February 25, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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..." Shares his thoughts about the state of affairs, noting "the whole must be taken to peices [sic], and a new one erected on the bases of publick Liberty and public happiness..." Notes Congress has acceded to the idea of a Convention. Discusses the benefits the Convention would bring if the states were to agree to it. States he hopes that…

GLC02437.03468

20 May 1787

Gardoqui y Arriquibar, Diego, 1735-1798

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 Constitutional Convention and the Society of the Cincinnati. Noted as written on Broadway, most likely the street in New York, New York. Don Diego Gardoqui signs as "James Gardoqui" (refer to GLC02437.03946, GLC02437.04349, GLC02437.04845, and GLC02437.08125 for related documents; handwriting comparisons confirm that Diego and James Gardoqui were the…

GLC02437.03551

February 3, 1788

Freeman, Constant, 1757-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for previous correspondence. Reports that Mary McNeill received Knox's certificate, and has given General Henry Jackson duplicate receipts (Jackson handled some of Knox's business affairs). (See GLC02437.03662, .03670, .03675, .03708, .03772, and .03784.) Of Massachusetts' possible ratification of the Constitution, writes, "The great question on the new proposed Constitution, comes before the Convention the next day after the morrow. I need not tell you how anxious are the friends to good order & government on this occasion. It is believed that it will pass with a small…

GLC02437.03781

2 May 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 is improving. Discusses festivities related to the Presidential inauguration: "The organization of the Constitution was completed on Wednesday by the inauguration of the President. The business was concluded with the highest solemnity and propriety. The particulars are contained in the enclosed news papers. The president has enquired after your…

GLC02437.04192

26 April 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jean Baptiste Gouvion

Asks Gouvion, "Will the Russians or the Turks induce you to display your military talents... or have you prospects of active employment nearer home." Writes with assurance that the Constitution will be adopted within the course of a year, noting that it will probably be ratified by all states except for Rhode Island. Comments on the process of "discussion and opinion" the Constitution will undergo in the course of its ratification.

GLC02437.03861

1 April 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 governor and believes that John Hancock will win the seat. Noted as written in Charlestown, which is now a part of Boston, Massachusetts. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03510

11 March 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 to eight hundred pounds." Believes that the state did not honor the agreement made with the governor concerning his income. Writes that "such is the diversity of opinion among the People that I shall not be surprised if there is no Governor or Lieut Gov. chosen by them." Notes that the state has chosen its delegates for the meeting in Philadelphia…

GLC02437.03488

25 October 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Massachusetts legislature setting a date to meet and decide whether or not to ratify the Constitution. Mentions changing the date from "the 12 of December to the second Wednesday of January - the numbers present 161 - voted for the question 129 - Killam of Newbury port was very troublesome but he was so nice & so much upon the hair splitting plan that no body knows exactly what he would be at - write me what you hear respecting the business from the Southward -" Stamped "Boston." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03681

30 October 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the ratification of the Constitution and states that "[t]hings look pretty well. Though there is an opposition preparing - but I do not think it will be sufficient to answer the intention of some." Lists opponents and supporters of Constitution in Massachusetts, "Gov. Hancock [Mr.] Bowdoin & Parson Stillman will be of the convention from Boston - the choice of the latter will undoubtedly be attended with good consiquences in attaching the Baptists." Encloses a letter to Benjamin Franklin (not present) in which he asks for a copy of a speech Franklin made to the constitutional…

GLC02437.03689

4 December 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 Personal abuse in the News Papers but it shall not discourage me from exerting my small share of influence in so good a cause." Has published Benjamin Franklin's remarks just before signing the Constitution. Noted sideways at bottom of second page, "Poor Spear hanged himself last night." Written in Charles Town, which is now a part of Boston,…

GLC02437.03720

16 December 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is "very anxious to hear from Delaware Pensylvania [sic] & Jersey," in reference to whether those states ratified the constitution. Describes the situation in Massachusetts, "The prospects rather brightens here. There is one hundred good Men chosen in this neighborhood & the other parts of the Sea Coast - a great number of Towns choose tomorrow among which are such a number of good ones that I think we may count on 50 members of the right sort. That added to the former with the few good ones that will come from the three Western Counties - I think will secure the Point…

GLC02437.03727

6 January 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Massachusetts convention scheduled to meet in February to decide on ratification of the Constitution of the United States. Relates that the Boston Delegates to the state convention dined with [James] Bowdoin the previous Thursday. Discusses the aftermath of [Samuel] Adams's opposition to ratification. Reports that Nantucket "from their foolish religious whims will not send to the establishment of a Government which has a right to raise armies... so five votes are lost- when they will be needed enough- for from several untoward circumstances the elections have gone wrong in…

