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Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03701 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 November 1787 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 30.8 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses a letter by Mr. Elbridge Gerry which Jackson feels "has done much mischief in this State as to the adoption of the proposed Federal Constitution - it has given great Strength to the small, very small party that were in the opposition - he has gone for the Vote, as this measure will either damn him, or place him at the head of a restless and uneasy junto in the government." Continues on to say Gerry's friends have lost their confidence in him. Despite this, Jackson believes the constitution will be adopted in Massachusetts, "this is sentiments of all the leading and influential Men." Discusses Boston's representation for the state convention, "Govr Hancock Govr Bowdoin & Gentlemen of that class and reputation." Mentions Samuel Shaw in relation to some business.

[draft]
Boston Nov 11. 1787
my dear Harry
Your favor of the 4th Inst/ came to hand by the post last Eveng - I am please'd that you are satisfied with the sale of the Notes, and shall proceed agreeably to your directions.
Mr. Gerry's Letter has done much mischief in this State as to the adoption of the proposed Federal Constitution - it has given great Strength to the small, very small party that were in the opposition- he has gone for the Vote, as this measure will either damn him, or place him at the head of a restless and uneasy junto in the government - his friends and Circle in which he moved in this quarter, are exceedingly displeased with him, and with them he has lost all their confidence. - had he been under the necessity of writing the Letter every allowance would have been [2] made for him which was not the case, as it appears to have originated in his officious brain- however the System stands firm & well as yet, and have no doubt but it will be finally adopted in this State,- this is sentiments of all the leading and influential Men. -
We intend sending a good Representation from this Town to the State convention - Govr Hancock Govr Bowdoin & Gentlemen of that class and reputation- we shall also send the Revd Mr. Stillman- he is a high Federal Man & [charmed] with the proposed plan- he being at the head of the Baptists in this State, and of great influence among them, it is thought policy to choose him one of the Deligates [sic] by which means we shall gain that whole Sect in favor of it.
On the Policy of assurance for S Shaw I have recd one hundred [3] one hundred & thirty dollars- equal to £39.0 [Lmy]- the amount of assurance on £600 at 12 P Ct. is £72.0
Policy- 6/£72.6
Cash recd. 39.0
ballance £ 33.6 Lmy due which ballance I have been call'd in to discharge I there fore wish you to mention this matter to Mr. Randall, that he may remit me the Ballance-
Your friends here are all well & send their love to you & Lucy- my love to her, and hope to hear by the return of this post that she is well a bed- god bless you & yours
Your affectionate
HJackson

Genl. HKnox
New York

[docket]
Genl H Jackson
11. Nov 1787
answered 18th
the same month

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794
Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814

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