9 July 1789

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a bill under discussion in the Court [probably the General Court of Massachusetts] dealing with "revenue collection." Had planned to leave the following day for New York, but believes that he will have to delay the trip for business reasons. Expects to arrive in New York by Thursday, 16 July. Asks Knox to visit the President on his behalf and recommend a Mr. Melvil for a government appointment. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.04278

29 September 1789

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the difficulties he is having in finding an agent. Mentions asking Rufus Putnam, but he "is so taken up with his Ohio concerns that I cannot prevail on him to undertake it." Has also tried to ask the surveyor, a Mr. DeWit, but he also cannot do the job. Is attempting to contact others to be present "at the runing [sic] the line" (perhaps drawing of land boundaries) in order to prevent any future land disputes. Asks Knox to help and "inform the President of the steps I have taken - As I came from home with only two shirts & very little money in my pocket & without the…

GLC02437.04371

January 12, 1790

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks for Knox's advice concerning the federal assumption of state debt, specifically the states of Massachusetts, Georgia, and North Carolina. Makes his own suggestions, and asks Knox to share it with Alexander Hamilton and others. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.04470

January 20, 1790

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the issue of state debt, writing "We understand here that Mr. Hamiltons report on finance was to be made on Thursday last - various are the conjectures on the nature of it. Many suppose that a proposal for the assumption of the State debts will make a part of it - The Antis generally and some Federalists who are under apprehensions for the support of the State Governments will be opposed to the assumption and the former have very generally circulated an idea that the People will be subjected to a very heavy and perpetual Land tax in consequence of it - This is a most powerful Engine…

GLC02437.04476

17 April 1790

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says he has been laid up for the past week with the gout. Discusses a proposed congressional bill to regulate proceedings with the Indians. Gorham wants this to be extended to the Six Nations, stating "it is of great consiquence [sic] that more Indians should be kept in good temper - The more Southern Indians made application to them last Autumn to joyn with them in hostilities - but after a long consultation they refused - More overtures will undoubtedly be renewed & if some attention is not paid to them they may be successfull [sic]..." Says his son plans on settling down in that…

GLC02437.04588

24 November 1794

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a gentleman who is awaiting his next assignment. Requests Knox to contact the gentleman regarding the matter. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.06253

1 April 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Believes that George Washington's attendance at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia "will add weight to their proceedings - the spirit of electioneering has exceeding any before known ... " Discusses the election for the Massachusetts governor and believes that John Hancock will win the seat. Noted as written in Charlestown, which is now a part of Boston, Massachusetts. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03510

29 November 1786

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from "Charles Town," possibly Charlestown, Massachusetts, where Gorham was born. Asks Knox to deliver a letter he has enclosed to his daughter. Relates information on preparations Massachusetts has made to confront the insurgents associated with Shays' Rebellion. Describes how they thought the insurgents would stand and fight, but upon realizing that their reinforcements would not be joining them, they ran. Explains that "it is happy for them they did not come," because the government had prepared its own troops to fight. There is now a good chance that a government force will…

GLC02437.03355

13 December 1786

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he had planned to write him a long letter but the Governor sent him on a consultation. Writes, "There is no militia in Hampshire or Worcester that have artilery [sic] - & they are expecting soon to be called & advise not to take any from the arsenal untill the moment it is wanted & then to take what may be necessary- in the mean time to write to Congress on the subject - various reasons might be given why the Government party should not touch the public the stores- & at any rate not untill the moment the business is to be put at issue - however I hope there will…

GLC02437.03377

December 31, 1786

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter and "shall endeavour to impress the sentiments therein contained. I shall be at Boston tomorrow & will se the Governor if possible. it will not be easy to have any considerable conversation with as he now has his councill in Town, in order I presume to prepare their arrangements for the protection of the Court at Worcester on the 23d of January- I have reason to think it will be spiritedly done- but as the success of the business in some of its parts may depend much upon secrecy I have avoided inquiry, as to particulars." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03397

11 March 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses an issue concerning the salary of the governor. States that "One step they [the General Court] took[,] I am afraid[,] will be injurious in the approach[ing] election - which is that the two Towns passed a Bill to reduce the Governor salary to eight hundred pounds." Believes that the state did not honor the agreement made with the governor concerning his income. Writes that "such is the diversity of opinion among the People that I shall not be surprised if there is no Governor or Lieut Gov. chosen by them." Notes that the state has chosen its delegates for the meeting in Philadelphia…

GLC02437.03488

25 October 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Massachusetts legislature setting a date to meet and decide whether or not to ratify the Constitution. Mentions changing the date from "the 12 of December to the second Wednesday of January - the numbers present 161 - voted for the question 129 - Killam of Newbury port was very troublesome but he was so nice & so much upon the hair splitting plan that no body knows exactly what he would be at - write me what you hear respecting the business from the Southward -" Stamped "Boston." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03681

