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to Henry Knox

Discusses the adoption of the Constitution by the state of Massachusetts and the ensuing celebration.

GLC02437.07087

From the New York Tribune. Mr. Gerrit Smith on the President's message. The currency and the hard times.

Smith writes, "There is nothing in the nature of civil government, and there is nothing in the Constitution, to justify the Federal Government in banking, or in undertaking to authorize it in others." Also criticizes economists' reference to slavery...

GLC04717.70

Proceedings of the Virginia Assembly... re: division of power, constitution

Also concerning constitutional rights and the Alien and Sedition Acts. Evans 38460

GLC02446

to Henry Knox

Tells Knox that Benjamin Bourn will be bearing this letter on his way to Philadelphia to take his seat in the House of Representatives. Points to Bourn's visit with him as "evidence to you that he is not an Anti" [possible anti-federalist or anti...

GLC02437.04794

to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Written by Knox as Secretary at War to Major Sargent. References receiving Sargent's letters of 20 April and 1 and 2 May. Says the difficulties in connection with calling out the militia "by an order to a subordinate officer of a state...

GLC02437.04952

to George Washington

Knox's retained draft, riddled with struck text and insertions. Acknowledges receipt of applications Washington sent for admission into the Society of the Cincinnati. Comments on the Constitution at great length: "In the states of New Hampshire...

GLC02437.04058

to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox has only received a short note from Lafayette (on recommendations for the Society of the Cincinnati), since last June. Believes it is due to the suspension of packets between France and America, as Count de Moustier, the French minister to...

GLC02437.04071

to Henry Knox

Writes that he received Knox's last letter: "I rejoice with you & your family in the prospect of your being so soon well & a perfect cure effected." After reading his letter, showed it to Ben [Hichborn], who declared he has written to Knox about...

GLC02437.04138

to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox says it is a long time since he has heard from Lafayette. He is glad that the packets between American and Europe will soon be re-established. When he can communicate better says he will update Lafayette on affairs in America. Says "You will...

GLC02437.04218

to Anthony Wayne

Thanks him for his recent letter. Accepts his congratulations for the newly-formed federal government and "our truly illustrious Cincinnatus [George Washington] to be head thereof." Extensively discusses diplomatic relationships between countries in...

GLC02437.04265

to James Swan

Thanks him for his last letters. Apologizes for not writing to him about private matters, but alludes to the fact that the custom in Europe (where Swan is) is for the post officers to open the mail, so he did not feel comfortable going into detail....

GLC02437.04068

to Henry Knox

Writes that he had delayed writing in hopes that some more events worth mentioning would occur, but they have not, and he cannot justify delaying any longer. Assumes that their mutual friend [Henry] Jackson has acquainted him with the federal...

GLC02437.04089

to Henry Knox

Discusses a recent letter from Knox and mentions political events surrounding the "Great Court" which are "too delicate for a lady to touch upon." Reflects upon the new government, which has "long been the wish of every good man & woman in America...

GLC02437.04140

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for sending his application to President Washington and also informs him that the Rhode Island state convention adjourned without discussing the question of whether or not to adopt the Constitution. Writes that "[t]his Extraordinary Step...

GLC02437.04533

to Henry Knox

Writes that he has not heard from Knox in quite a while, stating "for god sake let me see few lines from you; & then I shall communicate you the progress of that 4: that has begian [sic] already, about 38:" Mentions that he hopes that the new...

GLC02437.04551

to Anthony Wayne

Discusses the troops in Georgia and the pending decision in Congress regarding Georgia's pre-emption of the western lands. Says that all the troops within the power of the President, George Washington, have been sent to Georgia. Hopes the troop's...

GLC02437.04580

to Henry Knox

Forwards a letter from Samuel Shaw (not included) and mentions his desire to be appointed in the "Revenue Establishment for the Port of Newport, when this State should accede to the Union." And also asks Knox for his support for his application.

GLC02437.04485

to Henry Knox

Requests an appointment in government for his son. Discusses his, and the general population's, views on the current government. Writes that judging from the past, "there appears too much reason to fear yet further fluctuation, if not changes, in...

