Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to John Doughty
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03855 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 April 1788 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 32.4 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses warrants and [military] pay in New Jersey for the year 1787. Comments on the postponement of New Hampshire's convention to ratify the Constitution. Predicts that Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina will adopt the Constitution, while Rhode Island is likely not to adopt. Writes, "If the New Constitution takes place, strong hopes may be entertained of our being a respectable nation- If it does not, we have no hope of being united & happy- It is to be apprehended in this case that we shall be torn by factions... But I confess I have no doubt respecting the adoption of the constitution by nine states."
[draft]
New York 24 April 1788
My Dear Doughty
Agreably to your desire I have delivered [inserted: to [struck: Capt] Mr Beatty] your bond [struck: to] Mr Cortland, [struck: to Mr Beatty]
The pay for the year 1787 has been arranged by Mr Beatty out of the Jersey warrants [struck: conformably to your wishes] I have [inserted: entirely] concurred in this measure [struck: for the] as it was at the same time serving the regiment that it was servg you -
The check the new Constitution received by its postponement in New Hampshire [struck: has] produced at first some disagreable effects - But I believe they will be [struck: sus] surmounted and the constitution received at least by most states in the course of the month of June - Virginia which has been much opposed appears to have elected [inserted: a majority of] federal members [2] federal members below the Mountains - should the Kentucky [inserted: members] [illegible] no prejudices it is highly probable the new Constitution will be adopted in Virginia - Maryland will receive it by a large majority - as also will probably So Carolina - [struck: The] South Carolina will follow the example of Virginia - The Antifederalists [struck: here] [inserted: in this state] are extremely industrious in disseminating their opposition and it is at least problematical in the present moment whether they will not proceed - But let it be decided on which side it may it is most probable that the majority will be very small - [struck: It is very probable] [inserted: The Chances are in favor of] New Hampshire will accept it in June - Rhode Island has rejected it by the majority of [votes] in the several Towns - but the little state have so sold themselves in with iniquity that its acceptance would not have [3] been a credit to the thing
The ensuing year may be fairly deemed the crisis of the fate of this Country - If the New Constitution takes place, [struck: [from] there may be some] [inserted: Strong] hopes [inserted: may be entertained] of our being a respectable nation - If it does not, [struck: we have no hope of being united & happy] [inserted: anarchy, horror and misery are before us] [struck: It is to be apprehended in this case that we shall be torn by factions and possess no principle of securing for our lives or property -
But I confess I have no doubt [struck: but the] respectg the adoption of the constitution by nine states [inserted: during the course of the year] - If nine adopt it is probable that New York Virginia and North Carolina will also accede to it -
Your friends are all well -
I am Dear sir
Major Doughty Yr Affectionate
HKnox -
[docket]
To Major Doughty
24 April 1788 -
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