Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to Marquis de Lafayette
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03860 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: New York, New York Type: Manuscript letter Date: 26 April 1788 Pagination: 5 p. : docket ; 32.5 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Contemporary secretarial copy of a letter sent to Lafayette. References Lafayette's letters from November 1787 and February 1788. Says that "The Convention by you Mr. Jefferson and Common Sense [Thomas Paine], judge wisely respecting the New Constitution requiring some amendments & of the time they should be effected." Of the Constitutional Convention says "The unanimity of the former convention may be regarded as a rare evidence of the empire of reason." Believes there will not have to be another convention. Says it is likely that nine states will accept the constitution over the next 2-3 months. Says New York will have its ratifying convention in June and hopes the acceptance of other states will influence them to vote for it. Goes into other state's conventions. Lashes out at Rhode Island. Gives Lafayette an update on Catherine Greene, the wife of the late General Nathanael Greene. Seems like she wants to send her son George to France to study. Asks for an updated list of French officers in the Society of the Cincinnati so he can send them diplomas. Says war seems less likely in Europe now, but that the English "however are haughty and overbearing - too much so I am apprehensive, for a firm and durable peace." Below the docket, a later note initialed by "EY" sums up the letter and states that Lafayette's letters to Knox referenced in this letter is feared lost. In the hand of William Knox.
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