30 October 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the ratification of the Constitution and states that "[t]hings look pretty well. Though there is an opposition preparing - but I do not think it will be sufficient to answer the intention of some." Lists opponents and supporters of Constitution in Massachusetts, "Gov. Hancock [Mr.] Bowdoin & Parson Stillman will be of the convention from Boston - the choice of the latter will undoubtedly be attended with good consiquences in attaching the Baptists." Encloses a letter to Benjamin Franklin (not present) in which he asks for a copy of a speech Franklin made to the constitutional…

GLC02437.03689

4 December 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Feels encouraged by good news regarding Pennsylvania and Connecticut's reception of the Constitution. Wishes he could say the same about Massachusetts, but "Mr. Gerry's Letter has done infinite mischief." Writes "I have rec'd a considerable share of Personal abuse in the News Papers but it shall not discourage me from exerting my small share of influence in so good a cause." Has published Benjamin Franklin's remarks just before signing the Constitution. Noted sideways at bottom of second page, "Poor Spear hanged himself last night." Written in Charles Town, which is now a part of Boston,…

GLC02437.03720

16 December 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is "very anxious to hear from Delaware Pensylvania [sic] & Jersey," in reference to whether those states ratified the constitution. Describes the situation in Massachusetts, "The prospects rather brightens here. There is one hundred good Men chosen in this neighborhood & the other parts of the Sea Coast - a great number of Towns choose tomorrow among which are such a number of good ones that I think we may count on 50 members of the right sort. That added to the former with the few good ones that will come from the three Western Counties - I think will secure the Point…

GLC02437.03727

6 January 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Massachusetts convention scheduled to meet in February to decide on ratification of the Constitution of the United States. Relates that the Boston Delegates to the state convention dined with [James] Bowdoin the previous Thursday. Discusses the aftermath of [Samuel] Adams's opposition to ratification. Reports that Nantucket "from their foolish religious whims will not send to the establishment of a Government which has a right to raise armies... so five votes are lost- when they will be needed enough- for from several untoward circumstances the elections have gone wrong in…

GLC02437.03754

January 16, 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Of Massachusetts' possible ratification of the Constitution, writes: "...we are hard at work- & the prospect not very good- numbers are at present against us- & the opposition leaders say they are sure of the Victory." Comments on various delegates. Instructs Knox to keep this letter confidential, noting "I believe some Letters have been written from NYork which have done damage." Date from docket. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03764

February 3, 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a paper discussing details of the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution (paper not included). Predicts the numbers will be 185 for and 160 against ratification, although the Anti-Federalists claim they have a majority of ten. Writes, "I confess that I shall be more mortified if they are right in their conjecture than I have ever been in my life. I cannot think but we shall carry the question- I shall give you the earliest notice." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03782

19 March 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Massachusetts politics, primarily the election for governor and lieutenant governor. Replies to a recent letter from Knox. Writes, "I can hardly think myself of consiquence [sic] enough to receive the notice or emolument under the general Government that will be equal to Lieut Governor of this State- however I have discouraged every attempt that would otherways have been made to bring me into view." Mentions that some of their mutual friends want Benjamin Lincoln to be elected lieutenant governor, "provided the business is brought to a point between him & Gen W-" (likely…

GLC02437.03826

6 April 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports, "The Legislature is up- & no great damage done- tomorrow for electioneering-" Expects that John Hancock will retain his post as Governor of Massachusetts. Predicts that General Benjamin Lincoln or James Warren will be elected Lieutenant Governor. Notes, "both sides are upon the stretch of exertion for the choice of Senators." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03832

30 November 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

"The close of the business relative to the Senators you must ere this have seen in the News papers considering the jumble it wound up very well every thing perfectly quiet and peaceable at present." Transmits a letter for Mr. Morris. Sends his regards to Lucy Knox. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.04039

15 March 1789

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks him to forward the enclosed letter to Mr. [Samuel] Ogden. Provides a brief report on politics (apparently election results) in New England. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.04143

22 March 1789

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he arrived home safely. Discusses the "business of electioneering" in publications, especially the apparent desire to slander General [Benjamin] Lincoln's name. Believes Mr. [Samuel] Adams has an equal chance of winning. Mentions business with the Flucker estate, including a bond that Mr. [Thomas] Flucker had against Gorham's brother, and another bond young Mr. [Isaac] Winslow had against Gorham's brother. Discusses financial negotiations and asks if Knox can intervene with Winslow on his brother's behalf. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.04148

29 March 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nathan Dane

Written by New Hampshire Continental Congressman Gorham (who stepped down from the presidency of the Congress on 2 February 1787) to Massachusetts Continental Congressman Dane. Claims he has never seen such electioneering before and says he believes John Hancock will the race for governor of Massachusetts (Hancock did win). Provides other insights into politics and that "the Country People are riding about from Town to Town comparing and contriving," for candidates. Hopes to see Dane in New York and encloses a bill of exchange for a Mr. Bidloe (not included here).

GLC02471.15

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