Sherburne, Henry, 1748-1824 to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for sending his application to President Washington and also informs him that the Rhode Island state convention adjourned without discussing the question of whether or not to adopt the Constitution. Writes that "[t]his Extraordinary Step was warmly opposed, but without effect; Reason, Duty, necessity, and every other Argument was made use of, to no purpose." Feels that the Anti-federalist party is postponing the decision only to serve their own selfish motivations and secure their own representatives in the senate. Writes that "[t]he Convention in Order to Cover their design and keep in with the Ignorant, have by a Committee of their Body reported a Number of Articles [inserted: they] call a Bill of Rights, all of which the Constitution has provided for; Likewise Nineteen Amendments to the Constitution, principally taken from New York, Massachusetts, and North Carolina, this Notable performance they have ordered printed and Sent to the Several Towns in the State for the Information of the people on proxing Day. This Cobweb Covering to their Iniquity, will be set in a True Light, and that advantage which they expect to derive therefrom will be turned to their Injury." Also forwards a copy of the Newport Herald (not included) which covers the proceedings of the convention. Ends by stating he hopes they find deliverance from the men, "whose great Object is to destroy good Government."