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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.
Later copy. A note at the top of page one states, Recd from Mr. Bancroft Feb 1857. Knox reports, The new constitution was adopted in Massachusetts on the 6th instant by a majority of 19. The whole present 355- 187 for it- 168 against it. The minority behave with magnanimity on the occasion declaring they will support it with their lives and fortunes- The Boston people have lost their senses with joy.
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.
Encloses a paper discussing details of the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution (paper not included). Predicts the numbers will be 185 for and 160 against ratification, although the Anti-Federalists claim they have a majority of ten. Writes, I confess that I shall be more mortified if they are right in their conjecture than I have ever been in my life. I cannot think but we shall carry the question- I shall give you the earliest notice. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Informs Carrington, a Continental Congressman, of Massachusetts' ratification of the Constitution. Reports that those at the convention who previously opposed the Constitution have declared their intention of uniting their influence in support of the constitution. Notes that [Elbridge] Gerry, who sat in but did not participate in the Massachusetts ratifying convention, has also pledged himself to the Constitution. Discusses the interests of some of the Constitution's opponents. Encloses papers describing the celebration in Boston after its passage. Notes that the New Hampshire ratification convention met the previous day.
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.
Notes that Mr. [Rufus] King will inform Knox of everything, that is, events that recently transpired at the Massachusetts State ratifying convention. Writes, The [sic] was a necessity in the Convention of mentioning Rhode Island as having prohibited the attendance of their members in Congress- an advertizm has appeared in order to give a false colour to that business- and a use is intended to be made of it at the meeting of the Legislature- I have therefore written in the inclosed Letter to Mr K requesting him to get me copies of every thing relative to that affair & to forward it through you by the first Post... Signatory of the U.S. Constitution.
Knox updates Washington on various state conventions meeting to decide on ratification of the United States Constitution. Writes, The new Constitution has hitherto been as well received as could have been expected considering the various existing opinions prejudices and parties in the respective states. Reports that Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut have all voted in favor of ratification. Mentions Jeremiah and James Wadsworth, both part of the Connecticut convention. Thinks Connecticut's decision to ratify will influence the Massachusetts convention (Massachusetts ratified the Constitution 6 February 1788). Discusses political factions in Massachusetts, including the commercial part, the Eastern part, and the insurgents and their favorers... Notes that Samuel Adams, one of the Massachusetts state ratifying convention members, has declared opposition to the Constitution. Comments on his rheumatism. Knox's retained draft.
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 Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution: The Convention are still seting and is supposed the final vote will not be taken untill Wednesday or Thursday next- Mentions John Hancock's support of the Constitution and his article published in the previous day's Massachusetts Centinel. Calls the Anti-Federalists so damnable stupid and ignorant...the whole race of the Antis are a set of poor devils... Notes that the Anti-Federalists are concerned about their pay. Predicts that Massachusetts will adopt the Constitution. Encloses a receipt from Mary McNeill (not present).