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Knox's views on government and how the Articles of Confederation are not effective. Pages 5-8 constitute a redraft of pages 1-4. Sewn binding.
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.
Says he has probably already heard of the results of the Constitutional Convention. Says The propositions being essentially different, in many respects from the existing Confederation, and which will probably produce different national effects, are contemplated by the public at large with an anxious attention. The discussions are commenced in the news papers & in Pamphlets, with all the freedom & liberality which challenge a people who are searching by their own experience after a form of government most productive of happiness. Expresses his affinity for a stronger national government and believes the new constitution will provide it. Goes on to claim it is not a perfect document though and There are several things in it that I confess I could wish to be altered. Says the people are ready for the change and that it will be discussed fully. Predicts parties will be raised during the debate. Discusses state ratification. Will send an update from time to time. Mentions European affairs and fears French aggression. Asks for news. Says Washington is doing well, but that his crops are injured by severe drought. Encloses a copy of the Constitution (not included). Docketed by William Knox.
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.
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.
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.
Addressed to General Stephens. (Possibly to General Adam Stephen, whose name is often misspelled Stephens.) Discusses Indian policy, stating [t]he affairs of the Cherokee Indians are peculiarly perplexed, and require a stronger arm to put them into a proper train than is proposed the present government ... Mentions a previous treaty with Congress made in 1785. States that he is happy Stephens approves of the new government, and writes it seems the only mean[s] to avoid the horror and miseries of the weakness of our present situation - New Hampshire, Massachusetts & Connecticut - New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware will probably adopt it before the duration of the month of Jany. I hope that Virginia will relish it better than it is reported she does at present. Finishes by stating, A war between France and England seems inevitable and great probability of a general war in Europe.
Later copy of a letter to Henry Knox, discussing the Constitution, its level of support and the level of wisdom and foresight possessed by the Constitution's authors. Admits the document may have flaws, but believes it should be accepted, and then fixed as time goes on. The Constitution is now before the Judgement Seat - It has, as was expected, its adversaries, and its supporters: which will preponderate, is yet to be decided. The former it is probable will be most active: because the major part of them it is to be feared will be governed by Sinister and Self important considerations on which no arguments will work conviction - The opposition from another class of them, (if they are men of reflection, information and candour) may perhaps subside on the solution of the following plain, but important questions. 1st. Is the Constitution which is submitted, by the Convention preferable to the Government (if it can be called one) under which we now live? 2. Is it probable that more confidence will, at this time, be placed in another Convention (should the experiment be tried) than was [2] given to the last? And is it likely that there would be a better agreement in it? 3. Is there not a Constitutional door open for alterations or amendments: and is it not probable that real defects will be as readily discovered after, as before trial? And will not our posterity be as ready to apply the remedy as ourselves if occasion for it, when the mode is provided? To think otherwise will in my judgement, be ascribing more of the Amor Patriae - more wisdom - and more foresight to ourselves than I conceive we are entitled to. Copied from original 8 February 1854 according to note at top of first page.
Mentions that Samuel Shaw is probably in Canton, China and was in India during the last year. Updates Fleury on the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia and the progress of ratifying the constitution in each state. A convention or representation of all the States excepting Rhode Island met in Philadelphia in the month of May last and after four months deliberation agreed on the Constitution herein enclosed (not present). Goes on to state, This constitution is to be submitted to a convention chosen by the people of each state, and adds that Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey have already adopted it. Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire will probably adopt it in a few more weeks. The states most opposed are Virginia, New York and Rhode Island but Knox believes all the states will eventually adopt it. Reports from Europe indicate a war between England and France. Knox says that come when it may he wishes France all possible success. Docket, in the hand of William Knox, notes this as a copy.
Writes that if he had known that Mr. [Rufus] King was going to be in New York, he would have forwarded the maps. Informs Knox that General Putnam will write to him soon about some business. Discusses news of the constitution ratification process in Massachusetts. The proposed Federal government has a better appearance every hour in this state, & at present it is much in favor of its being addopted with us, 4/5 of the members already chosen are highly Federal. Lists the candidates for delegates from Roxbury. Mentions that much of his time lately has been taken up with matters concerning our friend lately with you, and states, his going was inevitable or his young family must have been ruined. Presents [Colonel Benjamin] Hichborn's regards in a postscript. Stamped Boston and noted as private, with post written on the address leaf.