Morris :: essays research papers

Of cut and English descent, Morris was born at Morrisania estate, in Westchester (present Bronx) County, NY, in 1752. His family was wealthy and enjoyed a long record of universe service. His elder half-brother, Lewis, sign the Declaration of Independence. Gouverneur was educated by private tutors and at a Huguenot school in newfound Rochelle. In early life, he lost a leg in a carriage accident. He attended Kings College (later Columbia College and University) in natural York City, graduating in 1768 at the age of 16. Three years later, after interpret law in the city, he gained admission to the bar. When the Revolution loomed on the horizon, Morris became enkindle in political affairs. Because of his conservatism, however, he at first feared the movement, which he believed would assume mob rule. Furthermore, some of his family and many of his friends were Loyalists. But, beginning in 1775, for some moderateness he sided with the Whigs. That same year, representing Westche ster County, he took a seat in in the buff Yorks Revolutionary provincial congress (1775-77). In 1776, when he in like manner served in the militia, along with John Jay and Robert R. Livingston he drafted the first constitution of the state. Subsequently he joined its council of safety (1777). In 1777-78 Morris sat in the legislature and in 1778-79 in the Continental Congress, where he numbered among the youngest and most brilliant members. During this period, he signed the Articles of Confederation and drafted instructions for Benjamin Franklin, in Paris, as well as those that provided a partial basis for the treaty ending the War for Independence. Morris was also a close friend of Washington and one of his strongest congressional supporters. defeat in his bid for reelection to Congress in 1779 because of the opposition of Gov. George Clintons faction, Morris relocated to Philadelphia and resumed the example of law. This temporarily removed him from the political scene, but in 1781 he resumed his public career when he became the principal assistant to Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance for the get together States, to whom he was unrelated. Gouverneur held this position for 4 years. Morris emerged as one of the leading figures at the Constitutional Convention. His speeches, more frequent than those by anyone else, numbered 173. Although sometimes presented in a light vein, they were usually substantive. A strong advocate of nationalism and juicy rule, he served on many committees, including those on postponed matters and style, and stood in the thick of the decisionmaking process.