Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810 to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03476 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810 Place Written: Pittsfield, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1-3 March 1787 Pagination: 6 p. : docket ; 22.7 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses the convention (referring to the upcoming Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia) and his views of the people's ideas of changes Congress would bring about. "I have not the most distant idea that the people would adopt any recommendations of Congress in which the inlargement of their powers are included; they would immediately become jealous of them that the few were attempting to influence the many: sentiments like these would be thrown out .. " In relation to Shays' Rebellion, describes skirmishes with the rebels in Stockbridge and Barrington, Massachusetts. He has heard that Connecticut and New York have dispersed the sheltered rebels in their states and that the rebels may go up to Vermont. Believes that if Vermont shelters them, the state must be responsible for their conduct. Continues to discuss other aspects of the rebellion. Knox's docket refers to an enclosure, with remarks on the disfranchisement of Massachusetts rebels (see GLC02437.03477).
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