U.S. Constitutional Convention convenes in Boston.

Some 364 delegates from across the state meet at the Old State House. John Hancock is elected president of the convention, but soon takes to his bed, pleading an attack of gout, which prompts Rufus King to remark “[Hancock’s health will improve] as soon as a majority shews itself on either side of the convention.” The convention moves to the larger Brattle Square Church on January 10, 1788. Due to poor acoustics, it moves back to the Old State House (where conditions are described as “exceedingly Noxious & disagreeable”) on January 12, 1788, and finally to the Long Lane Meeting House on January 17, 1788.