Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to François-Louis Teissèdre de Fleury
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03740 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter Date: 26 December 1787 Pagination: 5 p. : docket ; 33.2 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy
Mentions that Samuel Shaw is probably in Canton, China and was in India 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.
François-Louis Teissèdre de Fleury was a French volunteer who served in the army's department of engineers.
[draft partial]
[2] The political machine of the United States has not evinced any goodness of construction since the peace - It is neither productive of strength or dignity - A convention or representation of all states excepting Rhode Island met at Philadelphia in the month of may last and [struck: agreed on the] after four months deliberation agreed on the herein enclosed [struck: and signed by the [venerable] Charles Thompson].
This constitution is to be submitted to a convention chosen by the people of each State - The agreement of nine States is to give it operation with respect to said [3] [desposed] to it in the dissenting States that much doubt Cannot be entered with respect to its final adoption by all the States
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