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Later copy of a letter written to Henry Knox, briefly discussing the beginning of the Constitutional Convention, and his election as chair of the Convention. Copy made on 1 February 1854 according to note at top of first page.
Relates reasons for not wanting to attend the Constitutional Convention, including the possibility that all states might not attend (rendering representation partial). Notes that if all Delegates attend with the power to address and cure the defects of the Constitution, the Convention will be a worthwhile endeavor. Asks Knox to find out from his friends in Congress the degree of power Delegates will possess. Also asks him to probe for others' views regarding his attendance (or non-attendance). Hopes to see Knox in Philadelphia before the Convention (Knox will be there for a Society of the Cincinnati meeting), and to discuss the various problems with participating in the Convention. Fears the Convention may result in division. Complains of a recent Rheumatic complaint which may prevent his attendance in Philadelphia.
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing whether or not he should attend the Constitutional Convention. Debates pros and cons of the convention, and requests Knox's opinion on the matter. Copy made 3 February 1854.
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, reporting on events at the Constitutional Convention. Copy made 1 February 1854.
Says he has probably already heard of the results of the Constitutional Convention. Says The propositions being essentially different, in many respects from the existing Confederation, and which will probably produce different national effects, are contemplated by the public at large with an anxious attention. The discussions are commenced in the news papers & in Pamphlets, with all the freedom & liberality which challenge a people who are searching by their own experience after a form of government most productive of happiness. Expresses his affinity for a stronger national government and believes the new constitution will provide it. Goes on to claim it is not a perfect document though and There are several things in it that I confess I could wish to be altered. Says the people are ready for the change and that it will be discussed fully. Predicts parties will be raised during the debate. Discusses state ratification. Will send an update from time to time. Mentions European affairs and fears French aggression. Asks for news. Says Washington is doing well, but that his crops are injured by severe drought. Encloses a copy of the Constitution (not included). Docketed by William Knox.
Reports on Massachusetts' adoption of the Constitution of the United States. Writes, It may with great truth be asserted that no subject was ever more candidly debated- Many of the minority express their determination, of inculcating the principle of union among their constituents. Categorizes those who oppose the Constitution into three groups: the insurgent interest, the desperate debtors, and honest men, without information whose minds are apprehensive of danger to their Liberties. Encloses a paper containing a description of the demonstration of Joy by the Boston people on the occasion (not present). Notes that New Hampshire's ratification convention assembled the previous day.
Severely faded on p. 1 right margin (from water damage). Also, opposition in remaining states and predicting revolution in France. Accompanied by provenance note of John F. Smith. This document had been removed from Gen. Knox's papers by his granddaughter in the nineteenth century.
King discusses the Constitutional Convention: Seven states assembled on the 25th and appointed Gen. Washington President & Maj. Jackson Secretary of the Convention. If Connecticut, Georgia & Massachusetts are represented tomorrow, we will have ten States - I hope this will be the case but the event is uncertain - No proposition has been agitated except in private conversation, and excepting the mere organization of the convention we are as when you left us. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Mentions that Samuel Shaw is probably in Canton, China and was in India during the last year. Updates Fleury on the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia and the progress of ratifying the constitution in each state. A convention or representation of all the States excepting Rhode Island met in Philadelphia in the month of May last and after four months deliberation agreed on the Constitution herein enclosed (not present). Goes on to state, This constitution is to be submitted to a convention chosen by the people of each state, and adds that Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey have already adopted it. Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire will probably adopt it in a few more weeks. The states most opposed are Virginia, New York and Rhode Island but Knox believes all the states will eventually adopt it. Reports from Europe indicate a war between England and France. Knox says that come when it may he wishes France all possible success. Docket, in the hand of William Knox, notes this as a copy.
Replies to her letter from 2 May (GLC02437.03539). Discusses a financial matter involving Winslow Warren (Warren's son), Mr. Hawkins, Knox's brother William, and Mr. Breck. Apologizes for not being able to fully comply with her request from 2 May due to William's limited power in that regard. Knox discusses the present state of government, and the divided nature of the states, in the context of the Constitutional Convention, which gathered at Philadelphia 25 May. Discusses the present awful crisis- I arrange in my imagination two or three hundred millions of [our] posterity with their eyes fixed on our conduct, ready to applaud our wisdom or to execrate our folly. Praises a book by Mr. Adams, noting that it should have been called The Soul of a Free Government, (likely commenting on John Adams's book, A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America). Comments that paper money - and ex post facto Laws are the main springs of the American governments. Mentions the Cincinnati (likely the Society of the Cincinnati). Reflects on the Constitutional Convention and the men attending it: Should they possess the hardihood to be unpopular and propose an efficient national government from the entanglements of the present defective state [systems], we may yet be a happy and great nation. Adds, Should they possess local and not general views should they propose to patch up the wretched & defective thing called the confederation- look out ye patriots- supplicate heaven separate anarchies will take place... Discusses the issue of state's rights versus national power, The state governments should be deprived of the power of injuring themselves or the nation. The people have parted with power enough to form an excellent constitution- But it is intercepted and diffused among hordes which cannot use it to good purpose- It must be [concerted] in a national government. The power of that government should be divided between a strong executive, senate, and assembly.... every thing should be defined, marked, and checked according to the highest human wisdom- an attempt to overleap the bounds of the Constitution should be punished on the absolute certainty of great severity. Writes that in this letter, he only suggested the smallest possible changes that can be made to the government. Anything less will be to precipitate us in to the gulph of separate anarchies or the issue of which we may see established seperate tyrannies. This is Knox's draft. The sent copy of this letter is in the Warren-Adams Papers at the Massachusetts Historical Society.