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Collection Reference Number GLC02437.09409
From Archive Folder The Henry Knox Papers [0078] September-December 1786 
Title George Washington to Henry Knox lamenting Shays' Rebellion
Date 26 December 1786
Author Washington, George (1732-1799)  
Recipient Knox, Henry  
Document Type Correspondence; Government document
Content Description Lamenting Shays' Rebellion, writes "I feel, my dear Genl. Knox, infinitely more than I can express to you, for the disorders which have arisen in these States. Good God! who besides a tory could have foreseen, or a Briton predicted them!" Alludes to "combustibles in every State, which a spark might set fire to." Notes that Virginia is (at the moment) calm, but worries over disputes regarding navigation of the Mississippi. Discusses an amendment to the existing Constitution regarding paper emissions and military certificates. Expresses sadness regarding the recent death of General Nathanael Greene. Comments on Knox's previous references to the inadequacy of the present government, and the need for a change in this regard. Predicts that Great Britain is "sowing the seeds of jealousy and discontent" and "will improve every opportunity to foment the spirit of turbulence within the bowels of the United States." Recommends vigilance in this period of unrest. In a post script, send his and Martha's love and congratulates Knox and his wife Lucy on the birth of another child. Recently received letters from General Tupper while Tupper was in the Western country.
Subjects Revolutionary War  Revolutionary War General  President  Shays' Rebellion  Rebellion  Mobs and Riots  Loyalist  Government and Civics  Boundary or Property Dispute  Articles of Confederation  Coins and Currency  Finance  Death  US Constitution  Global History and Civics  Foreign Affairs  First Lady  Children and Family  Northwest Territory  Law  
People Knox, Henry (1750-1806)  Washington, George (1732-1799)  Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786)  Washington, Martha (1731-1802)  Knox, Lucy Flucker (1756-1824)  
Place written Mount Vernon, Virginia
Theme The Presidency; Women in American History; Children & Family; Government & Politics; Agriculture; Creating a New Government
Sub-collection The Henry Knox Papers
Additional Information Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Copyright The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
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