Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03837 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 April 1788 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 30.3 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses the possibility that New York will not ratify the Federal Constitution. Writes, "I hope the Lord will turn the hearts of the Antis in New York that they may see the necessity of adopting the proposed constitution Some of our Feds are doubtfull whether nine States will Ratify it, and then all that has been done will be lost. If this should be the case I think we had [better] never attempted an alteration, as the Antis & Insurgents will feel a consequence & an influence arising from it that will throw the government into the greatest disorder." Encloses newspapers (not included) updating Knox on the election for Massachusetts' governor and lieutenant governor. Predicts John Hancock will retain his post as Governor and hopes Benjamin Lincoln will be elected Lieutenant Governor. Approves of the "good & highly Federal" Senators chosen in the counties near Boston. Mentions James Swan's loss of house and farm as payment on one of his debts. Address leaf marked "private."

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Hancock, John, 1737-1797
Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810
Swan, James, 1754-1830

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources