Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Rufus King
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03605 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter Date: 15 July 1787 Pagination: 2 p. ; 31.3 x 20.6 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses politics in France, and how American statesmen are being influenced by the structure of government in France. Writes, "The conduct of France in establishing provincial assemblies, is seized with great eagerness by the advocates for the state systems [...] But they do not bring into view the strong cement of the royal authority, supported by two hundred thousand soldiers - The state systems, are the accursed thing which will prevent our being a national character." Declares his support of a strong, centralized government.
[draft]
New York 15th July 1787
I thank you my dear sir for your kind favor of the 11th instant. I am happy the convention continue together without agitating the idea of adjournment - If [strikeout: in the result] their attempts should prove [strikeout: abortive, some important] [inserted: illegible [alterations] inadequate to effect] yet experience will be [struck: obtained] [inserted: gained] which may serve important purposes on another occasion
The conduct of France in establishing provincial assemblies, is seized with great eargness by the advocates for the state systems [inserted: as a reason against any alterations] - But they do not bring into view the strong cement of the royal authority, supported by two hundred thousand soldiers - The state systems, are the accursed thing which will prevent our [struck: attaining] [inserted: being] a national [struck: character] - The democracy [struck: could] [inserted: might] be [2] could me managed, nay it would [strikeout] remedy itself, after being sufficiently fermented - but the vile state governments are sources of [text loss] which will contaminate the American name, perhaps for ages - Machines that must produce ill [struck: and] but cannot [from] good - Smite them in the name of God and the people -
eight states in Congress - They yesterday passed with great [unanimity] a system of Government for the western territory -
Mr Alsop is perfectly well Wm Knox presents his respectful compliments to Mrs Knox, to which I pray you to [addmire] -
I am Dear Sir
Your most Obedet
humble svt
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