Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to [Marquis de Lafayette] [possibly incomplete]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03726 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter Date: 14 December 1787 Pagination: 4 p. ; 33.2 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Says he has not heard from Lafayette in some time. Mentions that he wrote on the constitutional convention by the last packet. Reports on states that have called ratifying conventions to approve or reject the constitution. Has doubts specifically about Virginia and New York. Says Rhode Island has "too many schemes of convenience" to approve it. But says "it is highly probable that it will be adopted in the course of the year 1788 by nine states and more." Says he is anxious about rumors of war between France and England. Reports that those in the know claim the event is "inevitable." Worries about the situation of the United States if such a war broke out. Wants an updated list of French members of the Society of the Cincinnati so he can make up diplomas. Reports that Lucy Knox has given birth to their eighth child. No signature at closing.
[draft]
New York 14 December 1787
My dear Marquis
Not having received any of your favors lately I am induced to believe that you may either be in the Country or on some excursion aboard
I wrote you by the last packet and mentioned [struck: to you] some things respecting the proposed [struck: government] Constitution for the United States - Since then Conventions [struck: for the consideration] to approve or reject it have been called by Massachusetts Connecticut New Jersey Pennsylvania Delaware Virginia and Georgia - Delaware [inserted: Convention] has [inserted: met] & adopted it [inserted: already] and it is probably that Pennsylvania and New Jersey will also [2] [struck: New Jersey] will [inserted: also] adopt it in a few days Massachusetts & Connecticut Conventions might in the course of the next month and will probably adopt it. It is said that Virginia will be opposed to it lest [struck: the] navigation acts should be passed [struck: by] peculiarly oppressive to her commerce - [strikeout] There are [inserted: such] different sentiments respecting it in the state of New York so as to render its adoption doubtful - Rhode Island [have] too many schemes of convenience [strikeout] [militarily] will suffice, [struck: to accomplish] to [be forward its] its [sic] adoption - But on the whole it is highly probable that it will be adopted in the course of the year 1788 by nine States [3] and more -
We are all suspence [sic] and anxiety respecting the reports [struck: concerning] a War between France & England - The event is said to be inevitable by people who ought to possess the means to judge properly -
Should such a war to take place the United States will be critically circumstanced - without energy sufficient to regulate the enterprize of her citizens [struck: of the United States] will be responsible for their conduct [inserted: and involved accordingly] Write me I pray you and as particularly as circumstances will admit
[4] [strikeout] Transmit me if you please an account list of the [struck: fre french] officers who served in our Army and are member of the Cincinnati - This evidence is necessary to form the diplomas - As soon as you will favor me with [struck: this evidence] [inserted: it] I will forward the diplomas to you - I have to [write] to [inserted: the] Counts DEstaing and Rochambeau for similar lists [inserted: of the members] of [Richard] & Naval forces [inserted: who served] under their companies respectively -
Mrs Knox has lately been delivered [strikeout] of another son her eighth child - She requests me to associate her with me in the [sending] our respects to you and [you] [illegible]
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