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In late January 1788, the Boston air carried a decided chill, not entirely due to the seasonal weather. Talk along the waterfront, in the pubs, and on the street seemed centered on events at the Brattle Street Church, where state convention delegates were hashing out the proposed Constitution. At the outset, Thomas Jefferson -- from his post as American minister to France -- had sent his views, setting the stage for debate. Approving of the separation of powers concept, taxing powers and other issues, Jefferson went on to explain, "I will add now what Ido not like ... First the omission of a bill of rights," which freemen need to protect them from, "every government on earth ... and what no just government should refuse, or rest on inference." Jefferson's point was well taken in Massachusetts, where citizens packed the convention house to hear exactly what their rights would be under the proposed Constitution. A special press gallery was set up for reporters to carry the debate into th...