Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09415 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 January 1788 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 23.2 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses which states are ratifying the Constitution, and predicts its success. Notes "The determination of New York, of all others, seems most problematical; and yet, I can hardly entertain an idea that she will be disposed to stand alone..." Wonders whether a dispute between France and England will result in war. Predicts that if war does erupt, the United States will participate, since the current government does not have the power to restrain the people. Sends his and Martha's congratulations to Henry and his wife Lucy on the birth of a son, whom they have named George. In a post script, notes that he will travel with Colonel Humphreys the following day on business of the Potomack Company. Docketed in Knox's hand.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Mount Vernon Jany 10th. 1788
My dear Sir,
I beg you to accept of my thanks for your obliging favor of the 11th. Ult; which, owing to the dullness of the Season and want of matter to amuse you, has lain unacknowledged till this time.
Three States - to wit - Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware having adopted the New Constitution in so decisive a manner and those of New Hampshire, Massachusetts & Connecticut [inserted: having] discovered such favourable sentiments of it, places the final success of it, in my judgment, upon unequivocal ground. - Maryland, most unquestionably, will adopt it; from No Carolina (so far as accts. have been received in this quarter) the disposition of the People towards it is favorable; from the States South of it I have no direct intelligence but in the situation Georgia is, nothing but insanity, or a desire of becoming the Allies of the Spaniards or Savages, can disincline them to a Governmt. which holds out the prospect of relief from its present distresses. - The opposition in [2] in this State, tho' headed by very infleuncial characters; is not, in my opinion (tho' I may be an incompetent Judge, never going from home, & seeing nobody except those who call upon me) much to be apprehended. - My opinion of the matter is, that the New form on the final decision in our Convention, will be acceded to by a large Majority. - The determination of New York, of all others, seems most problematical; and yet, I can hardly entertain an idea that [the] [sic] will be disposed to stand alone; or with one of two others, if the States bordering on [inserted: her] should Confederate.
Whether War or Peace will be the issue of the dispute between France and England, seems as yet undecided. If the former, we shall certainly get involved, unless there is energy enough in Government to restrain our People within proper bounds; and that the power of the present Government is inadequate to accomplish this, I believe none will deny. -
Mrs. Washington joins me in offering compliments of congratulation to Mrs. Knox and yourself on the increase of yr. family [3] family by the birth of a son, and I pray you to accept the acknowledgement of my sense of the honor you have conferred on me by giving him my name. -
I hope he will live to enjoy it long after I have taken my departure for the world of spirits and that he may prove a blessing and comfort to you both in your declining years. - With sentiments of the greatest esteem & regard
I am - My dear Sir
Yr Most Obedt & Affecte friend
Go: Washington
P.S.
Colo Humphreys
has lost no flesh since he
came to Virginia. - He undertakes a journey to morrow with me to the upper falls of this River whither I am called on business of the Potomack Company. - How far this ride - The cold weather &ca. may effect a change can best be determined after our return in about ten days.-
The Honble.
Gen Knox.
[docket]
From his Excellency Genl
Washington 10 Jany
1788.
Original
No 28 -
answered on the
10th Feby, and informed
of the State of affairs
in Massachusetts
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