King, Rufus (1755-1827) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03780 Author/Creator: King, Rufus (1755-1827) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 February 1788 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 32.1 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
King discusses details of the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution. Reports that [John] Hancock supports the Constitution, and the Federalists rally behind Hancock's plan. Relates that Elbridge Gerry, who sat in on the Massachusetts convention for a short time, has remained nearby but has not been invited back to the convention. Expects the decision for ratification to be made in five or six days. Declares, "You will be astonished when you see the list of names, that such an Union of men has taken place on this Question- Hancock will hereafter receive the universal support of [James] Bowdoin's Friends, and we tell him that if Virginia does not unite, which is problematical that he is considered as the only fair candidate for President."
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Rufus King was a Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress (1784-1787) and a delegate to the 1787 Federal Convention, where he signed the Constitution. He later served as a U.S. senator and minister to Great Britain.
[draft]
Boston 3 Feb. 1788
Dear General,
Hancock has committed himself in our favor, and will not desert the cause - Saturday's Centinel will give you an Idea of his plan; the Federalists are united in that system, & as Adams has joined us on this plan, we are encouraged to think our success is probable - Gerry keeps close at Cambridge and his Adherents have made no motion for his recall - Mr. Hancocks propositions were yesterday committed to a committee of two Members from each County, they meet Today and we hope favorably from their Deliberation a majority being Federalists.
The final Question will probably be taken in 5 or 6 days -
R King
[2] You will be astonished when you see the list of names, that such an Union of men has taken place on this Question - Hancock will hereafter receive the universal support of Bowdoin's Friends, and we tell him that if Virginia does not unite, which is problematical that he is considered as the only fair candidate for President -
[docket]
Boston 3 February 1788
From Mr R King
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