Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04058 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 December 1788 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 32.6 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Knox's retained draft, riddled with struck text and insertions. Acknowledges receipt of applications Washington sent for admission into the Society of the Cincinnati. Comments on the Constitution at great length: "In the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut, the great object of organizing the new Constitution has engrossed the attention of the people." Notes that Rhode Island's "paper money system and tender laws are sufficiently characteristick of their pursuits." Refers to the Constitution, the new government, and Federalism in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Virginia and New Jersey. Declares, "Mr. John Adams will probably have the plurality of views for vice President- from his principles of government as well his professions of regard to the character universally decided on for the President- he will probably be one of the best characters for the office of vice president." Notes that his three youngest children have had the measles. In a post script, reports that Major Haskell, who is on his way to Europe, hopes to obtain a certificate of service from Washington.
[draft] New York 22 December 1788
[inserted - different hand: To Genl Washington]
[struck: My dear Sir]
It is a long time my dear Sir since I have had the pleasure of addressing you owing to my having been [struck: absent] into Massachusetts and to Penobscot [struck: for nearly] [inserted: during a period of the last] four months [struck: past] -
I have received your favor enclosing some applications [struck: respecting] for admission into the Cincinnati, which are [struck: duly] filed [struck: and will][inserted: but which cannot] be considered [struck: in due time] untill the next general meeting in the year 1792 -
In [struck: the] [inserted: the states of] New Hampshire Massachusetts and Connecticut, [inserted: [struck: in which I have lately been]] the great [struck: quest] object [struck: of] [inserted: of organizing] the new constitution, [struck: and the <?> of] has engrossed the attention [inserted: of the people] [struck: <?> some time past] -
It is with sincere satisfaction [2] [inserted: that I can from personal observation [strike-out] assert [strike-out]] that the affections of the great majority in those states is encreasing [struck: daily] for the new system and it is dayly becoming highly popular. The senators [struck: from] [inserted: of] those states are [struck: sensible good] characters calculated to [strike-out] inspire confidence in the new government and are all highly federal - [struck: and] I am persuaded their representatives will [struck: most] generally if not entirely be of the same description.
As to Rhode Island they are in such a train that nothing good can at present be expected from them - their paper money system and tender laws are sufficiently characteristick of their pursuits
New York are also laboring under errors of conduct - but from the powerful party in this state in favor of the [3] system, something may be hoped in the elections
New Jersey, Pensylvania Delaware and Maryland are right
The choice of Representatives in Pennsylvania may be considered as a fair appeal <?> to the people with respects to their approbation of the new government - and although the [struck: local party] [inserted: party in favor of the local] constitution [strike-out] of that state have been brought to operate against the general constitution, yet [strike-out] the majority of the people are its firm supporters -
[struck: Your Knowledge of Virginia [struck: <?> sufficient] [inserted: & the southern states] must be adequate to an opinion <?> their <?> on the present occassion]
[4] Mr John Adams will probably have the plurality of views for vice President - from his principles of government [struck: & from] [inserted: as well] his professions of regard to the character universally decided on for the President he will probably be one of the best characters for [struck: that] [inserted: the] office of vice president
Our three [inserted: youngest] [struck: our] children have had the measles and are we hope [inserted: all] through the disorder - Lucy and Harry are about receiving the infection [strike-out].
Mrs Knox [inserted: presents her respects to you and] unites with me in presenting our sincere [struck: regards] [inserted: affection] to Mrs Washington, [struck: and her grandchildren]
I am my dear Sir
[struck: with perfect] your sincerely
affectionate friend &
humble servant
H Knox
His Excellency General Washington
Major Haskell who was aid de Camp to General Howe is going to Europe and his very solicitous to obtain a certificate from your Excellency of his services - He sustained a character of a brave and good officer
[docket]
To his Ex Genl Washington
21 Decr 1788 -
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