On May 25th, the convention meet its quorum requirement and was then able to do business. Click here for James Madison's notes on the day's events. Robert Morris nominated George Washington to be president of the convention, this would be seconded by John Rutledge, and he would be selected unanimously. Morris was one of the small group of people involved in both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He was wealthy and lived in Philadelphia so he offered his home to Washington. Rutledge would later be appointed to the Supreme Court by Washington. Morris would be Washington's first choice for Treasury Secretary - he had previously served as Superintendent of Finance of the United States under the Articles of Confederation. When he declined the offer, Washington selected Hamilton. Morris served as a Senator and supported the Federalist Party.
Three members were also appointed to prepare standing rules and orders for the convention.
On May 28th, the Committee on Rules issued its report and 16 rules were adopted.
On May 29th, 5 additional rules would be adopted including the requirement that the proceedings be secret. Edmund Randolph then introduces the Virginia Plan, which was written primarily by James Madison. Randolph would later serve as the first Attorney General of the US and the second Secretary of States. Madison took the notes of Randolph's comments, which included a list of the defects of the government established in the Articles of Confederation.
