Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810 to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03821 Author/Creator: Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810 Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 March 1788 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 22.8 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Carrington, a Continental Congressman from Virginia, reflects on Massachusetts' adoption of the Constitution (in February 1788) and what it will mean for Virginia: "The decision of Massachusetts is perhaps the most important event that ever took place in America, as upon her in all probability depended the fate of the Constitution- had she rejected I am certain there would not have been the most remote chance for its adoption in Virginia- the demoniac spirit has within a few weeks passed from the few in whom it was generated, to the mass of the people & rages in such a manner as to give an unfortunate turn to the elections which are now making for the convention-" Comments that the political factions in his state can be divided into three main categories: Anti-federalists, Federalists who want to adopt the Constitution with amendments, and Federalists who want to adopt the Constitution without amendments. Worries that "a great proportion of the assembly will be so overborn by the declamatory powers of Mr. [Patrick] Henry as to be deceived into his measures although their ultimate views may be intirely different."
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