AFTER THE WAR BARRY SECURES THE ADOPTION OF THE NEW FEDERAL CONSTITUTION BY FORCING A QUORUM OF THE ASSEMBLY--IS SUED--GOES TO CHINA IN COMMAND OF THE "ASIA," A MERCHANT VESSEL.
After the sale of the "Alliance," Captain Barry "rested from his labors," but yet concerned about many things pertaining to his friends and their interests. We find him recommending subordinate officers for positions in the merchant service, in petitioning Congress that officers of the Navy be put on "a footing similar to their brother officers of the land service, as to half-pay or commutation and lands according to their ranks, as they were the only class of officers who remain neglected and totally unprovided for." He referred evidently to his own experience when he said, "few of the ships belonging to the United States were ever suffered to cruise, but were sent on private service and ordered not to go out of their way, but to keep clear of all vessels whatever and that such as were permitted had particular cruising grounds pointed out to them, which frequently ensured them severe blows and but few prizes."
When in 1787 a Federal convention had been held in Philadelphia to formulate a Constitution by which the States could form "a more perfect union" and "promote domestic tranquility," the present Constitution of our country was formulated by the convention for ratification by the several States. In each State controversy and discussion arose over the consideration of the advisability of adopting it as the supreme law of the land.
The Confederation had proven unsuited to the needs of the country. So a new plan of government was necessary. On September 17th, the day the Convention had adopted the Constitution, the Pennsylvania members of the Convention at once notified the Assembly of the State, then in session at the Hall of Independence, that they were ready to report to the Assembly. The next morning "the honorable delegates, led by Benjamin Franklin, were ushered into the Hall of the Assembly, made their report and presented the new Constitution." No action was taken by the Assembly. On September 29th, the last day but one of the session, George Clymer proposed to refer the Act of Ratification to a Convention of the State. Pleas for delay were made. Thomas FitzSimons, a Catholic, one of the Representatives at the Constitutional Convention and also a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly, opposed delay in submitting the new Constitution to a convention of the citizens for adoption or rejection.