Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Arthur St. Clair
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03926 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter Date: 3 July 1788 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 31.7 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Marked private at the top of page one. Declares, "I rejoice my dear sir in having the pleasure of congratulating you on the adoption of the Constitution by ten states. In Virginia, the business has been highly interesting and critical, and finally succeeded by a majority of ten- In New Hampshire the majority eleven- The latter passed it on Saturday the 21, and Virginia on Wednesday the 25th ultimo." Discusses the New York convention presently deciding on ratification of the Constitution. Predicts that "the Convention will stipulate for amendments previous to the adoption... Congress will immediately pass the necessary acts for organizing the Constitution." Transmits resolutions (not included) to St. Clair, hoping he will "be able to avail the public of the advantage of the additional appropriation."
St. Clair was Governor of the Northwest Territory.
[draft]
New York 3 July 1788
private
I rejoice my dear sir in having the pleasure of congratulating you on the adoption of the Constitution by ten States. In Virginia the business has been highly interesting and critical, and finally succeeded by a majority of ten - In New Hampshire the majority eleven - The latter passed it on Saturday the 21 [struck: ultimo], and Virginia on Wednesday the 25th ultimo.
The joy which these events have given is not easily to be described -
The [struck: State] convention of this state are sitting - the majority 44 [inserted: decidedly against it] to the minority 19 in favor - We have not had line yet to whether the adoption of New Hampshire and Virginia will make any [neither] [2] alteration in the sentiments of the Majority - It is supposed otherwise - and that the Convention will [struck: pass] [inserted: stipulate for] amendments previous to the adoption, and then adjourn to a distant day. - Congress will immediately pass the necessary acts for Organizing the Constitution
The resolutions now transmitted to you could not be obtained untill yesterday I hope sincerely the letter will arrive in time and that you will be able to avail [struck: yourself] the public of the advantage of the additional appropriation
I am Dear sir
Your very humble
Sevt
The honorable
Major Genl St Clair -
[docket]
General S.t Clair
3. July 1788
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