Occupation: Lawyer, Planter and Slave Holder, Lending and Investments, Public Security Interests
Prior Political Experience: Continental Congress 1777-1778, Confederation Congress 1784-1787, State Legislature of South Carolina 1779-1780, 1786-1789, 1792-1796, Upper House 1779-1784
Committee Assignments: Committee of Rules
Convention Contributions: Arrived May 25 and was present through the signing of the Constitution. He is best known for his proslavery position, as well as a strong proponent of a Bill of Rights. He was a warm supporter of Madison's attempt to build a stronger central government. William Pierce stated that "he is intimately acquainted with every species of polite learning, and has a spirit of application and industry beyond most Men."
New Government Participation: Attended the South Carolina ratifying convention (serving as Chair of the Convention) and supported the ratification of the Constitution. Served as South Carolina's U.S. Senator (1798 - 1801) President Jefferson nominated and the Senate confirmed him as ambassador to Spain (1801 - 1805) Elected as South Carolina's U. S.…show more content… Although one of the youngest delegates, he later claimed to have been the most influential one and contended he had submitted a draft that was the basis of the final Constitution. Most historians have rejected this assertion. They do, however, recognize that he ranked among the leaders. He attended full time, spoke often and effectively, and contributed immensely to the final draft and to the resolution of problems that arose during the debates. He also worked for ratification in South Carolina (1788). That same year, he married Mary Eleanor Laurens, daughter of a wealthy and politically powerful South Carolina merchant; she was to bear at least three
