Duane was elected a member of the Convention that met at Poughkeepsie, to consider the propriety of adopting the Constitution of the United States, and it is hardly necessary to say, that like most of those who had served long in Congress, and viewed the importance of a closer Union of the States, and

1 This document is among the MSS. of the New-York Historical Society, a copy taken by permission of the Society, has been deposited in the State Library,

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the necessity of more powers in the general government to perform many of its essential fanctions, he spoke and voted in favor of its adoption. The new government went into operation in the spring of 1789, and in September of that year, Mr. Duane was nominated by President Wasurneron, and appointed by the Senate, District Judge of the District of New-York. The President accompanied his commission by an autograph letter, in which, after the formal announcement of the appointment, he says,

'¢In my nominations of persons to fill offices in the Judicial department, I "have been guided by the importance of the object. Considering it as of the 'first magnitude and as the pillar on which our political fabric must rest, I have ' endeavored to bring into the high offices of its administration such characters ** as will give stability and dignity to our National Government, and I persuade 'myself they will discover a due desire to promote the happiness of our country 'by a ready acceptance of their several appointments."