Dane, Nathan (1752-1835) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03742 Author/Creator: Dane, Nathan (1752-1835) Place Written: Beverly, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 December 1787 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 30 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses the ratification convention for the United States Constitution, and the chances of it being accepted. Writes, "I have been waiting the event of our Elections here of Delegates for the Convention, which have men more in favor of the Constitution than many expected. I am not particularly acquainted with the Sentiments of the members chosen, relation to the merits or demerits of the System - but many very reputable characters are chosen and men whose Sentiments in General are in favor of good government - two days ago the friends of the Constitution thought there was no chance of its adoption but, I believe, the better opinion now is that there is nearly an equal chance in its favor - The State appears to me to divide on the question nearly as it has an all political questions for several years past - thinking men seem, in general, to be impressed with an idea of the necessity of adopting it or at least something like it - it will have substantial friends here, but not, I believe, a great many very zealous admirers. I doubt whether it has [monarchy] enough in it for some of our Massachusetts men or democracy enough for others." Also asks for news of Britain and the rest of Europe, and considers the possibility of war erupting there. Stamped "Salem," a rare postal cancellation.
[draft]
Beverly Dec.r 27. 1787
My Dear Sir
Your friendly letter of the 21st ulto. I received several days ago - I have been waiting the event of our Elections here of Delegates for the Convention, which have run more in favour of the Constitution than many expected - I am not particularly acquainted with the sentiments of the members shown, relative to the merits or demerits of the system - but many very respectable characters are chosen and men whose sentiments in General are in favor of good Government - ten days ago the friends of the Constitution thought there was no chance of it's adoption but I believe, the better opinion now is that there is nearly an equal chance in its favor - the state appears, [to] me to divide on the question nearly as it has in all political questions for several years past - thinking men seem, in general, to be impressed with an idea of the necessity of adopting it or at least something like it - it will have substantial friends here, but not, I believe, a great many very [zealous] admirers - I doubt whether it has monarchy enough in it for some of our Massachusetts [inserted: men] or democracy enough for others - there will be from three to four hundred men in the Convention - a body numerous enough for so intricate a subject -
We hear nothing satisfactory of European affairs I want to know exceedingly what G. [Britain] intends to do - I cannot [inserted: wish] our good friends the Dutch to destroy each other - but after so much bustle I think some of the neighboring [inserted: powers] must find it difficult to settle all their matters of dispute without blows - should there be a war in Europe, and we [struck: do] take no part in [inserted: it] but attend to the establishments of commerce, regular branches of [2] Business and firm and stable Government among ourselves [struck: well] we shall, in a few years, be in a happy [struck: situt] situation
I hope in a few months we shall know what will be the [results] of our attempts to establish Government - we are in that kind of suspense now which is injurious to all private pursuits -
I expect to [see] you in New York as soon as Congress shall get assembled for business which I am informed will probably be sometime in January -
Boston Decr 30 - since I arrived here yesterday I find the elections in the province of Main [sic] and in the three Western Counties have not been so much in favor of the Constitution as was supposed -
Give my respects to Mrs. Knox
I am my Dear Sir
With great esteem and respect
Your most obd.t Hum Servt
N. Dane
Gen.l Knox
[address leaf]
General H. Knox -
Secretary at War
New York
[docket]
Mr Dane
27,th and 30th Decr
1787
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