Eleanor Finch
Gunning Bedford Jr. (1747–1812) was an American Founding Father, delegate to the Congress of the Confederation, and a signatory to the United States Constitution. He represented the state of Delaware in the Continental Congress and later served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where he advocated for the protection of smaller states. Bedford went on to become a federal district judge for the United States District Court for the District of Delaware and was an activist in the movement towards the abolition of slavery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Birth year | 1747 |
| Death year | 1812 |
| Position | Delegate to the Congress of the Confederation (Continental Congress), Attorney General of Delaware, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, a signer of the United States Constitution, and a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware |
| Education | The College of New Jersey (later Princeton University), with honors |
| Spouse | Jane Ballareau Parker |
| Notable characteristics | "Bold speaker" with "a very commanding and striking manner" |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Gunning Bedford Jr.'s role in the US Constitutional Convention
Gunning Bedford Jr. (1747–1812) was an American Founding Father, delegate to the Congress of the Confederation (Continental Congress), Attorney General of Delaware, and a delegate to the US Constitutional Convention in 1787. During the Convention, Bedford played a significant role as a strong advocate for the rights of small states.
Described as a "bold speaker" with a "commanding and striking manner," Bedford made several impactful statements during the Convention. He later clarified that he did not intend his words to "intimidate or alarm" anyone and adopted a more flexible position to ensure the states could unite. Bedford joined the committee responsible for drafting the "Great Compromise," which facilitated the acceptance of the government's structure and direction by all the states.
As a delegate to the US Constitutional Convention, Bedford actively participated in the debates and discussions that shaped the final document. He contributed his legal expertise and passion for equal representation among the states within the legislature. Bedford's role in the Convention was instrumental in ensuring that the interests and rights of smaller states were considered and protected.
Following the Convention, Bedford continued his legal career and public service. He served as a Delaware State Senator in 1788 and was a candidate in the 1789 United States House of Representatives election for Delaware's at-large seat. President George Washington nominated him as the first Judge appointed to the United States District Court in the District of Delaware in 1789, a position he held until his death in 1812.
Caleb Strong: A Constitutional Signature Mystery
You may want to see also
His threat deemed treasonous
Gunning Bedford Jr. was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, which drafted the United States Constitution. He represented the state of Delaware and was an active member of the convention, advocating for the protection of smaller states. Bedford was described as a "bold speaker" with "a very commanding and striking manner". However, his bold statements during the Convention also got him into trouble.
During the Convention, Bedford made a threat that "the small ones would find some foreign ally of more honour and good faith, who will take them by the hand and do them justice". This statement was deemed treasonous by his fellow delegates. In this statement, Bedford was warning that smaller states might be forced to seek foreign alliances unless their interests were accommodated within the new government. While he later attempted to explain that he did not mean his words to "intimidate or alarm" anyone, the damage had already been done.
The exact wording of Bedford's threat is worth examining. By suggesting that the small states would "find some foreign ally", he was implying that they would have to turn to other countries for support if they did not receive fair treatment within the union. This implication of disloyalty to the emerging nation was particularly inflammatory in the context of the American Revolution, where loyalty and unity were of paramount importance.
Furthermore, the use of the phrase "of more honour and good faith" suggests that Bedford was accusing the larger states, or at least the existing power structures, of being dishonourable and acting in bad faith towards the smaller states. Such a statement would have been highly inflammatory and personally offensive to those delegates representing the interests of larger states. It is, therefore, not surprising that his words caused such a strong reaction.
Despite this setback, Bedford did not let this incident derail his efforts to bring the states together. He eventually agreed to join the committee that drafted the "Great Compromise", which allowed for the complete acceptance of the government's layout and direction by all the states. This compromise was a critical step in ensuring that the smaller states felt adequately represented and protected within the newly formed union.
The Constitution's City: Where History Was Signed
You may want to see also
His role in drafting the Great Compromise
Gunning Bedford Jr. (1747–1812) was an American Founding Father, delegate to the Congress of the Confederation, Attorney General of Delaware, and a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, which drafted the United States Constitution. He was also a signer of the United States Constitution and a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.
