[draft] New York 24 April 1788 My Dear Doughty Agreably to your desire I have delivered [inserted: to [struck: Capt] Mr Beatty] your bond [struck: to] Mr Cortland, [struck: to Mr Beatty] The pay for the year 1787 has been arranged by Mr Beatty out of the Jersey warrants [struck: conformably to your wishes] I have [inserted: entirely] concurred in this measure [struck: for the] as it was at the same time serving the regiment that it was servg you - The check the new Constitution received by its postponement in New Hampshire [struck: has] produced at first some disagreable effects - But I believe they will be [struck: sus] surmounted and the constitution received at least by most states in the course of the month of June - Virginia which has been much opposed appears to have elected [inserted: a majority of] federal members [2] federal members below the Mountains - should the Kentucky [inserted: members] [illegible] no prejudices it is highly probable the new Constitution will be adopted in Virginia - Maryland will receive it by a large majority - as also will probably So Carolina - [struck: The] South Carolina will follow the example of Virginia - The Antifederalists [struck: here] [inserted: in this state] are extremely industrious in disseminating their opposition and it is at least problematical in the present moment whether they will not proceed - But let it be decided on which side it may it is most probable that the majority will be very small - [struck: It is very probable] [inserted: The Chances are in favor of] New Hampshire will accept it in June - Rhode Island has rejected it by the majority of [votes] in the several Towns - but the little state have so sold themselves in with iniquity that its acceptance would not have [3] been a credit to the thing The ensuing year may be fairly deemed the crisis of the fate of this Country - If the New Constitution takes place, [struck: [from] there may be some] [inserted: Strong] hopes [inserted: may be entertained] of our being a respectable nation - If it does not, [struck: we have no hope of being united & happy] [inserted: anarchy, horror and misery are before us] [struck: It is to be apprehended in this case that we shall be torn by factions and possess no principle of securing for our lives or property - But I confess I have no doubt [struck: but the] respectg the adoption of the constitution by nine states [inserted: during the course of the year] - If nine adopt it is probable that New York Virginia and North Carolina will also accede to it - Your friends are all well - I am Dear sir Major Doughty Yr Affectionate HKnox - [docket] To Major Doughty 24 April 1788 -