In 1777 he was a member of the convention that framed the constitution of New York. He was elected to the Senate and attended the first legislature of the empire state. The same year he was elected to Congress, then in session at York, Penn. having been compelled to flee before the conquering foe. Deeply afflicted with _hydro-thorax_ [dropsy of the chest] he felt that his labors must speedily close. It was in the spring of 1778 when the dark mantle of gloom hung over the bleeding Colonies. Under these circumstances he was willing to devote his last hours to the interest of his beloved country. He had freely given her his best services and a large portion of his pecuniary means. His family had fled to Kingston on the approach of the enemy. He repaired there to arrange his private business in the best possible manner. He wrote a valedictory letter to his friends at Albany--urged them to remain firm in the cause of Liberty--trust in God for deliverance and bade them an affectionate--a final farewell. He then clasped his lovely wife and dear children to his bosom for the last time on earth--commended them to Heaven's guardian care--gave them a look of tenderness--a fervent kiss and was gone. On the 5th of May he took his seat in Congress, exhausted and feeble, but determined to remain at his post until the lamp of life should burn out. Although standing on the confines of eternity, his zeal in the cause of human rights shone brightly to the last. For himself he could not anticipate the enjoyment of the fruit of his numerous and protracted toils but for his family and his countrymen he felt deeply--hoped ardently. He had full confidence that Independence would be sustained and that a glorious Republic would rise upon the ruins of monarchy. In June his health failed rapidly and on the 12th of that month, 1778 he yielded to the monarch Death to whom he owed a momentary allegiance--paid the debt--took a release and a passport to mansions in the skies. He was buried the same day with all the mournful honors due to his great worth--deeply lamented by all the friends of freedom. His amiable wife was not with him but he had a friend that sticketh closer than a brother--one that had been his stay and support in every hour of trial and smoothed the pillow of death--RELIGION. Angels waited for the transit of his immortal soul--opened wide the gates of Heaven to let the patriot in--the King of glory decked him with a robe of white, enrolled his name in the book of life and crowned him with that peaceful rest which is the reward of a pure heart and a virtuous life. The private character of Mr. Livingston was a continued eulogy upon virtue, philanthropy, benevolence, urbanity, integrity, nobleness, honesty, patriotism, consistency and all the leading qualities that render man dignified on earth and fit for Heaven.