Washington, George, 1732-1799 to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09417 Author/Creator: Washington, George, 1732-1799 Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 March 1788 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket Height: 32 cm, Width: 20.2 cm Order a Copy
Relates that he received a letter from Knox, and that Mr. Madison informed him Knox had recovered from a "severe indisposition." Discusses ratification of the Constitution at state conventions, commenting that New Hampshire's behavior has baffled other states due to a long adjournment. Notes that if Virginia rejects the Constitution, all those states following it will do the same, and the Constitution will not be adopted. Relates that northern Virginia supports the Constitution, while in general, southern Virginia is opposed. Comments that the Kentucke district (Kentucky County, which later became the State of Kentucky) will have great weight in deciding this question, and that residents of that area fear the new government will "barter away the right of Navigation to River Mississippi." Comments that New Hampshire's adjournment will give strength to the Constitution's opposition in New York. Sends his good wishes to Knox and his wife, Lucy.
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