Journal

OF THE

Convention of the Indiana

Territory:

Begun and held at the town of Corydon, in the county of Harrison, and territory aforesaid, on the second Monday in June, being the tenth day thereof, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States, the fortieth; being the time and place appointed for the meeting of the convention for the purpose of forming a Constitution and State government, by the Act of Congress, entitled, "An Act to enable the people of the Indiana Territory to form a Constitution and State government, and for admission of such State into the Union, on an equal footing with the original States:" The following members appeared, who produced certificates of their having been duly chosen to serve in the convention aforesaid, and having severally taken the oath of fidelity to the United States, and also an oath faithfully to discharge the duties of their office, took their seats, to wit:

FROM THE COUNTY OF WARRICK,

Daniel Grass.

FROM THE COUNTY OF PERRY,

Charles Polke.

The convention proceeded by ballot to elect a president; and upon examining the ballots, it was found that Jonathan Jennings was duly elected, who accordingly took his seat in the Chair.

The convention proceeded by ballot to elect a secretary; and upon examining the ballots it appeared that William Hendricks was duly elected, who was accordingly sworn into office.

On motion,

Ordered, That Henry Batman be appointed doorkeeper, and that he give his attendance accordingly.

The President laid before the convention certain documents from the Secretary of the Indiana Territory, relative to the election of representatives to the convention from the several counties within the same, which do lie on the table.

On motion of Mr. Noble,

Ordered, That a committee of elections, to consist of five members, be appointed.

The President laid before the convention the depositions of John L. Baker, and others, relative to the legality or otherwise of votes given in the Harmony Society, in the county. of Gibson.

On motion of Mr. Floyd,

Ordered, That a committee of ways and means, to consist of three members, be appointed.

On motion of Mr. Dill,

Ordered, That a committee be appointed, to consist of five

members, to prepare rules and regulations for the government of this convention during the session thereof.

On motion of Mr. Ferris,

Ordered, That the rules and regulations for doing and conducting business in the Territorial Legislature, as far as the same may be applicable, be observed by this convention until the committee appointed for that purpose shall have reported suitable rules and regulations for the government of this convention, in transacting business during the session thereof.

The President then proceeded to the appointment of a committee of elections-a committee of ways and means-and a committee to furnish and prepare rules and regulations for conducting business during the session of this convention.

And thereupon the following members were appointed, to wit:

Committee of Elections: Messrs. Noble, Johnson, Smith, Hanna and Holman.

Committee of Ways and Means: Messrs. Floyd, DePauw and

Carr.

Committee to furnish rules and regulations for the Government of the Convention in transacting business during the Session: Messrs. Dill, Scott, Badollet, Polke, of Knox County, and Hunt.

On motion,

Ordered, That the convention adjourn till three o'clock this afternoon.

THREE O'CLOCK P. M.

Convention met pursuant to adjournment.

John Boone, a member from Harrison County, appeared,

produced his credentials, was sworn, and took his seat.

On motion of Mr. Johnson,

Ordered, That the credentials and certificates of all the members present and sworn, be referred to the Committee of Elections.

On motion of Mr. Robb,

Ordered, That the depositions of John L. Baker, and others, relative to the legality or otherwise, of votes given in the Harmony Society, be referred to the Committee of Elections.

The President laid before the convention the petition and other documents of Peter Wilkinson, from the county of Posey, relative to his right to a seat in this convention.

And on motion of Mr. Ferris,

Ordered, That the same be referred to the Committee of Elections.

On motion of Mr. Robb,

Ordered, That the depositions of certain persons relative to the election of Dan Lynn, from the county of Posey, be referred to the Committee of Elections.

On motion of Mr. Ferris,

The following resolution was submitted to the convention for their consideration:

"Whereas, by an Act of Congress, approved the 19th of April, 1816, to enable the people of the Indiana Territory to form a Constitution and State government, and for the admission of the same into the Union on the same footing with the original States, it is provided, that the convention, when met, shall first determine, by a majority of the votes of all the members elected, whether it be or be not expedient, at that time, to form a Constitution and State government."

Resolved, therefore, by the representatives of the people of Indiana, met in convention at Corydon, on the 10th day of