Page:History of Barrington, Rhode Island (Bicknell).djvu/454

 362 THE HISTORY OF BARRINGTON. breathless silence was felt in the Assembly room at New- port. Harrington held the balance of the decision in her hands. " How would she use her power ? " was the ques- tion of interest. The vote stood thirty-two yeas and thirty- two nays. Barrington had not voted. " Mr. Thomas AUin," calls the clerk. "Aye," was the answer. " Mr. Samuel Allen." "Aye," came from the strong voice and will of the Barrington patriot, and the deed was done. " Thirty-four ayes and thirty-two nays " was the announcement of the clerk and the speaker declared the Constitution approved by the convention. The event was celebrated in various parts of the state by the ringing of bells, the firing of salutes, and other demonstrations of joy. News by message was at once sent to Philadelphia and President Washington at once advised Congress that Rhode Island had ratified the Consti- tution and congratulated Congress on the event. Barring- ton may well receive congratulations from state and nation as by her votes, Thomas Allin and Samuel Allen made the Union possible and closed a contest extending over fifteen years, from 1775 to 1790, in favor of constitutional govern- ment within the Federal Union. Henceforth the state bene- diction was and we trust ever will be " God save the United States of America." Revolutionary Records. The following additional items are copied from the Bar- rington town records : "An acct. of What town Stock I, Henry Bowen Reed, to the Town treasury of Barrington of Col. John Matthewson of Providence, by the hand of Edwd & Jonathan Bosworth, 150 lbs. powder." December 5th, 1776. " Received of Nathl. Heath i Magazine Chest, Cost 2 IS. 6p.