Peirce, John, 1750-1798 to Henry Knox

Gives information about events in Virginia related to ratifying the Constitution. Encloses an act [not present] "now adopted by the legislature," about calling a convention. States that, "the policy of the state is against the constitution and the union itself. a great majority of the members of the Legislature are opposed to it - but the body of the people at large continues in favor of it." Believes the representatives will cave when they return home and are influenced by the people. Mentions the recommendation of Congress respecting British debt and states, "Patrick Henry is against paying them in any way. Paper money is kicked out of doors." Informs that a committee proposed a law to limit the importation of "distilled spirituous liquors" but there is doubt it will pass. On the second page, in a postscript, Peirce relays a situation involving judges in a county court who have adjourned without doing any business, purportedly to avoid having to render debt judgments against themselves. Says they are worse than the [Daniel] Shays mob. The people are petitioning against their conduct. Ends by stating that the House of Delegates have petitioned Congress about the navigation of the Mississippi River. [Patrick] Henry introduced it, "to shew in a forcible manner how the commercial interests of the Southern States are sacrificed by the Northern whenever it suits their convenience. This gentleman fires his shot at the new constitution every opportunity." Stamped "Richmond." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.