29 June 1820

Sampson, Zabdiel, 1781-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Hobart

Mentions that the federalists are trying to appoint Frank Le Barron for Collector of the District of Plymouth. Also mentions that it would be of great help if Hobart wrote a letter to the Secretary and permitted Sampson's friends, Albert Smith and Mebon Curtis, to sign it.

GLC06313.04.079

7 October 1820

Sampson, Zabdiel, 1781-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Hobart

Mentions that he has heard that Hobart is concerned with manufactories, especially because the merchants will not vote for Hobart in an upcoming election. Requests Hobart's confirmation or denial of this rumor, because he fears he may be being deceived by federalist partisans.

GLC06313.04.080

5 January 1819

Sampson, Zabdiel, 1781-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Hobart

Reports on congressional proceedings. Discusses the "political condition of South America," specifically endorsing American policy towards the "independent provinces of Rio De La Plata." Also mentions that "the Massachusetts claim was called as the order of the day" and since it did not receive any aid from the republicans the federalists decided that the claim would be given "a 'go by' for the present." Reminds Hobart to send him the name of someone other than D. Lane who might be interested in receiving documents from him of interest to Republicans in Abington, Massachusetts.

GLC06313.04.069

13 June 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Reports that he forwarded a letter from Lincoln to John Jacob Faesch. Discusses the Constitution, noting that no state has thus far rejected it except for Rhode Island. Writes, "Thank Heaven America has a proposition for a government which in case of a storm would shield the principle of liberty... from the rude attacks of anarchy and tyranny." Relates that eight states have adopted the Constitution, and there is reason to believe Virginia will also choose in favor of ratification. Comments on Anti-Federalists in New York and the likelihood that New York will adopt the Constitution.…

GLC02437.03892

18 May 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson

Refers to a letter in which he castigated Jackson for suggesting he might appropriate a sum of Knox's dollars [in certificates] to invest (refer to GLC02437.03866). Writes, "In my letter to you I state how ruinous such a measure would be to me owing to my previous arrangements and that I expected you would have all my continental certificates ready to be delivered to me or my order by the 1st of next month." Predicts South Carolina and Virginia will adopt the Constitution, but worries New York will not.

GLC02437.03875

10 February 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert R. Livingston

Original of GLC02437.03790. Knox relates details of the Massachusetts ratifying convention: "On Wednesday the 30th ultimo, Mr. Hancock was well enough to take his seat in the convention. On Thursday he brought forward the proposition for adopting the Constitution, and for recommending certain alterations agreeably to the paper herein enclosed [not included]. The propositions were seconded by Mr. Samuel Adams, and committed to a large committee being Federalists." Notes that the friends of Hancock and [James] Bowdoin have united on the issue. Reports, "Handsome things are said of the open…

GLC02437.03793

February 13, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Robert R. Livingston

Later copy. A note at the top of page one states, "Recd from Mr. Bancroft Feb 1857." Knox reports, "The new constitution was adopted in Massachusetts on the 6th instant by a majority of 19. The whole present 355- 187 for it- 168 against it. The minority behave with magnanimity on the occasion declaring they will support it with their lives and fortunes- The Boston people have lost their senses with joy."

GLC02437.03794

1788-1789

Broadside

Title: Federal nominations

Rufus King for Governor, plus nominations for Lt. Governor, Senator, Congress, and Assembly.

GLC03107.05307

January 10,1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy. Discussing the voting in each state as to whether or not to adopt the new Constitution. Copy made 3 March 1854.

GLC02437.09338

February 5, 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing the vote on whether to adopt the Constitution in Massachusetts and Virginia. Copy made 8 February 1854.

GLC02437.09339

30 March 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of original letter. Discussing support for the Constitution in various states, notably New Hampshire. Copy made 4 March 1854.

GLC02437.09340

17 June 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter written by Washington to Knox, discussing the Anti-Federalists and debate in each state over ratifying the Constitution. Copy made 3 March 1854.

GLC02437.09341

30 March 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that he received a letter from Knox, and that Mr. Madison informed him Knox had recovered from a "severe indisposition." Discusses ratification of the Constitution at state conventions, commenting that New Hampshire's behavior has baffled other states due to a long adjournment. Notes that if Virginia rejects the Constitution, all those states following it will do the same, and the Constitution will not be adopted. Relates that northern Virginia supports the Constitution, while in general, southern Virginia is opposed. Comments that the Kentucke…

GLC02437.09417

circa 29 September 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Discusses the Constitution of the United States. Declares, "But a candid examination of [the Constitution], will most probably produce a conviction that it is one of the best models of a republican government ever presented to the sons of men." Comments on different groups' opposition to the Constitution, noting that the southern states will oppose it because they think it will support the commercial interest of the north. Remarks that the Constitution will affect "the projects of the paper money..." Notes that America is seen with contempt abroad. Of the current government writes, "The…

GLC02437.03778

21 July 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Thanks the recipient for sending "some nuts, and two vennison hams-" via Lieutenant Armstrong. Reports, "The new Constitution has been adopted by ten states, and it is most probable that New York will also adopt it in such a manner as to be received into the Union- She has been more averse to the system than any other state Rhode-Island excepted." Relates that North Carolina's convention meets on the same day he writes. Says it is expected the new government "will promote the happiness & prosperity of this country in a very [eminent] manner."

