The convention called to act upon accepting the newly prepared United States Constitution was held in February 1788. New Hampshire was the ninth and ratifying state out of the original thirteen to promptly accept it. Hancock, Antrim and Deering were represented by Evan Dow said to be of Deering. Our representative voted against acceptance of the Constitution for reasons not stated.

A well-documented article, "Keeping the Faith" written by Jean Parker Woodbury and published in the Spring/Summer issue of Historical New Hampshire, provided a provocative answer. The following is excerpted from her article:

 

"Abel Parker, Jaffrey's delegate to Concord, was skilled and experienced in argument. He stood firmly in opposition to the Federalists with the argument that the present constitution carried no reference to slavery and so in effect tolerated or even sanctioned it." Parker's motion at the Convention in Concord not to ratify it for that reason was defeated 57 to 47.

 

Hancock voted on December 15, 1788, for the first time, for President of the United States and Members of Congress.

Gloria Neary