To him, as chairman of a committee of finance was referred the question as to how the sinews of war should be provided by the colony for the support of the troops in their Continental struggle. Later on we find him as one of the Committee of Safety in the north wood.*, advising with Schuyler as to the means of checking the advance of Burgoyue from Canada. In 1777, with Jay and the others of our State's forefathers, he joined in formulating the first Constitution of the State at Kingston.

To him belongs the honor of having at that early day suggested a constitutional provision for the abolishment of "domestic slavery," but he was voted down. To him and Mr. Jay, both Westchester County men, also is due the honor of that clause in the State Constitution which guarantees to all denominations the full exercise of their religion. Though Mr. Jay added the clause: " provided the liberty of conscience hereby granted shall not be construed to encourage licentiousness," Gouvernt ur Morris added the clause which was adopted: "or justify practices inconsistent with the peace and safety of the State." He was elected to the Continental Congress in 1777, but did not take his seat till January, 1778.

Though then but twenty-seven years of age his reputation had preceded him, and he was immediately appointed on a committee to confer with Washington as to the practical method of putting the army on a better footing. Three tedious months were spent by Morris in the camp at Valley Forge, drafting, with Washington and other members of the committee, plans for the proper regulation of the army, its quartermaster, commissary and medical departments. To him is largely due the formulation of the organization of those important branches. No sooner was that work completed than the British Commissioners, sent out by Lord North, began their negotiations with Congress with a view to harmonizing the differences.