GLC02437.03754

January 16, 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Of Massachusetts' possible ratification of the Constitution, writes: "...we are hard at work- & the prospect not very good- numbers are at present against us- & the opposition leaders say they are sure of the Victory." Comments on various delegates. Instructs Knox to keep this letter confidential, noting "I believe some Letters have been written from NYork which have done damage." Date from docket. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03764

February 3, 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 have a majority of ten. Writes, "I confess that I shall be more mortified if they are right in their conjecture than I have ever been in my life. I cannot think but we shall carry the question- I shall give you the earliest notice." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03782

circa 1863

Women's National Loyal League

Printed document

Title: [Men and Women's Emancipation petitions]

Blank, unsigned petitions for the emancipation of slavery. Folded document. First page is titled "Women's Emancipation Petition," second page is titled "Men's Emancipation Petition." Calls on the U.S. House and Senate to abolish slavery throughout the United States and for a Constitutional amendment to prohibit its existence forever. Instructs sender to mail the form, when completed, to No. 20 Cooper Institute, New York.

GLC07202.05

26 October 1791

Stillman, Rev. Dr., fl. 1791

Autograph letter

Title: 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 First Baptist Church of Boston from 1764 to 1807.

GLC07160.03

14 December 1794

Danforth, Joshua, 1759-1837

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 the motion of Mr. Fitzsimmon's "relative to self created societies." Asks for New York newspapers in return. Note on verso, "One of my Philadelphia papers is mislaid - I cannot find it."

GLC07160.05

1792

Van Schaack, Henry, 1733-1823

Autograph document

Title: [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 general, Van Schaack records quotes from the constitution, axioms regarding the separation of church and state, and personal readings of the two, in the left-hand column. In the right-hand column appear specific instances that violate his principles, and other details relating to religion in Massachusetts. Page four has four points to be included…

GLC07160.06

1848

Hickey, William, fl. 1848-1853

Book signed

Title: The Constitution of the United States of America.

Third edition. Published by T. K. & P. G. Collins. Signed by Jefferson Davis on both the first and rear pastedowns. Provides a history of the Constitution, with other documents, state papers and statistics.

GLC07153

3 July 1852

Sumner, Charles, 1811-1874

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Adams

Thanks Adams, possibly an underground railroad conductor, for the invitation to Independence Day events at Fall River, Massachusetts, but cannot make it. Sends his sentiments instead which he calls trite but necessary. "Defenders of the Constitution, let us not forget the principles of the Declaration; but for the equal support of both, in the spirit of our fathers, without compromise & with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, let us mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes & our sacred honor." Addressed to Robert Adams as Chairman.

GLC07356.01

1893

Jay, John, 1817-1894

Book signed

Title: William Jay and the Constitutional movement for the abolition of slavery.

Written by Bayard Tuckerman. With preface written by John Jay, grandson of John and son of William Jay. Printed by Dodd, Mead & Company. Jay inscribes to the Honorable William Allen Butler, an author, lawyer, and poet.

GLC07440

15 April 1789 to 28 April 1790

Fenno, John, 1751-1798

Header Record

Title: Gazette of the United states. [Vol. 1, no. 1 (April 15, 1789) - v. 2, no. 109 (April 28, 1790)]

Bound copy consisting of two volumes, 173 issues. Day by day accounts of the beginnings of the Federal Government. The issues have not been bound chronologically. Also, there is an extra issue of Vol. 2, no. 109 bound with the second volume.

GLC07275

1864

Chittendon, L. E., fl. 1864

Book

Title: A Report of the Debates and Proceedings.... [secession crisis]

Title continued: "...in the secret sessions of the Conference Convention." Broadside for the February 1861 convention proposing 6 constitutional amendments to avoid disunion. Printed by Appleton. Includes extending Missouri Compromise west to Pacific (goes with GLC 5361).

GLC07421

circa 1788

Hancock, John, 1737-1793

Autograph manuscript

Title: Retained draft of Hancocks' instructions to Massachusetts legislature

One manuscript written by John Hancock dated circa 1788. Pertaining to the selection of electors to vote for the President of the United States. He believes that such an act would not only strengthen the relations between the states but establish respectability in countries overseas. Hancock also promised that it would not weaken the powers of the individual states.

GLC07916

February 21, 1839

Harrison, William Henry, 1773-1841

Autograph letter signed

Title: to C. W. Hanson

Writes briefly of their correspondence and paying a bill for "spring wheat" he purchased. Discusses his candidacy for president in the 1840 election. Mentions Henry Clay, who was a candidate for the Whig nomination, and says he was informed there are many states where the votes would be given to him instead of Clay, including Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. The Whigs ended up nominated Harrison over Clay. On the issue of slavery he writes, "...the Louisville Journal declares that if I were the only candidate opposed to VB [Martin Van Buren], I would…

GLC07732.01