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Responds to a previous letter by Gorham. Writes a long letter discussing the proposal to use the arms and stores in Springfield, Massachusetts against the Shays' rebels. Declares that he has not received word from the Governor [probably James Bowdoin, of Massachusetts], but if he does, he will submit it immediately to Congress. Asks that Gorham contact the Governor and relate Knox's opinions on the subject to him, and suggests that Knox himself might write a letter to the Governor about it. Adds that Gorham's daughter is conducting herself beautifully, and is beloved by all her acquaintance.
Writes that he had planned to write him a long letter but the Governor sent him on a consultation. Writes, There is no militia in Hampshire or Worcester that have artilery [sic] - & they are expecting soon to be called & advise not to take any from the arsenal untill the moment it is wanted & then to take what may be necessary- in the mean time to write to Congress on the subject - various reasons might be given why the Government party should not touch the public the stores- & at any rate not untill the moment the business is to be put at issue - however I hope there will be no necessity - as there is every reason to suppose the Insurgents disapointed [sic] & disheartened they are however some of them yet at Rutland - and the Roads are in such a state owing to the great quantity of Snow - that is impossible to carry artilery [sic] or even Men from hence - I am not clear that Government has lost any thing by delay - as the great Body of the People are now convinced that the [mob] must be suppressed by arms. Asks Knox to give Gorham's own daughter advice if he sees her behaving improperly. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Discusses his inability to provide arms and stores to be used against the insurgents in Massachusetts (those associated with Shays' Rebellion). States that he cannot do so without the special permission of Congress. Writes that he has not received any word on the subject from Governor [James] Bowdoin, but if he does, he will immediately submit it to Congress.
Received his last letter and shall endeavour to impress the sentiments therein contained. I shall be at Boston tomorrow & will se the Governor if possible. it will not be easy to have any considerable conversation with as he now has his councill in Town, in order I presume to prepare their arrangements for the protection of the Court at Worcester on the 23d of January- I have reason to think it will be spiritedly done- but as the success of the business in some of its parts may depend much upon secrecy I have avoided inquiry, as to particulars.
Discusses a bill under discussion in the Court [probably the General Court of Massachusetts] dealing with revenue collection. Had planned to leave the following day for New York, but believes that he will have to delay the trip for business reasons. Expects to arrive in New York by Thursday, 16 July. Asks Knox to visit the President on his behalf and recommend a Mr. Melvil for a government appointment. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Discusses John Gorham Coffin, who is awaiting his next assignment. Requests Knox to contact the gentleman regarding the matter. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
The close of the business relative to the Senators you must ere this have seen in the News papers considering the jumble it wound up very well every thing perfectly quiet and peaceable at present. Transmits a letter for Mr. Morris. Sends his regards to Lucy Knox.
Discusses the difficulties he is having in finding an agent. Mentions asking Rufus Putnam, but he is so taken up with his Ohio concerns that I cannot prevail on him to undertake it. Has also tried to ask the surveyor, a Mr. DeWit, but he also cannot do the job. Is attempting to contact others to be present at the runing [sic] the line (perhaps drawing of land boundaries) in order to prevent any future land disputes. Asks Knox to help and inform the President of the steps I have taken - As I came from home with only two shirts & very little money in my pocket & without the least idea of coming thus far Mrs. Gorham will think I am lost. Stamped Albany twice, overlapping each other. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Writes that Jackson must be anxious and surprised that he has not yet heard from Knox on the subject of clothing & rations. The fact is that I have been unable to give you any satisfaction on these points. Writes, Congress came to the determination of raising troops from the necessity of the case, and had the funds necessary to carry their resolutions into effect been at their command, every arrangement depending on the war department would ere now have been at least in a train of execution. But the funds indispensible [sic] for an energetic establishment have been to be provided. [...] I have been steadily of opinion that the public had better suffer all the injuries arising from a want of troops than to raise them without being able to provide for them completely in all respects. under this impression I have made some attempts to influence the rich in support of government, and the ensuing week will determine whether I have been as successful as I have believed. Has not had much success with the monied men of Boston. If Jackson had money, he would encourage him to begin recruitment. Discusses the size and cost of rations, as well as the arms and equipment he ordered for Jackson. Has also asked Mr. [Samuel] Hodgdon to send Jackson the equipment destined for New Hampshire; when that state decides to raise troops, Jackson can forward the equipment to them. Needs to pay taxes on his Falmouth lands and is having trouble raising the money, so asks if he may be able to borrow from Jackson; otherwise they might sell the land. Written and signed for Knox in a secretarial hand.
Writes that he has received Ward's letter from last month. Thanks him for the information respecting the military stores. Relates that when he came into office, the stores were under the charge of Mr. [John] Stagg in Providence. Has always intended to move them to Springfield but the want of money has hitherto prevented - I supposed having never heard the contrary that he was faithful and trust worthy. If otherwise I beg you would inform me in confidence and I will request Colonel [likely Jeremiah] Olney or some other person, to take charge of them.