Download Free Henry Knox To Egbert Benson About Ratification Of The Constitution In Massachusetts 20 January 1788 Book in PDF and EPUB Free Download. You can read online Henry Knox To Egbert Benson About Ratification Of The Constitution In Massachusetts 20 January 1788 and write the review.

Knox reports on the proceedings of the Massachusetts Constitutional ratification convention. Notes that there are 150 decidedly for the constitution, about 120 decidedly against it- and about 50 or 60 who appear to determine to hear all that can be said on both sides and then vote as they shall think right, Mr S Adams is in this class.- on the whole it is highly probable that the Constitution will be adopted. Expects the decision to be made about the Constitution in less than a fortnight. Location inferred.
Discusses the debt of Mr. Swan, possibly Colonel James Swan. Gives details of the Massachusetts ratifying convention, noting that the printers are allow'd seats in the house for the purpose of taking down and publishing the debates from day to day... Declares, It is astonishing to see the weight of respectability, integrity, [property], & ability on the side of the proposed constitution, and on the other side the -- -- characters that oppose it... Includes a list of the number of Federalists and Anti-federalists at the convention by county. Notes that [Elbridge] Gerry is sitting in on debates to answer questions, but has been taking minutes, which Jackson and others consider indelicate on his part. Relates that if Samuel Adams chooses to express his opposition, he will say but little, as the meeting of the mechanicks of this Town & their proceedings must and will have an influence over him... Relates that Samuel Adams's son recently died, as did Benjamin Lincoln, Jr.
Reports news of the Massachusetts ratifying convention. Writes, The Convention are still seting they have now under debate one of the most important articles, that is, the powers of Congress... the Federal party are gaining ground every day, so much so, that the Anti's are much alarmed & talk of proposing an adjournment in order to influence the Country at large against the Constitution... Notes that Mr. Gerry (possibly Elbridge Gerry) sat in at the convention, and his notes have been published. Because of his description of Judge [Francis] Dana, Dana will not return unless the Convention justified his conduct...
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.
Of Massachusetts' possible ratification of the Constitution, writes: ...we are hard at work- & the prospect not very good- numbers are at present against us- & the opposition leaders say they are sure of the Victory. Comments on various delegates. Instructs Knox to keep this letter confidential, noting I believe some Letters have been written from NYork which have done damage. Date from docket. Signatory of the U.S. Constitution.
Discusses business affairs, mentioning Benjamin Hichborn. Comments on the Massachusetts state convention meeting to decide on ratification of the United States Constitution: We have upwards of 325 Members in Convention- no one can yet determine what will be the result, all good men wish & pray for its adoption - I flatter myself it will finally be obtained. at present they move slowly & with great caution - all the able sensible men are full in favor of it - by g-d it must pass.
King writes from the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution. Declares, Our hopes do not diminish, although our confidence is not complete- The opposition are less positive of their strength, & those few among them who are honest & capable of Reflection appear uneasy concerning the Fate of the Question... Mentions a proposal published in the [Massachusetts] Centinel for a conditional ratification. Writes, [John] Hancock is still confined, he appears to me to wish well to the Constitution but don't care to risque any thing in its favor. Notes that Elbridge Gerry left and has not been reinvited (Gerry, an Antifederalist, previously sat in at the Massachusetts convention). Free stamped on address leaf with no signature. Signatory of the U.S. Constitution.
Later copy of GLC02437.03793. A note at the top of page one states, Recd. from Mr Bancroft Feb 1857. Knox relates details of the Massachusetts ratifying convention: On Wednesday the 30th ultimo, Mr. Hancock was well enough to take his seat in the convention. On Thursday he brought forward the proposition for adopting the Constitution, and for recommending certain alterations agreeably to the paper herein enclosed [not included]. The propositions were seconded by Mr. Samuel Adams, and committed to a large committee being Federalists. Notes that the friends of Hancock and [James] Bowdoin have united on the issue. Reports, Handsome things are said of the open and decisive conduct of Mr. Hancock and also of Mr. S. Adams, notwithstanding his neutrality in the first part of the business.
Notes that he writes on this half sheet because it is Sunday and he cannot purchase more paper. Writes, the Legislature of this State met in Wednesday last, [re] his Excellencies speech to them, it is highly approved off [sic], all is quiet & every body satisfied with respect to the adoption of the Federal constitution. Comments on the death of Thomas Cushing, who had been the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. Reports that [Nathaniel] Gorham, [Benjamin] Lincoln, [James] Warren, and [Elbridge] Gerry have been suggested by various sources to fill Cushing's place. Notes that the Consul Le Tombe sends his regards. Marked private on the address leaf.
Hopes to be able to inform Knox by the next post that New Hampshire ratified the Federal Constitution as every account from that quarter gives encouragement to that effect. Of Massachusetts' ratification, writes, ...the Federalists in this State increase daily and there is every reason to think that the people at large (except the Insurgent Interest) are fully satisfied with the Ratification, however some persons may say to the contrary. Comments on [James] Swan's debt and asks about his copper contract with the Treasury. Notes that his appointment to Federal regiments has almost financially ruined him.