceedings.