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Resolves of the General Court of... Massachusetts

Contains messages of Gov. James Bowdoin on Shays' Rebellion and discussion re: appointing representatives to the Constitutional Convention

GLC04395

Independent chronicle and the universal advertiser. [Vol. XIX, no. 987 (September 27, 1787)]

Prints a copy of the Constitution and reports activities at the Constitutional Convention. Also contains an article on "the Means of promoting Federal Sentiments in the United States," various news items, and advertisements. This was a special...

GLC04221

to Mr. Allibane? re: business, announcing election to Constitutional Convention

GLC04842.04

to Gen. Elias Dayton (his father) re: business, a military trial

Written to his father, Elias Dayton, who had declined election to the Constitutional Convention in favor of his son, because he himself was serving in Congress. Jonathan Dayton was the youngest member of the convention.

GLC04842.20

to the Public accusing R.I. legislature of acting "contrary to the Articles"

Probably intended for publication. The essay attacks the Rhode Island legislature for not sending representatives to Congress or the Constitutional Convention. King, who signs himself five times in the text but signs "Procolus" at the end, argues...

GLC04873

Members of the Constitutional Convention: 38 letters & docs [decimalized]

GLC02470

to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter written to Henry Knox, briefly discussing the begining of the Constitutional Convention, and his election as chair of the Convention. Copy made on 1 February 1854 according to note at top of first page.

GLC02437.09315

to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter by Washington to Knox, discussing the potential Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, which he does not plan to attend. Believes the current national government is terribly flawed, but that maintaining it may be the best...

GLC02437.09333

to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter by Washington to Knox, discussing Shay's rebellion. Greatful that the rebellion has been supressed. News of the rebellion, and fear of further upheaval, helped spur Washington to agree to attend the Constitutional Convention...

GLC02437.09334

to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing whether or not he should attend the Constitutional Convention. Debates pros and cons of the convention, and requests Knox's opinion on the matter. Copy made 3 February 1854.

GLC02437.09335

to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, reporting on events at the Constitutional Convention. Copy made 1 February 1854.

GLC02437.09337

to James Madison

The letter is concerning sending Journals of Constitutional Convention. Written at the Department of State.

GLC00639.03

Collection of letters, documents & briefs to the Madisons [Decimalized .001-.156]

This is a collection of letters from Edmund Pendleton, one of the leading figures of Revolutionary Virginia, to James Madison, Sr., and James Madison, Jr., later fourth President of the United States. The papers consist of documents and letters...

GLC00099

to Henry Knox

Relates reasons for not wanting to attend the Constitutional Convention, including the possibility that all states might not attend (rendering representation partial). Notes that if all Delegates attend with the power to address and cure the defects...

GLC02437.09412

to Henry Knox

Discusses the Constitutional Convention, and cannot predict the result. Hopes Congress, the states' legislatures, and the community at large will adopt the government agreed upon in the Convention. Is convinced that such government is the best that...

GLC02437.09414

[Press release of speech delivered on Memorial Day at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania]

Signed at end as President. Speech mentions the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg and Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War. Stresses the importance of uniting the country. Gives particular attention to the part played by George Washington as...

GLC03352

The Columbian Magazine

Twelve issues plus a supplement to the first volume. Each issue has a table of contents. The September issue contains a printing of the constitution proposed at the Constitutional Convention under the heading "The New plan for a Federal...

GLC02141

The Pennsylvania packet, and daily advertiser [No. 2763 (December 13, 1787)]

Reports on the ratification of the Constitution in Pennsylvania. Prints Benjamin Franklin's "Last Speech at the late Federal Convention." Contains foreign and domestic news. Many advertisements, including some for slaves.

GLC08809

to Aaron Hobart

Encloses "a copy of the Journal of the Federal Convention," in accord with a congressional resolution issued on 19 January 1820. Written from the Department of State.

GLC06313.04.099

An Address of the Convention for Framing a New Constitution of Government, for the State of Massachuetts-Bay to these Constituents.

An address to the constituents of Massachusetts Bay Colony detailing the newly completed Massachusetts constitution.

GLC00417

Constitution [printing of first draft, docketed by James Wilson]

First two leaves in facsimile, with docketed wrapper. Committee of Detail printing. First draft. Wilson chaired the Committee of Five which drafted this copy of the Constitution. With one correction in Wilson's hand. Docket on blank wrapper:...

GLC00528

to David Stuart

Washington thanks Stuart for his observations on the fitness of the Potomac for the fur trade with China. Asks if Stuart has informed Colonel John Fitzgerald and Colonel Howe of his observations and inquires if he gave them reason to believe those...

GLC07546

to James Madison re: correcting journals of Constitutional Convention

GLC07648

to James Madison

Responds favorably to the work done at the Annapolis Convention and since. Explains why he cannot attend the Constitutional Convention. He was re-elected president of the Society of Cincinnati, whose meeting coincides with the convention....

GLC07699

Constitution and Constitutional Convention archive [decimalized]

This collection of Pierce Butler's papers from the Constitutional Convention of 1787 provides unique views of the various conflicts that permeated the Constitutional Convention, while bringing to life the process of creating the United States...

GLC00819

Constitution [First printing of second draft] [Committee of Style]

Second draft of the Constitution, by the Committee of Style, printed on recto of each leaf and tied (leaves 1-2 only) with a ribbon, uncut and unbound. With the notes of Pierce Butler. Originally bound with blue ribbon. Document has creasemarks along...

GLC00819.02

Convention papers

Butler's wrapper and titlepage for these papers.

GLC00819.03

[Pierce Butler: Notebook from the Constitutional Convention]

Four pages of text with 12 blank pages and extensive doodles and calculations on the last page of the conjugate sheet. The notebook contains resolutions of May 30, and comments of Gerry, Wilson and Madison from June 6 to June 16. Continued by 819.09...

GLC00819.04

Quota of tax and delegates by States

Written on recto of first leaf only, a list beginning "Virginia," that indicates its population and ratio of delegates (for representation in Congress).

GLC00819.05

[State of the resolutions submitted by... Mr. Randolph...]

Changes to the Virginia Plan as agreed to by "a committee of the Whole House." In Secretary to the Convention William Jackson's hand per CH. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.06

[New Jersey plan]: Resolved that the Articles of Confederation....

"Jersey" -docket on p.8. Full transcript of the New Jersey Plan in hand of Robert Lansing, Jr.. Charles Hamilton thought this document might be written in the hand of Spaight, but SK identified later as John Lansing, Jr.

GLC00819.07

[New Jersey plan]: Resolved that the Articles of Confederation.... [partial]

In Butler's hand. A partial transcription of the New Jersey plan.

GLC00819.08

Notebook: Comments of the Delegates

A long, narrow notebook, once probably a single folded sheet of paper, now two separate items. The notebook records comments by Lancey [Lansing], Patterson, Randolph, Hamilton, Wilson, Madison, Williams, Sherman and Ellsworth. The first item consists...

GLC00819.09

The Supreme Legislative power of the United States of America...

Hamilton's constitutional plan for two legislative bodies, as Assembly and Senate, and a permanently elected executive. In the hand of John Lansing, Jr.

GLC00819.10

Proposition... from Mr. Franklin [and] Proposition from Mr. Rutledge

Franklin/Rutledge proposals with population figures. Docketed: "Proposition from Doctor Franklin June 30, 87- with sundry reports & Calculations from two Committees." Franklin proposed an equal number of delegates for the second branch of government...

GLC00819.11

And to make all Laws, not repugnant to this Constitution....

Half sheet of paper signed "P. Butler." A brief fragment concerning Congress' power to legislate. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.12

All demands... against the United States

Quarter sheet of paper. Confirming the validity of debts incurred by the previous Congress which will devolve upon the new legislature. With addition in a different hand "The Legislature shall fulfill the Engagements and discharge the Debts of the...

GLC00819.13

The Legislature shall fulfill the foreign engagements...

Quarter sheet, docketed on verso: "The Creditors." The word "foreign" inserted above in pencil. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.14

The regulation of Commerce or Revenue...

Half sheet regarding the federal government's regulation of ports. Blank on verso. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.15

But no regulation of Commerce or Revenue...

Quarter sheet related to #819.15. Denies the federal government the right to give favor to the ports of one state over another. Note that this contradicts #819.15. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.16

Objections to the Constitution as far as it has advanced...

Lists eleven objections to the Constitution (the 12th has been struck). Docket reads "Objections to the Constitution / by Mr. Randal."

GLC00819.18

[Various proposals:] The Council of State...

