January 3, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox has only received a short note from Lafayette (on recommendations for the Society of the Cincinnati), since last June. Believes it is due to the suspension of packets between France and America, as Count de Moustier, the French minister to America, has also not received letters. Says they heard that General Nathanael Greene's son was placed in a respectable academy near Paris. Hopes his conduct is good. Reports that "Our Country is busy in making elections for the new Government - what is to take place the 1st of March. The people at large are becoming more and more strongly attached to…

GLC02437.04071

February 4, 1789

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lafayette anxiously awaits ratification results of the U.S. Constitution, discusses debates between himself, Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson and "Common Sense" [Thomas Paine] regarding the need for Constitutional amendments, and stresses the importance of "the General's" [George Washington's] acceptance of the presidency. He begins by updating Knox on European affairs, saying that they are "too much Entangled together for me to give you an Exact description." He mentions that the Ottoman Empire, with the assistance of Great Britain, is attacking both the Russians and Austrians, and that Britain fears…

GLC02437.04105

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

May 30, 1788

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lafayette references receiving Knox's letter. Says he cannot respond fully as he has to attend a meeting on internal affairs. He wishes to introduce Jacques Pierre Brissot (who Lafayette refers to by the name he assumed, de Warville) and a man named de Ferriere. Reports that "M. de Warville Has Been a writer on the side of liberty, and Wishes to write on the American Revolution." Tells him to refer to the letters he sent to Hamilton and Jay for the most recent intelligence. Says "We are in a Critical Situation." Encloses a list (of French applicants to the Society of the Cincinnati; not…

GLC02437.03880

13 July 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Rufus King

Discusses the possible ratification of the United States Constitution by New York: "I have received no letters from Colonel Hamilton or any others of the convention, that will warrant the idea in any degree- but there has been a buz for a few days past that the convention would adopt the constitution and afterwards state strongly some material amendments..."

GLC02437.03934

28 October 1787

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that Henry Jackson will send him the "Resolve for calling a convention and tell you every thing relative to the situation of public affairs with more precision and particulars than is in my power." Discusses his efforts in advocating for the passage of the Constitution, such as speaking to the representatives from Maine, and trying to correct "some ill impression" they received. Also mentions the advocacy work some judges are doing in support of passage: "[William] Cushing the Chief Justice gave a solemn charge last week in Bristol to the Grand Jury, enlarged upon our…

GLC02437.03684

January 27, 1788

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

King writes from the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution. Declares, "Our hopes do not diminish, although our confidence is not complete- The opposition are less positive of their strength, & those few among them who are honest & capable of Reflection appear uneasy concerning the Fate of the Question..." Mentions a proposal published in the [Massachusetts] Centinel for a conditional ratification. Writes, "[John] Hancock is still confined, he appears to me to wish well to the Constitution but don't care to risque any thing in its favor." Notes…

GLC02437.03774

February 3, 1788

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

King discusses details of the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution. Reports that [John] Hancock supports the Constitution, and the Federalists rally behind Hancock's plan. Relates that Elbridge Gerry, who sat in on the Massachusetts convention for a short time, has remained nearby but has not been invited back to the convention. Expects the decision for ratification to be made in five or six days. Declares, "You will be astonished when you see the list of names, that such an Union of men has taken place on this Question- Hancock will hereafter…

GLC02437.03780

16 June 1788

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

King, who had served as part of the Massachusetts ratification convention, discusses the government of Massachusetts. Writes, "Every account must confirm to you the information of the surprising change in this Government- perhaps at no Time has there been more able and honest men in the administration of this State- the conviction of the necessity of good & efficient Government pervades every part of the State, and the Federal Government will be as affectionately supported by the People of this Commonwealth as by any people in the Union…" Comments on the Constitutional ratification…

GLC02437.03899

January 29, 1788

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison re: the Constitution, attitudes towards it in Va.

This is a long letter about the Constitution and the attitudes towards it. The letter also mentions the upcoming Virginia convention and the discussion of local politics. Included with the letter is: a sheet of possible changes in the wording proposed by Pendleton for the Constitution.

GLC00099.133

March 25, 1782

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

The letter discusses the attitude of Vermont towards the national Government and its independence movement. Possibly misdated "1789" and should be 1782.

GLC00099.135

September 2, 1789

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

The letter includes congratulations on the passage of the Bill of Rights, and mentions the expected ratification of Constitution.

