King, Rufus (1755-1827) to Henry Knox
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03602 Author/Creator: King, Rufus (1755-1827) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 July 1787 Pagination: 1 p. ; 31.7 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Writes in full, "I wish it was in my power to inform you that we had progressed a single step since you left us - I say progressed, this expression must be defined by my own political creed, which you are very well acquainted with - I can form no conjecture of the Report, or separation, of the convention - If I had returned to N-YK with you or with our very able and sagacious Friend [Alexander] Hamilton, I should have escaped much Vexation, enjoyed much pleasure and have gratified the earnest wishes & desires of Mrs. King."
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Alexander Hamilton, one of the delegates to the Federal Convention, had left Philadelphia on June 30, and was absent from the proceedings (except for one day in August), until September 6.
Rufus King was a Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress (1784-1787) and a delegate to the 1787 Federal Convention, where he signed the Constitution. He later served as a U.S. senator and minister to Great Britain.
[draft]
Philadelphia 11 July 1787
Dr. Genl.
I wish it was in my power to inform you that we had progressed a single step since you left us - I say progressed, this expression must be defined by my own political creed, which you are very well acquainted with - I can form no conjecture of the Report, or reparation [sic], of the convention - If I had returned to N-YK with you or with our very able and sagacious Friend Hamilton, I should have escaped much Vexation, enjoyed much pleasure and have gratified the earnest wishes & desires of Mrs. King -
Farewel[l], Mrs. K unites with me in sincere regards to Mrs. Knox -
R King
Genl. Knox
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.