Large folio sheet. Unidentified handwriting. Also re: import duties, revenues, limiting terms and appointments of elected officials including the President, limits on the executive pardon authority and a rejected clause concerning revenues.

GLC00819.19

The Members of the Legislature shall be ineligible to any Office...

Quarter sheet concerning eligibility for offices. Date from Hutson

GLC00819.20

Money Bills [and] Trade [with Pinckney anecdote]

Mentions the rejection of a clause rejecting the origination of money bills; also, additions concerning debts for the common defense, rejecting taxes of limited duration, trade, age and birth requirements for President. With a Charles Pinckney story...

GLC00819.21

Free persons, those bound to servitude for a term of years...

Two fragments written on front and back of a quarter sheet of paper. The front has part of the 3/5's clause. On verso begins "Prov'd that no Monopoly be granted"

GLC00819.22

Resolved... Territory of the States is too extensive to Consist of one Republic

Recommends dividing the states into three allied republics.

GLC00819.23

[Notes on debate]: Whether the States Vote Equally or not....

Half sheet of paper. Not dated in Hutson. Debate concerning the equality of votes of the states and the danger to small states posed by large ones.

GLC00819.24

In all Cases of Capture from an Enemy...

Folded small folio. Fragments concerning trade and limitations on the judiciary's office, with an unfinished resolve. (J. Whatman countermark in paper)

GLC00819.25

to Elizabeth M. Clymer

A one page note pasted in oblong direction on front pastedown of Barlow's Vision of Columbus. (The book is carried on inventory as GLC 4217.01.) Written as president of the Constitutional Convention. The Barlow book was printed in Hartford.

GLC04217

to [George Washington] re: explaining his absence from the Convention

Misdated May. McHenry writes the Convention's president, Washington, that he was unable to attend the opening sessions because his brother lay ill. He did attend in August and kept a private record of proceedings.

GLC04842.29

[Two bound newspapers]

Two bound newspapers dated 1787-1788, The two newspapers are; Freeman's journal. [Vol.6, no. 298 (January 3, 1787)- v.8, no. 402 (December 31, 1788)] and Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 2953 (January 3, 1787) - no. 3042 (September 17, 1788)] [with gap].

GLC00259

Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 2953 (January 3, 1787) - no. 3042 (September 17, 1788)] [with gap]

One bound edition of the newspaper Pennsylvania gazette containing number 2953 January 3, 1787 to number 3042 Sep 17, 1788, with a gap of number 3003 and a suplement to number 3032. The volume has the signature of Edanus Burke, Esq. on front...

GLC00259.02

to James Madison

Anxiously awaiting the results of the Constitutional Convention. Pendleton mentions the need for a strong document and the need for the secrecy (mentions rioting over taxes).

GLC00099.123

to James Madison

The letters discusses the long discussion on Constitutional content and the Constitutional Convention. The countermark reads "HRJoy, Belfast." There is a loss at top of pages 3 and 4, possibly intended by Pendleton.

GLC00099.132

to Hon. [?] Warren re: newly proposed Constitution

GLC07870

The Providence gazette and country journal. [Vol. 24, no. 1239 (September 29, 1787)]

GLC08033

to unknown [incomplete]

Writes at length on the relationship between church and state, particularly in regard to unconstitutional tax assessment and the use of public funds to build a Congregational meeting house in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Discusses the Constitution...

GLC07160.01

to Henry Van Schaak

Thanks him for his letter. Regrets that he suffers so much persecution on account of his "adherence to the Episcopal Church." Reminds him that current law protects the free exercise of religion. Stillman is possibly Samuel Stillman, pastor of the...

GLC07160.03

to Loring Andrews

Writes a letter to the editor of the Western Star to condemn the practice of using public funds to pay for parish teachers linked to denominational majorities. Such taxation and town treasury appropriations, he charges, violate the constitutional...

GLC07160.04

to Henry Van Schaack

Advises that there are certain expenses that must be taxed on the Congregationalists. Requests information on the damages and costs resulting from a suit against the town. Sends two Philadelphia newspapers containing the speech of Mr. Sedgwick on...

GLC07160.05

[Notes on taxation and establishment of churches in Massachusetts]

Notes outlining his arguments against the practices of taxation and appropriation of public monies to fund construction of meeting houses and payment of teachers for denominational majorities. Cites the state constitution and its Bill of Rights. In...