GLC00099.136

1787-1789

Russell, Benjamin, 1761-1845

Newspaper

Title: Massachusetts centinel. [Vol. 8, no.1 (September 19, 1787) - v. 10, no. 52 (March 14, 1789)] [Incomplete]

One newspaper of the Massachusetts Centinel dated September 19, 1787 to March 14, 1789. There are 152 issues. Lack: vol.9 no.1 and 6 and vol.10 no.2 with printings of Federalist and no. 12. The Massachusetts Centinel, printed by Benjamin Russell, features a series of federalist style essays and articles focused on current domestic events as well as reports on international affairs such as treaties and European naval activity. The Centinel also included advertisements for store goods, religious musical performance, and available land. The Centinel includes the first printing of the…

GLC00080

March 7, 1788

Morris, Lewis, 1726-1798

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Col. Lewis V. Morris

Lewis Morris writes to his son, Colonel Lewis Morris. Discusses the violent debates back-and-forth in Albany and New York, and writes that he believes the majority of New Yorkers are against the new Constitution. Also, mentions debates over the Constitution.

GLC01461

June 15, 1790

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge Gerry

Ellery writes to Congressman Gerry from Massachusetts to say that since the Constitution has been ratified, it is now proper for him to ask for his support for appointment as the Collector of the Southern District of Rhode Island. He has asked him to be appointed a judge, but now thinks he is more qualified to be a collector. Thinks that the state legislature of Rhode Island will continue to insist that the national government assume the debt of the states. Sends his regards to their mutual acquaintances: Colonel Partridge, "father Sherman," "old Foster, and all my congressional acquaintances…

GLC01497

February 14, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to George Washington

Reports on Massachusetts' adoption of the Constitution of the United States. Writes, "It may with great truth be asserted that no subject was ever more candidly debated- Many of the minority express their determination, of inculcating the principle of union among their constituents." Categorizes those who oppose the Constitution into three groups: the "insurgent interest," the "desperate debtors," and "honest men, without information whose minds are apprehensive of danger to their Liberties." Encloses a paper "containing a description of the demonstration of Joy by the Boston people on the…

GLC02437.03797

10 February 1788

Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written in Manchester, a present-day neighborhood of Richmond. Comments on the state conventions held to discuss ratification of the United States Constitution (Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Virginia). On Virginia, writes, "My situation here is in the midst of Mr. Henries influence, and I find he has pretty well prepared the people for being his blind followers- his demagogues are loud in their clamors against the Constitution, professing a determination to reject unless amendments can be had even at the hazard of standing alone..." (referring to Anti-Federalist Patrick Henry…

GLC02437.03792

February 14, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Edward Carrington

Informs Carrington, a Continental Congressman, of Massachusetts' ratification of the Constitution. Reports that those at the convention who previously opposed the Constitution have "declared their intention of uniting their influence in support of the constitution." Notes that [Elbridge] Gerry, who sat in but did not participate in the Massachusetts ratifying convention, has also pledged himself to the Constitution. Discusses the interests of some of the Constitution's opponents. Encloses papers describing the celebration in Boston after its passage. Notes that the New Hampshire…

GLC02437.03798

4 March 1788

Allen, William, fl. 1783-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "Inclosed I send you an Act of the Genl. Assembly of Rhode Island for submitting to the People at Large the New Constitution, this specious measure was warmly opposed by the Minority, but notwithstanding it was carried by a Majority of nineteen or twenty." Congratulates Knox on Massachusetts' adoption of the Constitution.

GLC02437.03813

13 April 1788

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Henry Knox]

Expresses concern about the ratification of the Constitution and what it might mean for his future career. Describes his "native Ambition of serving [his] Country in Some...capacity..." Asks for help in obtaining a government position and mentions prior experience in commerce and goes on to state that "the establishment of which on proper principles view as one of the great leading Steps to our future national greatness..." States that he has applied for a consulship in Spain. Watermarked "C Taylor" and with a hunting horn in a crest with "GR" underneath.

GLC02437.10212

January 14, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Knox updates Washington on various state conventions meeting to decide on ratification of the United States Constitution. Writes, "The new Constitution has hitherto been as well received as could have been expected considering the various existing opinions prejudices and parties in the respective states." Reports that Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut have all voted in favor of ratification. Mentions Jeremiah and James Wadsworth, both part of the Connecticut convention. Thinks Connecticut's decision to ratify will influence the Massachusetts convention (Massachusetts…

GLC02437.03762

January 12, 1788

Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Carrington reports, "I have as yet passed through no more of this state than what is called the Northern Neck- there I find the opponents of the Constitution pretty numerous and vociferous." Mentions that [Richard Henry] Lee "has in great measure declined to act in the opposition, finding that even his own family have separated from him." Declares that in the southern part of Virginia, many influential figures have united on the "wrong side." Mentions that Governor [Edmund] Randolph has "committed to the public view his opinions as to the conduct which it will be wise now to pursue with…

GLC02437.03758

January 20, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Egbert Benson

Knox reports on the proceedings of the Massachusetts Constitutional ratification convention. Notes that there are "150 decidedly for the constitution, about 120 decidedly against it- and about 50 or 60 who appear to determine to hear all that can be said on both sides and then vote as they shall think right, Mr S Adams is in this class.- on the whole it is highly probable that the Constitution will be adopted." Expects the decision to be made about the Constitution in less than a fortnight. Location inferred.

GLC02437.03766

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