Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Rufus King
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03934 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter Date: 13 July 1788 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 31.4 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses the possible ratification of the United States Constitution by New York: "I have received no letters from Colonel Hamilton or any others of the convention, that will warrant the idea in any degree- but there has been a buz for a few days past that the convention would adopt the constitution and afterwards state strongly some material amendments..."
[draft]
New York 13 July 1788
Dear sir
It is possible that some favorable reports may have reached you concerning the intentions of the Convention of this State - If so you are [inserted: sufficiently] anxious [struck: enough].
I have received no letters from Colonel Hamilton or any others of the Convention, that will warrant the idea in any degree - but there has been a buz for a few days past that the Convention would adopt the constitution and afterwards State [struck: some] strongly some material amendments [inserted: The [reports however] by the post [inserted: illegible] do not warrant any such conclusion, on the contrary it is [obvious] it will be [rejected] or prevent [amendments signed] from a number of circumstances [struck: I have in common with others who know the same,] [inserted: I am induced to] believed that this would be the case - I [struck: I still think] the probability is more in favor of an adoption that will be effectual than any other [2] other mode of [treating] the question - I cannot at present go into a specification of the grounds of my hope - In a few days probably previous to the 7th the question will be decided
Conceiving it possible that more of your other friends would write by this post I have given you this opinion to comfort you - I do not wish you to give it great weight - but suspend a contrary judgement untill next post
I am Sir
[docket]
To R King Eqr
17. July 1788
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.