Harper, Robert Goodloe (1765-1825) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.06636 Author/Creator: Harper, Robert Goodloe (1765-1825) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 February 1796 Pagination: 3 p. ; 22.8 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy
Congratulates Knox on the "happy prospect of our affairs," and relates that Colonel [Timothy] Pickering has told him the Spanish treaty has just arrived. Discusses the peace that now will pervade the world, and speaks proudly of the works of the House of Representatives, of which he is a member while decrying its critics. Rejoices on Washington's birthday.
Harper is referring to the Treaty of Madrid, a treaty negotiated by Thomas Pinckney on behalf of the United States, and Don Manuel de Godoy on behalf of Spain. The treaty established friendship between the United States and Spain, and defined the borders between the Spanish colonies and the United States. It was signed in October, 1795, but was presented to the U.S. Congress on 26 February, 1796, four days after the date of this letter.
Robert Goodloe Harper was a Federalist and a member of the United States Senate from Maryland, (January-December 1816). He also served in the South Carolina House of Representatives (1790-1795), the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina (1795-1801), and in the Maryland State Senate.
[draft excerpt]
[1] Thus at peace will all the world, all causes of dread entirely extiguished [sic], what is there to check our vast [illegible] of public & private prospects if it be not the perverseness of some among us who wish to render the House of representatives a beneful meteor instead of a chearing sun to enlighten and en [2] enliven our [illegible]? May their evil [delights] be frustrated & may they be compelled to behold, and wither at the sight, that scene of order & happiness which they shall have [illegible] in [each] to [distruct]? I know your heart & your tongue will say amen!
This day which gave birth to our Hero & father, has been & is to be un wholly brilliant. You will not fall short of us in this point, and though far distant in place, our hearts will congratulate each other.
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