The Masschusetts State Constitution went into effect.
In 1779, representatives from every town formed a Constitutional Convention, which was separate from the legislature, to write a Constitution. Gloucester’s delegates were Winthrop Sargent, Joseph Foster, Peter Coffin, Samuel Whittemore, and Epes Sargent. John Adams drafted the Constitution, which was completed in March of 1780. The town voted to pass it in May with 48 votes in favor. Capts. Sargent and Foster objected.
The Massachusetts Constitution was ratified on June 15 and became effective on October 25. It became a model for the United States Constitution.
Gloucester Town Records, 1753-1800. Vol. 3, 1800, http://archive.org/details/townrecords17531800 Babson, John James, and Samuel Chandler. History of the Town of Gloucester, Cape Anne, Including the Town of Rockport. Gloucester [Mass.] Procter brothers, 1860. http://archive.org/details/historytownglou00changoog