GLC07160.06

to unknown

Discusses being deeply involved in family life for the past six months, during which time his daughter was born. Discusses his service as his correspondent's lawyer and mentions an issue his correspondent had with Edmund Randolph. His...

GLC07198

to James Sullivan [incomplete]

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Previous research determined the addressee to be James Sullivan, but the document does not indicate that explicitly. Knox discusses the settlement of the estate of Thomas...

GLC02437.03428

to Benjamin Lincoln

Marked "copy." Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Discusses Lincoln's success at stopping Shays' Rebellion and dispersing the insurgents. Mentions how the rapid defeat of the insurgents will affect orders...

GLC02437.03453

to Stephen Higginson

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Thanks him for his letters. Writes, "The Zeal of the people of Boston and the lower country in favor of Government is a good sign, and will probably produce the events...

GLC02437.03430

to Henry Knox

Feels encouraged by good news regarding Pennsylvania and Connecticut's reception of the Constitution. Wishes he could say the same about Massachusetts, but "Mr. Gerry's Letter has done infinite mischief." Writes "I have rec'd a considerable share of...

GLC02437.03720

to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox says he has not heard from Lafayette in some time. Mentions that he wrote on the constitutional convention by the last packet. Reports on states that have called ratifying conventions to approve or reject the constitution. Has doubts...

GLC02437.03726

to Henry Knox

Writes that he has not replied yet to Knox because he expected to see Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth in Philadelphia, but has not yet, and does not know when he will arrive. Declares that the newspapers will have informed Knox that Pennsylvania has...

GLC02437.03411

to Henry Knox

Discusses the upcoming Convention in May to possibly create a new system of government and Constitution. Writes that the idea of such a convention "may not only be new, but may appear to interfere with that article in the Confederation, which...

GLC02437.03452

to Gouverneur Morris

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Marked "copy" on the docket Details General [Benjamin] Lincoln's deployment with 4,000 men to deal with Shays and his supporters. Writes that Lincoln will begin at...

GLC02437.03417

to Henry Knox

Discusses the debate in Massachusetts as to whether to send delegates to the upcoming Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Writes that "sensible & bold Men shall be chosen for the convention if I can have any influence in the business." The...

GLC02437.03460

to Stephen Higginson

Thanks Higginson for his observations on the current state of the government. Says Higginson's views are "perfectly just and well founded" and that Higginson has "a greater degree of attention, and thought on the subject, than most other gentlemen...

GLC02437.03468

to Henry Knox

Discusses a financial matter related to Mrs. [Catharine] Greene. Comments extensively on the Constitutional Convention: "I am persuaded the Convention will do nothing very decisive but they may give us a lead our General Assembly will finish this...

GLC02437.03565

to Marquis de Lafayette

Contemporary secretarial copy of a letter sent to Lafayette. Knox references Lafayette's letters from November 1787 and February 1788. Says that "The Convention by you Mr. Jefferson and Common Sense [Thomas Paine], judge wisely respecting the New...

GLC02437.03860

to Henry Knox

This is a letter requesting information for President George Washington's address to Congress. Hamilton seeks material on the expeditions against the Indians and specifically requests items describing "Every pacific measure" that was tried to produce...

GLC02437.05199

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 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 [in French]

Touches on the state of American government, the Constitutional Convention, and the Ohio territories. Asks Knox to present his respects to President [George] Washington, Governor [James] Bowdoin, Colonel [Alexander] Hamilton, and Colonel [William]...

GLC02437.04343

to Henry Knox

Believes that George Washington's attendance at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia "will add weight to their proceedings - the spirit of electioneering has exceeding any before known ... " Discusses the election for the Massachusetts...

GLC02437.03510

to [Jeremiah] Wadsworth

Knox left Philadelphia for New York because his daughter Lucy was ill, but by the time he arrived, she was feeling better. Hopes to obtain warrants from the Board of Treasury to pay the arrearages of pay and clothing to the Connecticut troops...

GLC02437.03557

to Henry Knox

Writes in full, "I wish it was in my power to inform you that we had progressed a single step since you left us - I say progressed, this expression must be defined by my own political creed, which you are very well acquainted with - I can form no...

GLC02437.03602

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to deliver the enclosed letter (not included) to George Washington and informs him that all their mutual friends in the area are well. Wishes "the Convenssion [sic] & the Cincinatus all manner of success," referring to the upcoming...

