Record of the descendants of John Alexander

Hugh Alexander. 23
were members of her communion. They helped to
smite the directing power of the colony from the hands
of the royalist, Galloway, to sweep away the barrier of
delay raised by the able, but hesitating Dickinson.
They declared that the Scotch-Irish of Cumberland
Valley had one voice, that it was for the union of the
colonies in separation ; they helped to place Pennsyl-
vania right upon the record, and helped, by their per-
sonal contact and patriotic address, to lead the thirteen
colonies, by their representatives, to unanimously adopt
the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 177b\
We have, perhaps, unwittingly struck precisely on the
Centennial of this Conference of deputies in Philadel-
phia. All honor to the three wise and patriotic men
who, with others, represented the patriotism of Cum-
berland Valley a hundred years ago. Let the names
of John Maclay, Hugh Alexander, and Hugh McCor-
mick abide with us as a precious heritage."
2. The Conference of Deputies having arranged for
the election of delegates from all the counties to a Con-
stitutional Convention, the business proceeded with such
expedition that the election was held and the Conven-
tion met July 15th, 1776. Hugh Alexander and Wil-
liam Clark were the delegates from Cumberland county.
This Convention sat in Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia,
and adjourned September 28th, 1776, having framed
and adopted the first free constitution of Pennsylvania.
With sundry additions and amendments, this instru-
ment remains as the fundamental law of the State.
3. In accordance with the provisions of this Consti-
tution, the members of the first free Legislature, called
the " Assembly " during the Revolution, were elected by
the people, and met in Carpenter's Hall, November
28th, 1776. Hugh Alexander, William Clarke and