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Asks Gouvion, Will the Russians or the Turks induce you to display your military talents... or have you prospects of active employment nearer home. Writes with assurance that the Constitution will be adopted within the course of a year, noting that it will probably be ratified by all states except for Rhode Island. Comments on the process of discussion and opinion the Constitution will undergo in the course of its ratification.
Contemporary secretarial copy of a letter sent to Lafayette. References Lafayette's letters from November 1787 and February 1788. Says that The Convention by you Mr. Jefferson and Common Sense [Thomas Paine], judge wisely respecting the New Constitution requiring some amendments & of the time they should be effected. Of the Constitutional Convention says The unanimity of the former convention may be regarded as a rare evidence of the empire of reason. Believes there will not have to be another convention. Says it is likely that nine states will accept the constitution over the next 2-3 months. Says New York will have its ratifying convention in June and hopes the acceptance of other states will influence them to vote for it. Goes into other state's conventions. Lashes out at Rhode Island. Gives Lafayette an update on Catherine Greene, the wife of the late General Nathanael Greene. Seems like she wants to send her son George to France to study. Asks for an updated list of French officers in the Society of the Cincinnati so he can send them diplomas. Says war seems less likely in Europe now, but that the English however are haughty and overbearing - too much so I am apprehensive, for a firm and durable peace. Below the docket, a later note initialed by EY sums up the letter and states that Lafayette's letters to Knox referenced in this letter is feared lost. In the hand of William Knox.
Discusses public perception of the Society of the Cincinnati in France. Informs Gouvion of the reduction of the Continental Army, with only one remaining company commanded by John Doughty at West Point. Introduces and recommends Mr. Tracy, the bearer of this letter.
Reports that he forwarded a letter from Lincoln to John Jacob Faesch. Discusses the Constitution, noting that no state has thus far rejected it except for Rhode Island. Writes, Thank Heaven America has a proposition for a government which in case of a storm would shield the principle of liberty... from the rude attacks of anarchy and tyranny. Relates that eight states have adopted the Constitution, and there is reason to believe Virginia will also choose in favor of ratification. Comments on Anti-Federalists in New York and the likelihood that New York will adopt the Constitution. Notes The real disposition of New Hampshire seems to be concealed regarding ratification. Congratulates Lincoln on being elected Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts.
Plans to transmit [Dollar sign]29,000 worth of warrants from the Board of the Treasury to Wadsworth within the course of one week to pay for the recruiting service. Discusses Virginia's possible adoption of the Federal Constitution. Writes, Mr. A[rthur] Lee informs me that by the elections it appears that 63 are against the constitution, and 67 - for These are all the elections excepting the back coun[ties]... Mentions the attempts of Patrick Henry and Colonel [William] Grayson to influence the back counties against the Constitution. Notes that Mr. [James] Madison seems to be of opinion that the majority at the first meeting of the convention will probably be against it. Notes that the Anti-federalists in New York are indefatigable. Thanks Wadsworth for sending a gift of salmon.
Apologizes for not responding sooner to Freeman's most recent letter. Discusses the possibilities of civil employment for Freeman and comments on the amount of time it may take for Congress to make the necessary preparations.
Discusses the Constitution of the United States. Declares, But a candid examination of [the Constitution], will most probably produce a conviction that it is one of the best models of a republican government ever presented to the sons of men. Comments on different groups' opposition to the Constitution, noting that the southern states will oppose it because they think it will support the commercial interest of the north. Remarks that the Constitution will affect the projects of the paper money... Notes that America is seen with contempt abroad. Of the current government writes, The present ship is unfit to encounter the riding storm, it will not answer even for the smooth surface of peace- it must sink- let us then embark on board the new ship offered by the united [wisdom] of our country. Notes that, every thing depends on Massachusetts to set an example (by adopting the Constitution). Relates that Pennsylvania is the only state whose Legislature is in session, and they will soon set a date for their state ratification convention to be called. Date inferred based on Knox's reference to the unanimous adoption by Congress on Friday of the 28 September 1787 Resolution calling for state conventions to consider the Constitution.
Thanks the recipient for sending some nuts, and two vennison hams- via Lieutenant Armstrong. Reports, The new Constitution has been adopted by ten states, and it is most probable that New York will also adopt it in such a manner as to be received into the Union- She has been more averse to the system than any other state Rhode-Island excepted. Relates that North Carolina's convention meets on the same day he writes. Says it is expected the new government will promote the happiness & prosperity of this country in a very [eminent] manner.