GLC02437.04578

to Henry Knox

Discusses a mutual friend's financial troubles and the need for every exertion to be made on his behalf. Mentions a general meeting of delegates that may be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Asks Knox to inform him if he believes the business at...

GLC02437.04576

to Anthony Wayne

Signed "HK." Discusses the Creek Indians in Georgia. Agrees with Wayne about the utility of rifles. Asks if maybe Wayne's informant was mistaken in saying that the Creeks received 6000 muskets from the Spaniards. Writes about whether or not Georgia...

GLC02437.04502

to Henry Knox

Discusses a convention of the Rhode Island Legislature on adopting the constitution. States that "our Federal Friends were happy in the (almost) certainty of soon becoming a part of the Union; nor had they any course to change their opinion untill...

GLC02437.04513

to [Henry Knox]

Informs Knox that he (Higginson) spoke to Congress, including "Mr. Maddison," about forming a special convention to revise the Articles of Confederation. Discusses the need to draft a new document for the basis of government as the "Confederation is...

GLC02437.10209

to Gouverneur Morris

Knox, Commander at West Point, writes to Morris, Superintendent of Finance. Remarks, "The Army generally have always reprobated being thirteen Armies. Their ardent desires have been to be one continental body looking up to one sovereign..." Calls...

GLC02437.10098

to [Samuel Cooper Johonnot]

Writes in reply to a letter sent requesting assistance in obtaining a commission in the United States Army. States that "at present all vacancies are filled by the States..." and says it is unlikely more troops will be raised unless an Indian war...

GLC02437.10214

to Henry Knox

Discusses ratifying the new Constitution. Feels unsure of his own position as many of his friends oppose his viewpoints. Expresses a fear that [i]f New York should after all not come in - the new constitution will be in danger..." Signature is cut...

GLC02437.10211

to [Henry Knox]

Expresses concern about the ratification of the Constitution and what it might mean for his future career. Describes his "native Ambition of serving [his] Country in Some...capacity..." Asks for help in obtaining a government position and mentions...

GLC02437.10212

to [Henry Knox]

Gorham signs with his initials. Discusses the ongoing Massachusetts Convention to ratify the Constitution. Applauds the resolutions of the "Boston Trades men" and asks Knox to see that they are published in New York, as they will convert or silence...

GLC02437.09886

to William Littlefield

Received Littlefield's letter with an enclosure for the President of the United States. Writes that when Rhode Island joins the union, President Washington will consider Littlefield's application, but reports that Washington cannot make any promises...

GLC02437.04393

to Henry Knox

Writes to ask Knox to recommend Mr. [Moses Michael] Hays for the position of Collector of Newport, Rhode Island, when Rhode Island's statehood becomes official (see GLC02437.04355 for Hays's request for the position). Relates that Hays lived there...

GLC02437.04356

to Henry Knox

Discusses a proposal that they had put together and writes in detail about showing it to [James] Bowdoin, John Pitts, and [Sylvanus] Bourne. Declares, "I think we have but little hopes of success - " Comments on other business transactions. Gives...

GLC02437.04438

to Anthony Wayne

Thanks Wayne for his letter of 25 October (GLC02437.04397). Discusses the treaty negotiations underway in Georgia with the Creek nation, referring to Creek leader Alexander McGillivray: "Mr McGillivrays influence over the creeks has been exerted to...

GLC02437.04421

to Henry Knox

Writes that he has heard that Rhode Island will soon "embrace the Federal Union," and the government will therefore need to appoint a Collector at Newport. Apparently offers himself as a candidate, as he relates that he plans to give his son control...

GLC02437.04355

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to take an enclosed letter (not present) to the President, but asks him to read it first to ensure its propriety. Comments that he believes Rhode Island will soon become part of the "Federal Body," and therefore is applying to the...

GLC02437.04363

to Samuel Shaw and Thomas Randall

Unsigned. Writes that he received Shaw's letters and enclosures, and was delighted and satisfied to hear of his health and the prospect of advancing his interests. Has no hope that Shaw will receive the letter, but addresses it to him on the "bare...