During the Constitutional Convention, Gunning Bedford Jr. played a significant role in drafting the Great Compromise, which was a pivotal agreement that helped to secure the adoption of the United States Constitution. The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, addressed the issue of representation in the legislative branch of the federal government, specifically concerning the number of representatives that each state would have in Congress.
Bedford was a strong advocate for equal representation among the states within the legislature. He was described as a "bold speaker" with "a very commanding and striking manner" by William Pierce, a Georgia delegate, who listened to one of Bedford's speeches. Bedford's passionate and steadfast advocacy for equal representation among the states initially led to some concerns during the Convention. He later adopted a more flexible position, joining the committee responsible for drafting the Great Compromise. This compromise allowed for a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives providing proportional representation based on state population, and the Senate providing equal representation for all states.
The Great Compromise was a critical turning point in the Constitutional Convention, as it resolved a significant point of contention between large and small states, bringing them together in agreement on the structure and direction of the government. Bedford's role in drafting this compromise demonstrated his commitment to finding a solution that all states could accept, even if it meant adjusting his initial position for the greater good of the nation.
Paul Revere: A Founding Father and Constitution Signer?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
His career as a judge
Gunning Bedford Jr. was appointed by President George Washington on September 24, 1789, to the position of United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on September 26, 1789, and received his commission the same day. He held this position until his death on March 30, 1812, in Wilmington, Delaware, at the age of 65.
Bedford was a leading advocate for the abolition of slavery and an activist in the movement towards its abolishment. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees at Wilmington College and later became their first president. Additionally, he spent his later years in judicial pursuits and in aiding Wilmington Academy.
Before his appointment as a judge, Bedford had a prominent career in state and national politics. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress and served as Attorney General of Delaware from 1784 to 1789. He also served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and was a signer of the United States Constitution. During the American Revolutionary War, he served as Deputy-Muster-General for New York in the Continental Army and possibly as an aide to General Washington.
Bedford was a bold and commanding speaker, known for his steadfast positions and advocacy for the protection of smaller states. He served on the committee that drafted the Great Compromise, which allowed for the complete acceptance of the government's layout and direction by all the states. He also attended Delaware's ratifying convention, helping Delaware become the first state to ratify the new Constitution.
The Constitution: Why Some Delegates Refused to Sign It
You may want to see also
His advocacy for the abolition of slavery
Gunning Bedford Jr. (1747–1812) was an American Founding Father, delegate to the Congress of the Confederation, Attorney General of Delaware, and a delegate to the 1787 Constitutional Convention that drafted the United States Constitution. He was a signer of the Constitution and a United States district judge.
Gunning Bedford Jr. was a leading advocate for the abolition of slavery. He was described as a "bold speaker" with "a very commanding and striking manner." He was also a vocal supporter of giving small states equal power in the federal government and called for strong limitations on the powers of the executive branch.
Bedford believed that establishing, building, and maintaining schools was one of the most important endeavors for any community. He was on the Board of Trustees at Wilmington College and later became their first president.
During the 1787 Constitutional Convention, Bedford made several bold statements, including a threat that "the small ones would find some foreign ally of more honor and good faith, who will take them by the hand and do them justice." This statement was shouted down as treasonous by other delegates. However, Bedford later adopted a more flexible position during the Convention Sessions to avoid derailing efforts to bring the states together. He eventually agreed to join the committee drafting the "Great Compromise," which allowed the complete acceptance of the government's layout and direction by all states.
Delaware was the first state to approve the Constitution, largely due to Gunning Bedford Jr.'s efforts.
John Jay's Signature: A Founding Father's Constitution Act
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Gunning Bedford Jr. signed the Constitution. He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and a member of the committee that drafted the Great Compromise.
Gunning Bedford Jr. represented the State of Delaware in the Continental Congress and later served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. He was also a member of the Delaware Legislative Council (now the Delaware Senate) in 1788.
Gunning Bedford Jr. was an ardent small-state advocate. He threatened that the small states would seek foreign alliances if their interests were not accommodated by the larger states. This view was deemed treasonous by his fellow delegates.
