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

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

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

17 June 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he will be able to pay his dividend of bank stock in early July. Asks that Knox inform him if he decides to draw on Wadsworth immediately for 2,000 dollars. Writes, "I am obliged to have recourse to some Magic to get hold of Money on your warrants- but you see I am not without some success." Thanks Knox for transmitting news of the likelihood of Virginia's adoption of the Constitution.

GLC02437.03901

22 June 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked as private. Discusses financial matters related to warrants. Informs Knox he can draw on Wadsworth for two thousand dollars. Mentions a secret financial transaction he promises to explain when he next sees Knox. Writes, "... their [sic] has been such cursed work between the collectors & sherrifs that I am afraid their will be trouble enough before we have got through with ye settlement of our old taxes." Has been in hopes of getting "good news" from Virginia, referring to the Constitutional ratification convention of that state. "Free" handwritten on address leaf with no…

GLC02437.03906

22 June 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Reports that he will draw on Wadsworth for $2,000 to "answer the present exigencies- after which the connecticut recruits are to be paid and marched." Hopes a company will be ready to march from West Point by 10 July. Of the Virginia Constitutional ratification convention, writes: "The business in Virginia is critical indeed- So nearly balanced that neither side can determine which has the majority but this is independent of the Kentucky members amounting to 14- Those Gentlemen will determine the fate of America.... You see my dear sir on what a slender thread depends the future happiness…

GLC02437.03907

26 June 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Promises Knox one thousand dollars in addition to the two thousand already given. Discusses the safety of sending the money by stage. Congratulates Knox on New Hampshire's ratification of the Constitution, noting "is it possible the an[cient] Dominion [Virginia] can reject it. if they do who can think of a Curse that is equal to their Crime- [William] Grayson and [James] Monroe how- unaccountable their conduct are you not convinced their is a Hell - is any other punishment but [illegible] unquenchable fire equal to the crime of destroying the [fairest] hopes of a world - Adam & Eve […

GLC02437.03914

29 June 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wadsworth discusses arrangements for getting money to Knox. Promises to bring two thousand dollars to New York, and will make sure another thousand arrives in New York by mid-July. In closing, writes, "Virginia must adopt the Constitution I cant bear to think they will not..." "Free" handwritten on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03919

3 July 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Wadsworth writes, "We celebrated the Independence of America the 3d instead of the fourth- as our members the Society of the Cincinnati live so remote they could not have returned home before Sunday had we delayed." Remarks that during a sermon given for the celebration, they received news that Virginia ratified the Constitution. Plans to soon bring Knox money they had previously discussed. Docketed in pencil, possibly at a later date.

GLC02437.03924

January 20, 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses ratifying the new Constitution. Feels unsure of his own position as many of his friends oppose his viewpoints. Expresses a fear that [i]f New York should after all not come in - the new constitution will be in danger..." Signature is cut out. Watermarked "C Taylor" and with a hunting horn inside a crest and "GR" underneath.

GLC02437.10211

February 17, 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that Mr. [Rufus] King will inform Knox of "everything," that is, events that recently transpired at the Massachusetts State ratifying convention. Writes, "The [sic] was a necessity in the Convention of mentioning Rhode Island as having prohibited the attendance of their members in Congress- an advertizm has appeared in order to give a false colour to that business- and a use is intended to be made of it at the meeting of the Legislature- I have therefore written in the inclosed Letter to Mr K requesting him to get me copies of every thing relative to that affair & to forward it…

GLC02437.03802

February 6, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson comments on the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution: "HUZZA HUZZA - as you must be anxious & to keep you from suspense a moment I have the extreme pleasure to inform you, that the grand question was put this Afternoon at 5 O Clock by yeas & nays, and was determined in favor of the Constitution by a majority of 19- the whole number present when the vote was taken was 355- of that number 187 were yeas- and 168 nays..." Remarks that he attended in the gallery from 9:00 am, eating a dinner of gingerbread and cheese. Exclaims, "The moment…

GLC02437.03788

February 17, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Hopes to be able to inform Knox by the next post that New Hampshire ratified the Federal Constitution "as every account from that quarter gives encouragement to that effect." Of Massachusetts' ratification, writes, "...the Federalists in this State increase daily and there is every reason to think that the people at large (except the Insurgent Interest) are fully satisfied with the Ratification, however some persons may say to the contrary." Comments on [James] Swan's debt and asks about his copper contract with the Treasury. Notes that his appointment to Federal regiments has almost…

GLC02437.03800

February 6, 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that Massachusetts ratified the Constitution of the United States by a majority of twenty-one. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03789

February 17, 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a letter to be forwarded to General [Arthur] St. Clair. Had assumed he would meet St. Clair in New York and that an Indian treaty would be negotiated by St. Clair in April. Plans to remain in Boston until the meeting of the Ohio Company, to be held in March at Providence, Rhode Island. Refers to Ohio Company business, mentioning Captain [Thomas] Hutchins. Mentions the majority by which the United States Constitution was passed in Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03799

February 27, 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Gorham comments on New Hampshire's progress toward ratifying the Constitution. Writes, "We have met with a small repulse at N Hampshire... I have the best reason to suppose they will approve at their next meeting- no question was taken upon the main question- a number who came under adverse instructions were convinced & urged the adjournment in order that they might explain to their Towns..." Asks Knox to send an enclosure (not included) to [Don Diego de] Gardoqui. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03809

1865

Lieber, Francis, 1800-1872

Pamphlet

Title: Amendments of the Constitution, submitted to the consideration of the American people.

Argues for constitutional amendments to abolish slavery, establish universal citizenship and prosecute treason. Issued during the ratification process of the Thirteenth Amendment proposes a number of amendments, and discusses them in context of constitutional theory and Civil War history. The Thirteenth Amendment would soon be ratified, followed by the Fourteenth Amendment in 1868, which would be similar to some of the ideas put forward in this pamphlet. Published by the Loyal Publication Society, which published over one hundred pamphlets on various political topics during the Civil War…

GLC08996

22 June 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports New Hampshire's ratification of the Constitution. Writes, "a few hours since an express arrived from the Town of Concord in the State of New Hamshire [sic] where the Convention of that State met for the consideration of the proposed General Government, & brings the most important information that yesterday noon they ratified the Constitution by a majority of 11- that is to say- 57 yeas- & 46 nays. I am this moment from his Excellency the Gover [John Hancock] who shew me [his] Letter he recd - from General [John] Sullivan on that subject they have proposed nearly the same…

GLC02437.03910