Gorham, Nathaniel (1738-1796) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03754 Author/Creator: Gorham, Nathaniel (1738-1796) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 January 1788 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 30.4 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses the Massachusetts convention scheduled to meet in February to decide on ratification of the Constitution of the United States. Relates that the Boston Delegates to the state convention dined with [James] Bowdoin the previous Thursday. Discusses the aftermath of [Samuel] Adams's opposition to ratification. Reports that Nantucket "from their foolish religious whims will not send to the establishment of a Government which has a right to raise armies... so five votes are lost- when they will be needed enough- for from several untoward circumstances the elections have gone wrong in several places that were considered as sure..." Also mentions that the opposition (to the Constitution) of James Winthrop and Oliver Prescot[t] "has had a very bad effect in this County... it will be tight work but I will not despair." Location inferred.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Gorham was a delegate to the Massachusetts convention which ratified the Federal Constitution in February 1788.
[draft]
My Dear Sir Sunday Jany 6. 1788
The Boston Delegates (expting [sic] the Govr. & Mrs Winthrop who were both unwell) dined with Mr Bowdoin - on Thursday last at which meeting as one of the company informed me all were right excepting Mr Adams - who opened fully & positively in opposition - & declared that he would continue so to do in Convention - Mr. Chambers Russell cald on me last Evening in his way to Lincoln - he says that Clark Rhody & Truman three of the greatest Leaders at the North End informed that they intended that Evening to have the most numerous Caucas ever held in Boston to consider what was to be done in in consequence of Mr Adams declaration - I have not yet heard further.
Nantucket from their foolish religious whims will not send to the establishment of a Government which has a right to raise armies, either in Peace or War - so five votes are lost - when they will be needed [2] enough - for from several untoward circumstances the elections have gone wrong in several places that were consider [sic] as sure
The opposition of James Winthrop & Oliver Prescot of Groton, has had a very bad effect in this County - Mr Pitts of Dunstable being the only man above Concord that can be depended on - it will be tight work but I will not despair say nothing discouraging - & believe
me to yours sincerely
N Gorham
H Knox Esqr
[docket]
Mr Gorham
6 Jany. 1788
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