Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Jeremiah Wadsworth
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03835 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 April 1788 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 32.6 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Plans to transmit $29,000 worth of warrants from the Board of the Treasury to Wadsworth within the course of one week to pay for the recruiting service. Discusses Virginia's possible adoption of the Federal Constitution. Writes, "Mr. A[rthur] Lee informs me that by the elections it appears that 63 are against the constitution, and 67 - for These are all the elections excepting the back coun[ties]..." Mentions the attempts of Patrick Henry and Colonel [William] Grayson to influence the "back counties" against the Constitution. Notes that Mr. [James] Madison "seems to be of opinion that the majority at the first meeting of the convention will probably be against it." Notes that the Anti-federalists in New York are "indefatigable." Thanks Wadsworth for sending a gift of salmon.
Wadsworth was a sea captain and merchant who served as deputy and commissary general during the Revolution. He was a member of the Continental Congress in 1788 and was elected to the First, Second, and Third Congresses (4 March 1789 - 3 March 1795). Virginia ratified the Constitution in June 1788.
[draft]
New York 12 April 1788
My dear sir
I was expected before this time to have forwarded you the warrants from the board of treasury, but they have but just determined to issue them - [The] [inserted: warrants] will be ready by Monday next, and will be deliver'd to Lt. Pratt who has come from the frontiers on the recruiting service - He will [struck: deliver them to you] set out probably from this [struck: place] [inserted: city] on tuesday or wednesday next and will be with you in the course of the ensuing week - The warrants [struck: will be draw] [inserted: will] amount to 29000 dollars and will be drawn for 500 dollars each for the more convenient negociations [sic]
As these warrants will be the principal dependence for the [2] [struck: reinlisting the men in the frontiers] [inserted: whole recruiting service in the several states] I feel anxious [struck: for their success] [inserted: that they should be paid] - I hope particularly you will be able to get the money [struck: from] [inserted: out of the hand] of the sheriff who resides at weathersfield
I shall write you [struck: particularly] [inserted: [public] letter] about the recruitg service by Lt Pratt and [inserted: also] give him particular instructions relative to that subject
I pray you [struck: instruct] [inserted: to request] Mr Colt to forward the cow with all convenient speed - Mr Lee will also expect one at the same time - designate which for whom -
The prospect from Virginia is not disagreeable - Mr R Lee informs me that by the elections it appears that 63 are against the constitution, and 67 for These are all the elections excepting the back counties - It is said that they will be [3] for the measure - [strikeout] Patrick Henry and Colo Grayson will strive hard to gain the back counties - Mr Madison seems to be of opinion that the majority at the first meeting of the convention will probably be against it - I hope in God it will go in that state even if it [illegible] hard
As to this state you are as well acquainted with it as I am - The Antis are indefatigable - and to no justice to the federalists they are also industrious perhaps nearly so as the opponents
xx
Please to present our love to Mrs Wadsworth and your [struck: charming] [inserted: lovely] children - No congress since your departure
I am my dear sir
Your affectionate
HKnox
Colo Wadsworth
xx
Peter delivered Mrs Knox [inserted: yr present of] a salmon [tres] magnifique - It was allowed by Connoisseures to be truly excellent - She has commanded me to render you her [struck: hearty] thanks on the occasion
[docket]
The honorable Colonel
Wadsworth
12 April 1788 -
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