1791/03/11

Van Schaack, Henry, 1733-1823

Autograph letter

Title: 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, referring to the second article of the Bill of Rights as it pertains to religion, and his memory of debates at the Constitutional Convention.

GLC07160.01

1791/12

Van Schaack, Henry, 1733-1823

Autograph letter

Title: 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 protections of minority denominations. Grounds his objection in the Massachusetts constitution and its Bill of Rights.

GLC07160.04

1787/06/03

Monroe, James, 1758-1831

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 correspondent, possibly James Madison, was a member of the Constitutional Convention, who was engaged in work to "bind the states together by the strongest ties, and to commit their interests to the direction of one common head." Monroe hopes for a successful outcome at the convention.

GLC07198

February 28, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: 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 patent lands. Thinks that if General [Benjamin Lincoln] is not chosen to attend the Philadelphia convention in May, Jackson should send him to the Cincinnati (referring to a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati) with Brooks, Hull and Jackson himself. Comments, "Why do you not get your diplomas? Our friend Genl Washington must die - a diploma of…

GLC02437.03474

1787/03/12

Butler, Pierce, 1744-1822

Autograph letter signed

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

GLC04842.04

1787/08/31

Dayton, Jonathan, 1760-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

February 18, 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 Committee has not yet formally agreed to send a delegation, but Gorham is convinced they will probably send one. Reports that Mr. [Samuel] Adams is having difficulties because he "wishes to limit the Commission in such manner as I think will exceedingly injure the business," but Gorham feels "rather encouraged to hope the affair will be…

GLC02437.03460

February 8, 1787

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 incompetent to the purposes for which it was established, the managing the affairs of the Union." States that "to delegate rights to Congress, and at the same time to withold from them the means of exercising those rights, is trifling and absurd." Watermarked with a IV and a hunting horn inside a crest with GR underneath. "Free" stamped on…

GLC02437.10209

1787/08/13

Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814

Autograph letter signed

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

GLC07870