In 1788 he was a member of the Convention of his State to which the Federal Constitution was submitted and was chairman of the first committee--that of privileges and elections. He opposed the document in some of its details as being too indefinite in defining the powers of the General and State Governments but approved it as a whole with certain amendments that were returned with it. So strong was the opposition to its adoption by nearly half of the delegates that this large minority held a private meeting in the night for the purpose of adopting plans of opposition that were calculated to produce the most fatal consequences. Fortunately this cool and deliberate patriarch of Liberty gained admittance and prevailed upon them to submit to the majority of nine and pursue the legal remedy for obtaining amendments after it became the law of the land. This noble and patriotic act formed the crowning glory of his public career. In 1790 he was nominated for Governor but declined serving and used his utmost influence in favor of Mr. Randolph and induced his own son to vote against him who was a member of the House which elected the Chief Magistrate. Mr. Randolph was unpopular with some of the members who were confident of defeating him could they prevail upon Mr. Harrison to consent to be used as a party man. His Roman integrity and influence prevailed and Mr. Randolph was made Governor. During the next year his health declined rapidly. Shortly after his unanimous election to the Legislature he was prostrated by a severe attack of the gout which terminated his long and useful life in April 1791, leaving a large family of children to mourn the loss of a kind father--his country to lament the exit of a favorite son and noble patriot. He was the father of the late President Harrison who survived just one month after his inauguration. Mr. Harrison was a man of great muscular power--above the middle height, graceful but plain in his manners with an intelligent countenance indicating strength of mind and decision of character. During the latter part of his life he became quite corpulent in consequence of a quiet mind and good dinners. His private character was above reproach. His wit and humor made him a pleasant companion--his intelligence and good sense made him an instructive one. His cool head, good heart, sound judgment and agreeable temperament made him an important public servant just suited to the times in which he lived. Were all our legislators of the present day like him--fanaticism and ultraism could not flourish--our UNION would be safe. JOHN HART.