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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.
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.
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing the Society of the Cincinnati, and the light in which it is viewed in France. Copy made 3 February 1854.
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.
Knox's retained draft, riddled with struck text and insertions. Acknowledges receipt of applications Washington sent for admission into the Society of the Cincinnati. Comments on the Constitution at great length: In the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut, the great object of organizing the new Constitution has engrossed the attention of the people. Notes that Rhode Island's paper money system and tender laws are sufficiently characteristick of their pursuits. Refers to the Constitution, the new government, and Federalism in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Virginia and New Jersey. Declares, Mr. John Adams will probably have the plurality of views for vice President- from his principles of government as well his professions of regard to the character universally decided on for the President- he will probably be one of the best characters for the office of vice president. Notes that his three youngest children have had the measles. In a post script, reports that Major Haskell, who is on his way to Europe, hopes to obtain a certificate of service from Washington.
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.
Marked Copy. Letter in a secretarial hand. Says that Joel Barlow, later known as one of the Connecticut Wits, will deliver this letter. Knox identifies Barlow as the author of The vision of Columbus, a long epic poem in heroic couplets. Barlow went to Europe as an agent for a company that wanted to sell western lands to French emigrants. Knox says Barlow is traveling with the son of Nathanael Greene, George Washington Greene, who is to study with Lafayette in France. Says Catharine Greene and Colonel Wadsworth have written him on the subject of Master Washington's education, and he will not say much on it. Proceeds to say The Classics and modern languages as being the work of memory will probably constitute his first studies, together with learning the necessary personal exercises to form his manners. Says mathematics, geography, astronomy, and drawing should come later. Says his removal to France will honor the memory of his father. Praises the young man's character and disposition. Says his last letter to Lafayette was on 26 April. Thanks Lafayette for sending the Dutch patriot Vander Kemp to meet him. Updates him on state conventions on the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Says Maryland was the 7th state to ratify. Says the election for the New York convention delegates has recently taken place, but that the results are not known yet. Believes it will be a balanced delegation of those for and against it. Says Were the New Constitution to have required the Unanimous assent of all the states it would never have been adopted - But as it require only nine states in the first instance, it may be in full operation, in one year from the present time. In the hand of William Knox.
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.