GLC02437.04073

to John Hancock

Was very happy to receive his last letter, written 25 April 1789, delivered by Captain Beals and Mr. Woodward. Notes that he will "cheerfully render them every attention and service in my power." Expresses his "sincere pleasure" that Hancock's health...

GLC02437.04192

[Statement regarding the Constitution]

Date added later in pencil. Author writes, "'The new federal Constitution in its principal Articles meets my Ideas & I wish it may be adopted.' We do hereby certify that the honble. A Lee Esq. read the above Paragraph to us containd in a letter...

GLC02437.04065

[Acknowledgment of receipt of gift]

Henry Knox writes about himself in the third person. Although he already has a set of the Federalist, he gratefully accepts a set given as a gift by Mr. William [illegible, but possibly Lennox], who has created a "beautiful specimen of the great...

GLC02437.04095

to Henry Knox

Written in "Bloomingdale," possibly referring to a district of New York City in the Upper West Side. Jones writes, "His Excellency, the Late Commander in Chief (Whom I now presume may be Saluted President Elect of the New Federal Constitution)...

GLC02437.04041

to Henry Knox

Writes that Rhode Island is close to adopting the constitution, "[t]here is almost a certainty that the State of Rhode Island will adopt the Federal Government ... " and on behalf of a Mr. and Mrs. Hays, as they are "desireous [sic] of having the...

GLC02437.04516

to Henry Knox

Repeats a request to Knox that "unless you appear here, in person, you never will be able to effect your wishes" regarding petitions in the Massachusetts General Court related to Knox's lands. States that the Winslows have "done every thing in their...

GLC02437.04547

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that the Rhode Island state convention in Newport has ratified the United States Constitution and that he encloses a copy (not present). Congratulates Knox on "this happy & important event ... again compleats [sic] the Band of Union &...

GLC02437.04620

to Francisco de Miranda

Acknowledges two letters Colonel Miranda sent him "from the Continent." Says he could not respond because of government business. Thanks Miranda for making him known to Count Paolo Andreani who was at the time traveling through "northern parts of...

GLC02437.04718

to François-Louis Teissèdre de Fleury

Mentions that Samuel Shaw is probably in Canton, China and was in India the last year. Updates Fleury on the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia and the progress of ratifying the constitution in each state. "A convention or representation...

GLC02437.03740

to Henry Knox

Discusses the ratification convention for the United States Constitution, and the chances of it being accepted. Writes, "I have been waiting the event of our Elections here of Delegates for the Convention, which have men more in favor of the...

GLC02437.03742

to Henry Knox

Wadsworth declares, "This moment from Convention- Where the proposed Constitution was passed 127 Yeas- 40 Nos- it ought to be remarked that all the [first?] Characters in the Convention were for the Constitution and Gen James Wadsworth the only man...

GLC02437.03756

to Henry Jackson

Reports that he seems to be recovering from a recent illness. Transmits a letter to Mrs. McNeill related to financial matters. Asks Jackson to "wait on Mrs. [Mary] McNeill and take duplicate receipts for the said certificate." Asks Jackson to write...

GLC02437.03759

to Henry Knox

King discusses details of the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution. Reports that [John] Hancock supports the Constitution, and the Federalists rally behind Hancock's plan. Relates that Elbridge Gerry, who sat...

GLC02437.03780

to Henry Knox

Encloses a paper discussing details of the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution (paper not included). Predicts the numbers will be 185 for and 160 against ratification, although the Anti-Federalists claim they...

GLC02437.03782

to Henry Knox

Discusses the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution: "The Convention are still seting and is supposed the final vote will not be taken untill Wednesday or Thursday next-" Mentions John Hancock's support of the...

GLC02437.03784

to Henry Knox

Notes that he received correspondence from Knox. Writes, "...before I opened it repaired to a club which is established here for hearing news, smoking tobacco, & drinking grogg. As there were antifederalists in this body, I thought the paragraphs...

GLC02437.03796