Jun 19

Jun 19 The Amputation of Gouverneur Morris - Finding Truth in a Legend

Gouverneur Morris is one of my favorite Founders.

Not only was he the first ‘forgotten’ Founder I read about, but he led a life filled with Revolutionary events and amorous women.

But this article is not in regard to his Constitution drafting pen or his adventures in the bedroom. Today, we clear up a misconception regarding how Morris lost his left leg.

I’ve previously written a more complete biography of Gouverneur Morris which can be found here.

The Legend

The story usually goes something like this:

Legend has it that Gouverneur Morris was on one of his many ‘celebrations’ with a married woman when her husband came home.

Caught in the act, Morris grabbed his clothes and leaped half-naked out the window. While making his escape (and struggling to cover himself from the eyes of the public), Gouverneur ran into the road and was struck by a carriage.

Seriously wounded, the doctors were forced to amputate his leg.

The Myth

This story is a lot of fun but it is a myth.

It was once recounted by an Englishman he met while serving as a diplomat to France. While it is possible that Morris told the man this tall tale to have a little fun with him, it is not exactly how events unfolded.

The truth is...

The Accident

By 1780, Gouverneur Morris had already signed the Articles of Confederation and assisted in the creation of the New York State Constitution. Looking for a respite from city life, Morris decided to take a sojourn to the countryside with the Plater Family.

While getting into the carriage (or soon after the ride began) Gouverneur fell from the vehicle. His left leg was caught in the spokes of the wheel and broke in several places.

Morris’ doctor was out of town and the physician he was brought to believed an immediate amputation was necessary. Taking the advice of a trained professional, he agreed and the limb was removed.

When Morris’ regular doctor returned, he had a different assessment. It was his opinion that the leg should not have been amputated!

The Aftermath

Don’t feel too band for Morris.

After all, he did go on to author the preamble to the United States Constitution. When you hear the phrase ‘We the People’ the quote comes from Gouverneur’s pen.

Furthermore, he continued to live a promiscuous life for several more decades. So much so that his good friend John Jay once wrote it might have been better if Morris “had lost something else.”

Here are some other Founders who had a hand in creating the US Constitution.

Edmund Randolph Disappoints Washington

David Brearley and the Committee of Postponed Parts

Nathaniel Gorham and the Committee of the Whole

As I said in the introduction, Gouverneur Morris was the first Founder that really caught my attention.

‘Gentleman Revolutionary’ is written by Richard Brookhiser who is one of my favorite authors. It follows the unusual life of a Founder who lived through two Revolutions. Much of the facts in the article above were sourced from this amazing book.

If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).