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Lamenting Shays' Rebellion, writes I feel, my dear Genl. Knox, infinitely more than I can express to you, for the disorders which have arisen in these States. Good God! who besides a tory could have foreseen, or a Briton predicted them! Alludes to combustibles in every State, which a spark might set fire to. Notes that Virginia is (at the moment) calm, but worries over disputes regarding navigation of the Mississippi. Discusses an amendment to the existing Constitution regarding paper emissions and military certificates. Expresses sadness regarding the recent death of General Nathanael Greene. Comments on Knox's previous references to the inadequacy of the present government, and the need for a change in this regard. Predicts that Great Britain is sowing the seeds of jealousy and discontent and will improve every opportunity to foment the spirit of turbulence within the bowels of the United States. Recommends vigilance in this period of unrest. In a post script, send his and Martha's love and congratulates Knox and his wife Lucy on the birth of another child. Recently received letters from General Tupper while Tupper was in the Western country.
Writes, The insurgents who were assembled at Worcester in Massachusetts have disbanded- The people at Boston seem to be glad at this event and say it was the effect of fear- But the fact is that the insurgents effected their object, which was to prevent the Court of Common Pleas from proceeding to business. It is probable that the seizing some of the insurgents at Middlesex occasioned a greater number of them to assemble at Worcester than otherwise would have assembled merely on Account of preventing the common Pleas. Adds that it appears that the government planned to bring the insurgents to action but was prevented by uncommonly deep snow. Declares, The commotions of Massachusetts have wrought prodigious changes in the minds of men in that State respecting the Powers of Government every body says they must be strengthned, and that unless this shall be effected, there is no Security for liberty or Property. Hopes to see Washington along with Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth in Philadelphia in a few days. Retained copy.
Writes that he is unaware of a present being sent from the King of France to General George Washington; declares that Colonel Laurens received money and goods but he thought they had been purchased. Provides information about a wartime incident featuring General Washington and the Comte de Grasse (much of this section is crossed out). May have been verifying information for the Reverend Doctor Gordon's history of the war (see GLC02437.03247). See GLC02437.03258 for a legible copy of the section describing this incident.
Writes that he hopes to be able to visit General Washington at Mount Vernon soon. Is convinced of the General's affection for him and feels sure that his limited correspondence will not be misconstrued; is aware that responding to too many letters can be difficult, and he has been traveling to and from Massachusetts on both public and private business, which has prevented him from writing. Argues that the political system currently in place is inadequate: The powers of Congress are utterly inadequate to preserve the balance between the respective States, and oblige them to do those things which are essential for [strikeout] their own welfare or for the general good. Believes that all states are at odds with each other, at odds with the central government, and at odds within themselves. Comments that the political machine works against the public interest, especially regarding taxes. Writes, we have arrived at that point of time, in which we are forced to see our own humiliation as a nation and that a progression in this line cannot be productive of happiness either private or public - Something is wanting - and something must [struck: be obtained] be done, or we shall be involved in all the horror of faction and civil war, without a prospect of its termination. Has reason to believe there will be war with the Indians in the frontier, and explains that more troops will be added in the region. Also adds his sadness at the recent death of General [Nathanael] Greene, and his happiness at the birth of another daughter. He and his wife send their love to Washington and his wife. Knox's retained draft.
Discusses a recent letter from Williams. Writes that the recent acts of government will help contain the insurgents (referring to Shays' Rebellion, which happened in Springfield, Massachusetts in late September 1786).
Later copy of GLC02437.03273.
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, thanking Knox for his valuable public service, as Knox is about to retire as Secretary of War. Copied from original 7 February 1854 according to note on first page.
Has received Wadsworth's last letter, and so has the Board of Treasury. Hopes he will not delay coming; everything rests on him, as everything stops until he and Mr. [Robert] Morris sign the papers (they are preparing a loan to Congress). Writes, For Gods sake do not delay a single moment longer than is indispensably necessary. Discusses the Shays insurgents and mentions that he does not believe they will recede. Will write via Mr. [Rufus] King if he hears any more news. Also mentions several people who have been recently elected from Maryland to the national Congress.
Writes that he would have responded immediately to Dwight's last letter but was concerned that writing by the post might be injurious to Dwight. Discusses whether letters sent to him would arrive safely. Mentions the importance of news about the affairs in western Massachusetts (referring to Shays' Rebellion), and discusses whether the insurgents will take the oaths presented by the government.
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.