on was the
leading expert worker of the Convention in the business of framing the
Constitution. Governor Edmund Randolph, with his tall figure, handsome
face, and dignified manner, made an excellent impression in the position
accorded to him of nominal leader of the Virginia delegation. Among
others from the same State who should be noticed were the famous
lawyers, George Wythe and George Mason.

Among the deputies from Pennsylvania the foremost was James Wilson, the
"Caledonian," who probably stood next in importance in the convention to
Madison and Washington. He had come to America as a young man just
when the troubles with England were beginning and by sheer ability had
attained a position of prominence. Several times a member of Congress,
a signer of the Declaration of Independence, he was now regarded as one
of the ablest lawyers in the United States. A more brilliant member
of the Pennsylvania delegation, and one of the most brilliant of the
Convention, was Gouverneur Morris, who shone by his cleverness and quick
wit as well as by his wonderful command of language. But Morris was
admired more than he was trusted; and, while he supported the efforts
for a strong government, his support was not always as great a help as
might have been expected. A crippled arm and a wooden leg might detract
from his personal appearance, but they could not subdue his spirit and
audacity.*

* There is a story which illustrates admirably the audacity of
Morris and the austere dignity of Washington. The story runs that Morris
and several members of the Cabinet were spending an evening at the
President's house in Philadelphia, where they were discussing the
absorbing question of the hour, whatever it may have been. "The
President," Morris is said to have related on the following day, "was
standing with his arms behind him--his usual position--his back to the
fire. I started up and spoke, stamping, as I walked up and down, with my
wooden leg; and, as I was certain I had the best of the argument, as
I finished I stalked up to the President, slapped him on the back, and
said. "Ain't I right, General?" The President did not speak, but the
majesty of the American people was before me. Oh, his look! How I wished
the floor would open and I could descend to the cellar! You know me,"
continued Mr. Morris, "and you know my eye would never quail before
any other mortal."--W. T. Read, Life and Correspondence of George Read
(1870) p.441.