178 FORMATION OF A FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 



The sixth article prohibits any future confiscations. The 

 seventh provides for firm and perpetual peace ; the eighth 

 secures the navigation of Mississippi to both Englishmen and 

 Americans ; the ninth orders all conquests made after the 

 treaty of peace to be restored ; the tenth provides for the 

 ratification of the treaty within six months, which was duly 

 done. 



The different courts of Europe had already acknowledged 

 the Independence of the United States. 



A federal Constitution was formed, but not without 

 opposition, and even insurrection. It took six years before 

 it was ratified by the different States of the Union. Con- 

 ventions were assembled in the several States to consider its 

 provisions, and it took nearly a year before the requisite 

 number had decided in its favour, and thus enabled Congress 

 to take measures for organizing the new Government. At 

 last it was done, and the illustrious and successful commander- 

 in-chief of the American armies, GEORGE WASHINGTON, who 

 had resigned and retired to his private seat, at Mount Vernon, 

 was elected President of the United States. 



