(comparative more desolate, superlative most desolate) 1  Deserted and devoid of inhabitants. a desolate isle; a desolate wilderness; a desolate house. 2  Barren and lifeless. 3  Made unfit for habitation or use; laid waste; neglected; destroyed. desolate altars. 4  Dismal or dreary. 5  Sad, forlorn and hopeless.
In 1787, George Washington was persuaded to attend the Constitutional Convention and subsequently was unanimously elected its president.
Introduction Delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 hotly debated the issue of slavery. George Mason of Virginia argued eloquently against slavery, warning his fellow delegates: Every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant. They bring the judgment of heaven on a country.