GLC02437.03551

to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox references Lafayette's letter from May 5, 1787. Says the letter gave information that was "truly important and evinces that the french nobility possess the true spirit of justice & liberality." Tells him that there are dangers and that he "must...

GLC02437.03616

to Marquis de Lafayette

Says he has probably already heard of the results of the Constitutional Convention. Says "The propositions being essentially different, in many respects from the existing Confederation, and which will probably produce different national effects, are...

GLC02437.03680

to James Sullivan

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Discusses an upcoming convention (the Constitutional Convention) in Philadelphia. "The late approbation of Congress of a Convention to be held at Philadelphia in May next...

GLC02437.03473

to Henry Knox

Discusses an issue concerning the salary of the governor. States that "One step they [the General Court] took[,] I am afraid[,] will be injurious in the approach[ing] election - which is that the two Towns passed a Bill to reduce the Governor salary...

GLC02437.03488

to Henry Knox

Explains that her son, Winslow Warren, has run into financial troubles and appeals to Knox for help. The attention of either Henry or his brother William Knox is needed to resolve the situation with the creditors. Hopes he or William will attend to...

GLC02437.03539

to Mercy Otis Warren

Replies to her letter from 2 May (GLC02437.03539). Discusses a financial matter involving Winslow Warren (Warren's son), Mr. Hawkins, Knox's brother William, and Mr. Breck. Apologizes for not being able to fully comply with her request from 2 May due...

GLC02437.03558

to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox about family and friends, including the illness of a daughter of Henry's. Discusses rent owed by Henry on his lodgings (see GLC02437.03583). Briefly mentions the "convention," the Constitutional Convention then taking place in...

GLC02437.03585

to [Mercy Otis] Warren [incomplete]

Discusses the proceedings of a convention (referring to the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia) and mentions the Society of the Cincinnati. Says the Convention is coming to a conclusion and that the proceedings will likely end the 15th of...

GLC02437.03640

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that they have not been able to obtain a cow yet that will produce enough milk for the whole winter but hopes to soon. Says when they do purchase a cow she will need to be driven in a herd of cattle as opposed to being sent by water....

GLC02437.03667

to Henry Jackson

Discusses General [Rufus] Putnam as suitable candidate for handling their "eastern matters." Also suggests Colonel Maxwell and asks what Jackson thinks of him. Discusses a map that Captain Stone was to deliver to Jackson, possibly concerning Waldo...

GLC02437.03474

to Henry Knox

Discusses the convention (referring to the upcoming Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia) and his views of the people's ideas of changes Congress would bring about. "I have not the most distant idea that the people would adopt any...

GLC02437.03476

to Winthrop Sargent

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Discusses surveys that Sargent requested and where they should be deposited. Notes he has not seen Captain Hutchins yet to discuss the survey of the 5th range. States...

GLC02437.03478

to Henry Knox

Discusses the Constitutional Convention. Relates that Daniel Jenifer, Daniel Carroll, and James Mercer are expected to arrive in a few days to represent Maryland. Writes, "Eleven states are represented, but we proceed slowly - I am unable to form any...

GLC02437.03563

to Mrs. Morris

Writes a very long and detail letter to his wife about the news from the area and his application for half pay. Reports that "Doctor [Mr. Pendergass] had been playing the fool with one of his mades, the consiquances [sic] of which is by the help of...

GLC02437.03623

to Charles Henri d'Estaing

Discusses the application of the Marquis de Bouille to the Society of the Cincinnati. Also asks the Count d'Estaing for a list of the officers in the French Navy who are members of the Society; would like to use this list to to fill out diplomas for...

GLC02437.03619

to Henry Knox

Discusses the arrival of mutual friends, Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, in New York City. Shares the Swans' gratitude for the warm welcome Knox and his wife Lucy are showing them. Mentions steps he has taken to fill orders for military supplies, such as...

GLC02437.03482

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Discusses a meeting in Philadelphia, and writes "You will have found that Congress have recommended a convention to meet in Philadelphia in May. I hope and pray that you may be at it, either on the part of the State or the Cincinnati."

GLC02437.03483

to [Henry Knox]

Addressee inferred from content. Informs Henry about the health of his children, particularly a daughter who had been ill but is now healthy (see GLC02437.03585), as are Henry's other children. Imagines that Henry's stay at the [Constitutional]...

GLC02437.03586