History of Westchester County, New York, Vol. I
He performed the duties of this position for three years and a half. In 1786 his mother died. Her life interest in the estate at Morrisania thus terminated, and the property passed into the possession of the second son, Staats Long Morris, a general in the British army, the eldest son, Lewis, having received his portion during his father's life-time. Gouverneur purchased the estate from his brother. In 1787 he took his seat as delegate from Pennsylvania in the convention
HTSTOKY OP WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
which framed the Constitution of the United States. President Madison bears testimony to his exertions for the promotion of harmony, and states that the draft of the Constitution was placed in his hands to receive its finished form. In 1788 he sailed for France and in January, 1791, visited London by appointment of President Washington as a private agent to the British government to settle unfulfilled articles of the treaty of peace. During his stay in London he received his appointment as minister to France. During the troubled times of the Directory in Paris he conducted the affairs of his oflice with great tact and prudence. In August, 1794, he was succeeded by Monroe, his recall having been asked by the French government after the recall of Citizen Genet at the request of the United States. He next made a tour of Europe, and while in Vienna endeavored to secure the release of Lafayette from Olmiitz. In October, 1798, he returned home. In 1799 he was chosen United States Senator from New York. He sided in the Senate and for the remainder of his life with the Federalists. His term closed in March, 1803, after which he resided at Morrisania. On Christmas day, 1809, he married Miss Anne Carey Randolph, of Virginia. Mr. Morris delivered funeral orations on Washington, Hamilton and Governor George Clinton and an inaugural discourse before the New York Historical Society on his election as president, and contributed frequently in the later years of his life to the New York Euening Post, the Examiner and the United States Gazette.