 In 1786 <unk> became concerned about a rise in anti @-@ lawyer sentiment in Massachusetts . <unk> over harsh policies pursued by Governor James <unk> <unk> into <unk> ' Rebellion , which required militia action to crush in 1787 . <unk> was one of several high @-@ profile lawyers assigned to defend participants in the rebellion ( included in this group were Theodore <unk> , Caleb Strong , James Sullivan , Levi Lincoln , Sr. , and Thomas <unk> ) . Although many rebels were ultimately convicted , a large number received amnesty . In 1788 , <unk> was elected a delegate to the 1789 Massachusetts convention that ratified the United States Constitution . His election was contested because Boston , where he lived , was at the time more inclined toward state power . <unk> nonetheless was strongly <unk> , urging support of the new Constitution . 
