The more perfect union which was the outcome of the deliberations of the federal convention was therefore joyfully accepted by the people at large.
Indeed, it was popular pressure, and not the arguments of its advocates, that finally overcame the formidable opposition in and out of the convention to the Constitution.

No written record remains of Mr.
Gallatin's course during the sessions of the federal convention.

He was not a member of the body, nor is his name connected with any public act having any bearing upon its deliberations.

Of the direction of his influence, however, there can be no doubt.

He had an abiding distrust of strong government,--a dread of the ambitions of men.