October 24, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: 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 contemplated by the public at large with an anxious attention. The discussions are commenced in the news papers & in Pamphlets, with all the freedom & liberality which challenge a people who are searching by their own experience after a form of government most productive of happiness." Expresses his affinity for a stronger national…

GLC02437.03680

December 14, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: 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 specifically about Virginia and New York. Says Rhode Island has "too many schemes of convenience" to approve it. But says "it is highly probable that it will be adopted in the course of the year 1788 by nine states and more." Says he is anxious about rumors of war between France and England. Reports that those in the know claim the event is "inevitable."…

GLC02437.03726

April 26, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: 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 Constitution requiring some amendments & of the time they should be effected." Of the Constitutional Convention says "The unanimity of the former convention may be regarded as a rare evidence of the empire of reason." Believes there will not have to be another convention. Says it is likely that nine states will accept the constitution over the…

GLC02437.03860

18 June 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Forwards some letters from Boston, Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03585

27 May 1787

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

King discusses the Constitutional Convention: "Seven states assembled on the 25th and appointed Gen. Washington President & Maj. Jackson Secretary of the Convention. If Connecticut, Georgia & Massachusetts are represented tomorrow, we will have ten States - I hope this will be the case but the event is uncertain - No proposition has been agitated except in private conversation, and excepting the mere organization of the convention we are as when you left us." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03556

3 June 1787

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 precise opinion of the Result - Nothing however very important has turned up and issued unfavorably ... " "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03563

11 July 1787

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 conjecture of the Report, or separation, of the convention - If I had returned to N-YK with you or with our very able and sagacious Friend [Alexander] Hamilton, I should have escaped much Vexation, enjoyed much pleasure and have gratified the earnest wishes & desires of Mrs. King." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03602

August 12, 1787

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

October 8, 1787

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

1765-1790

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Header Record

Title: 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 written by Edmund Pendleton: 156 autograph items (plus one by his nephew Edmund Pendleton, Jr.), consisting of 104 letters from Pendleton to James Madison, Jr., 34 letters from Pendleton to James Madison, Sr., 3 other letters by Pendleton, 11 legal documents, 2 briefs of legal cases by Pendleton, and one letter by Edmund Pendleton, Jr. Various…

GLC00099

1780

Massachusetts Bay Colony

Pamphlet

Title: 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

1787

Various

Magazine

Title: 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 Government" on p. 659.

GLC02141

February 3, 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to the constitutional rights of Massachusetts. Also discusses insurgents in that state (Shays' Rebellion was losing momentum). Relates in confidence that he does not want to go to the Constitutional Convention (to be held in Philadelphia) but that convention organizers have included him and implored him not to make a final decision regarding whether or not he will attend. Admits that "powers are wanting" in government, but takes a pessimistic view, wondering how such powers shall be derived. Comments that Knox's opinion, to build a central national government, is energetic and…

GLC02437.09410

2 April 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 of the Constitution, the Convention will be a worthwhile endeavor. Asks Knox to find out from his friends in Congress the degree of power Delegates will possess. Also asks him to probe for others' views regarding his attendance (or non-attendance). Hopes to see Knox in Philadelphia before the Convention (Knox will be there for a Society of the…

GLC02437.09412

19 August 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 may be obtained "at the present moment, under such diversity of ideas as prevail." Had anticipated a visit to New York during adjournment of the Convention, but was unable to plan the precise time when an intermission would arise, and thus placed his carriage in the hands of a repairman. Offers his condolences to Knox regarding an unspecified…

GLC02437.09414

31 May 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: 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

1768-1822

The Constitution of the United States

Header Record

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

GLC02470

1789

Bailey, Francis, 1744-1817

Header Record

Title: [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

1787-1788

Bailey, Francis, 1744-1817

Newspaper

Title: Freeman's journal. [Vol.6, no. 298 (January 3, 1787)- v.8, no. 402 (December 31, 1788)]

One bound edition of the newspaper Freeman's Journal containing Vol. 6 no. 298, January 3, 1787 to vol. 8 no. 402, December 31, 1788. Printed by Francis Bailey, at Yorick's Head. Of particular interest is a early printing of Constitution in issue number 335. The Freeman's Journal was an anti-Federalist newspaper. The bound newspaper also includes these issues of interest: List of Constitutional Convention members issue number 322 pp. 2-3; Ratifications by Pennsylvania issue number 348, Ratifications by Massachusetts issue number 357, Ratifications by New York issue number 381,…

GLC00259.01

1787-1788

Hall and Sellers

Newspaper

Title: 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 pastedown. The newspaper was printed by Hall and Sellers. Contains the printing of the United States Constitution in issue number 2990. The Pennsylvania Gazette was an anti-Federalist newspaper. Some other issues of note included in the volume are: Northwest Ordinance issue number 2983, Constitution printed as "Plan of the New Federal Government"…

GLC00259.02

[ 06 August 1787 ]

Constitutional Convention, 1787

Document

Title: 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: "Report of the Committee of five. Later docket beneath: "Above endorsement is in the handwriting of Hon. James Wilson -- so his grand-daughter Miss Emily Hollingsworth tells me. Sept. 1. 1866 - Effingham B. Morris." Printed by Dunlap and Claypoole

GLC00528

May 27, 1820

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Letter signed

Title: to James Madison

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

GLC00639.03

1787

Butler, Pierce, 1744-1822

Header Record

Title: 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 Constitution. The text of all Constitutional Convention manuscripts in the Pierce Butler papers is printed in James Hutson's article, "Pierce Butler's Records of the Federal Constitutional Convention," in Quarterly Journal of the Library of Congress, 37:1 (Winter 1980): 64-73.

GLC00819

06 August 1787

Constitutional Convention, 1787

Document signed

Title: Constitution [printing of first draft] [Committee of Detail]

Report of the Committee of Detail, the first draft of the Constitution, signed by Pierce Butler with his annotations. The leaves are printed recto only. Uncut and unbound, sealed in Plexiglas string mat. "We the People of the States of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island...." Some words written in another hand. Dated at top "May [th]e 30th 1787" Printed by Dunlap and Claypoole.

GLC00819.01

12 September 1787

Constitutional Convention, 1787

Document

Title: 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 margin where it would have been folded along bindings. Printed by Dunlap and Claypoole. Folded measurements are 42.7 x 26.3 cm.

GLC00819.02