If the people should elect, they will never fail to prefer some man of distinguished character, or services; some man, if he might so speak of continental reputation.

Robert Morris and George Washington then recommended him for the convention because of what he did. Are the property? Why then is no other property included? The Houses in this city [Philadelphia] are worth more than all the wretched slaves which cover the rice swamps of South Carolina. & the other States having slaves.

He graduated in 1768 and received a Master's degree in 1771. He is widely credited as the author of the document's preamble and has been called the "Penman of the Constitution.