Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox re: congratulations on acceptance of Constitution by Massachusetts
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05638 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Mount Vernon Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1788/03/03 Pagination: 3, 1 p. 23.2 x 19 cm Order a Copy
Severely faded on p. 1 right margin (from water damage). Also, opposition in remaining states and predicting revolution in France. Accompanied by provenance note of John F. Smith. This document had been removed from Gen. Knox's papers by his granddaughter in the nineteenth century. Notes: Fitzpatrick, Writings of Washington, 29: 434-435
During the ratification debates, the Constitution's proponents stressed the document's democratic and republican character. Even though the framers had expressed concern during their deliberations over the dangers of democracy and demagoguery, they knew that ratification would fail if the new plan of government was perceived as "aristocratic." In the following letter to Henry Knox, his Revolutionary war comrade-in-arms, George Washington discusses the ratification debates.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Mount Vernon
My dear Sir,
I pray you to accept my acknowledgments of your favors of the 10th. & 14th. Ult.--and congratulations on the acceptance of the proposed Constitution by the State of Massachusetts. Had this been done without its concomitants, and by a larger majority, the stroke would have been more severely felt by the antifederalists in other States. As it is, it operates as a damper to their hopes, and is a matter of disappointment & chagreen [sic] to them all. Under the circumstances enumerated in your letters, the favorable decision which has taken place, in that State, could hardly have been expected. Nothing short of the good sense, sound reasoning, moderation & temper of its powerful advocates, could have carried the question. The decision of which will be very influencial [sic] on the equivocal States, of the two which are next to convene (New Hampshire & Maryland) there [2] can be no doubt of the reception [inserted: of the prop'd Consti'n.] and but little in So. Carolina which makes nine States without a dissentient. The force of which (argument) is not to be combatted [sic] by locallity [sic] & sophistry. Candor and prudence therefore, it is to be hoped, will pave the way to a unanimous adoption of the proposed form; and yet, thereare [sic] some characters among us, I believe, who would hazard every thing rather than cease their opposition, or give a chance to the evidence of its merits, to convict them of the fallacy of their [struck: of] [inserted: predictions respecting] it, by which the sagacity of their foresight might be impeached.
This day introduces the Elections of delegates for the Convention of this State, which will progress as the Court days in [struck: this] [inserted: it] shall arrive; after which a more accurate opinion may be formed of the probable decision of the State.
From the latest European intelligence I have seen, the political state of affairs in France seem to be in a delicate situation. What will be the issue is not easy to decide, but the spirit which is diffusing itself, may produce changes in that Government, which a few years [3] past could hardly have been dreamt of. All these things, added to the importance assumed by G.B. on occasion of the turn her disputes with France have taken, and the unsettled condition of other European powers, are strong additional inducements for us to establish a well toned Government.
Mrs. Washington joins me in every good wish for Mrs. Knox, yourself & family--and with sentiments of the most friendly and affectionate regard
I am - my dear Sir
Yr. Obedt. & Obliged
Go: Washington
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