July 19, 1776

On July 15, exactly two months after the Continental Congress issued their resolution recommending new governments in the colonies, representatives convened in Philadelphia to create a new constitution for Pennsylvania. They elected Benjamin Franklin—described in the local German newspaper as “Herr Doctor Franklin”—as president of the convention. George Ross was selected as vice president. The convention chose John Morris as its secretary, but according to the minute, he was not in the city at the time. Timothy Matlack, who would soon engross the Declaration of Independence on parchment, stepped in as secretary.

Pennsylvanischer Staatsbote
Printed by Henry Miller

Letztern Dienstag ward Herr Doctor Franklin zum Präsidenten der Provinzial-Convention erwählet, der Herr Oberste George Ross Vice-President, und Herr John Morris Secretär.