Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09416 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 February 1788 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 23.1 x 18.9 cm. Order a Copy
Expresses regret that "the important question" Massachusetts is deliberating "stands on such precarious ground" (referring to ratification of the Constitution; Massachusetts ratified 6 February 1788). Predicts that Virginia will choose to ratify, but admits he does not have the most recent or accurate information (Virginia ratified 26 June 1788). Declares Holland's case pitiable (possibly referring to the Triple Alliance of 1788). Notes that navigation of the Potomac has been stopped for five weeks. Sends his and Martha's good wishes to Knox and his wife Lucy. In a postscript, asks the identity of the author or authors of Publius, a reference to The Federalist Papers, influential pamphlets in defense of ratification of the Constitution, written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay. Docketed in Knox's hand.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Mount Vernon 5th. Feby. 1788.
My dear Sir,
Soon after my last was dispatched to you, I was favoured with the receipt of your letter of the 14th. Ult; by which, and other accts. of more recent date, I am sorry to find that the important question under deliberation in Massachusetts, stands on such precarious ground. - The decision of that State will, unquestionably, have considerable influence on those which are to follow; especially on the one in which you now are; - at the sametime that an unfavourable issue, will strengthen the cords of dissention in others, which have already decided. -
What may be the final determination on this Subject in Virginia, is more, I believe, than any man can say with precision. - Every one, with whom you converse, delivers his own sentiment as the sentiments of the State; whilst there is no just criterian that I know of, to form a decided judgment. - My own opinion of the matter is, as I observed to you in my last, that it will certainly be received; but, for the reasons [2] reasons then assigned, I may be mistaken; not having been from home ten miles (my Journey up the River being prevented by bad weather & a slight indisposition) since I returned from Philadelphia, and from not having seen many beyond that circle, except travellers & strangers, whose means of information is too often defective to be relied on.
The poor Patriots of Holland, must either have been greatly deceived, or they have acted from weakness & precipitency [sic]. - The first, I conceive to be the case - & the peculiar situation of the affairs of France - perhaps too, divisions among themselves, will acct. for it. - Be this as it may, their case is pitiable. -
The Navigation of this River has been stopped, for near five weeks - At this moment we are locked fast by Ice - and the air of this day is amongst the keenest I ever recollect to have felt. - Mrs. Washington joins me in every good wish for you & Mrs. Knox - and I am,
My dear Sir,
Yr Sincere frd & Affece Servt
Go: Washington
PS.
Pray, if it is not a secret, who is the Author, or Authors of Publius?
Majr. Genl Knox.
[docket]
Gnl Washington
7 Feby 1788 -
Original
No 17 -
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