John Adams, Samuel Adams, and James Bowdoin

“ On the 16th of June, 1820, an Act was passed by the General Court, calling upon the people to meet in their several towns, and give in their votes upon the question, “Is it expedient that delegates should be chosen to meet in Convention for the purpose of revising or altering the Constitution of Government of this Commonwealth?” A large majority of the people of the State having voted in favor of revision, the Governor issued a proclamation announcing the fact, and calling upon the people to vote, in accordance with the provisions of the aforesaid Act, for delegates to the proposed Convention. ”

“ The election was on May 1. In accordance with the provisions of the act, the delegates met at the State House on June 6, 1917, and organized by choosing John L. Bates, president, and James W. Kimball, secretary. ”