GLC02437.03943

8 March 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Edward Carrington

Unsigned, but authorship inferred from handwriting. Discusses Carrington's last letter, in which he reported the winners of the Virginia elections and described his prediction that the electorate would "change their sentiments" to support federalism (see GLC02437.04119). Comments on the New York legislature, specifically the Senate and individual members. Also lists the number of Senators and Representatives from each state present in New York. Lastly, discusses Carrington's query about an appointment with the new government (see GLC02437.04119). Docketed by Knox.

GLC02437.04139

January 20, 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 the delegates there. Analyzes the prospects for ratification, enclosing a list of names [not present] of supporters, opposers, and undecided delegates. Says whoever wins will do so by only a small majority. Warns that the "temper which creates the difficulty here ought to alarm all the other States who wish for good Government." Describes a heated…

GLC02437.09886

January 23, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: [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 advancement he has made in noble art of printing, and in the business of book binding."

GLC02437.04095

May 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wadsworth discusses the recruitment of troops. He writes, "I have farther investigated the Bermuda business I am persuaded there will be a Garrison [there] of one or two thousand men..." referring to British soldiers. Refers to the possible adoption of the Constitution by Virginia and North Carolina. Writes, "This State as well as Massachusetts will be represented & [Governed] principally by federal Men- and I begin to hope our new Machine will be put in motion in all this Year." Mentions the opposition of Rhode Island and New York to the Constitution. Notes that George Washington Greene…

GLC02437.03881

12 December 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a cow and calf he sent Knox and gives advice on how to feed them. Mentions falling off his horse. Comments on the anti-federalists, "Our antifederals are busy but will be distanced - tho aided by your deeds in NY & Pensa from whence they daily receive pamphlets & newspapers full of wrath slandor & wit..." Stamped "N. Haven."

GLC02437.03723

23 December 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Is happy to hear that Pennsylvania adopted the Constitution. Mentions the debates over the Constitution in Connecticut. Hopes to set out soon for New York "as soon as that business is over" and possibly attend Congress. Mentions that "Old Pluckemin" [a dog] has died. In a postscript, writes, "If Publius comes out in a pamphlet I would want to have a number" (likely a reference to the Federalist Papers). States that everything written about the constitution in New York is "forwarded under cover to our Wrong Heads - & every under hand manner taken to prevent our adopting it..." Recipient…

GLC02437.03736

9 January 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 of any real consequence who was against it Our Governor Deputy Governor late Governor Griswold & all the Judges of the Superior Court were present except one- & for it - All of ye Council for - (one against it Gen Wadsworth)." Letter dated 1787, but docket (and content) reveal that it was created in 1788. With unsigned free frank.

GLC02437.03756

12 April 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Plans to transmit $29,000 worth of warrants from the Board of the Treasury to Wadsworth within the course of one week to pay for the recruiting service. Discusses Virginia's possible adoption of the Federal Constitution. Writes, "Mr. A[rthur] Lee informs me that by the elections it appears that 63 are against the constitution, and 67 - for These are all the elections excepting the back coun[ties]..." Mentions the attempts of Patrick Henry and Colonel [William] Grayson to influence the "back counties" against the Constitution. Notes that Mr. [James] Madison "seems to be of opinion that the…

GLC02437.03835

17 April 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Replies to Knox's letter from 12 April (GLC02437.03835). Discusses army pay warrants. Has "ransacked the County a couple of good cows." Promises to send a cow to Knox when one can be obtained. Speculates on the possible adoption of the Constitution by Virginia and New York: "I don't believe [George] Mason and old [William] Grayson will be very influential in Virginia- and hope the exertions of the Federalists will continue to be industrious in New York for as I came thro E & W Chester I found the Antis had been busy and too successful." Further relates his views on whether New…

GLC02437.03843

15 June 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for updating him on the progress of the Virginia convention for ratification of the United States Constitution. Writes, "I am just now informed by a friend who has been into New Hampshire that their [sic] is little doubt but that state will adopt it." Free" handwritten on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03896