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Collection Reference Number GLC02437.03860
From Archive Folder The Henry Knox Papers [0084] April-June 1788 
Title Henry Knox to Marquis de Lafayette discussing the Constitutional Convention
Date 26 April 1788
Author Knox, Henry (1750-1806)  
Recipient Lafayette, Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, Marquis de  
Document Type Correspondence; Government document
Content Description Contemporary secretarial copy of a letter sent to Lafayette. References Lafayette's letters from November 1787 and February 1788. Says that "The Convention by you Mr. Jefferson and Common Sense [Thomas Paine], judge wisely respecting the New Constitution requiring some amendments & of the time they should be effected." Of the Constitutional Convention says "The unanimity of the former convention may be regarded as a rare evidence of the empire of reason." Believes there will not have to be another convention. Says it is likely that nine states will accept the constitution over the next 2-3 months. Says New York will have its ratifying convention in June and hopes the acceptance of other states will influence them to vote for it. Goes into other state's conventions. Lashes out at Rhode Island. Gives Lafayette an update on Catherine Greene, the wife of the late General Nathanael Greene. Seems like she wants to send her son George to France to study. Asks for an updated list of French officers in the Society of the Cincinnati so he can send them diplomas. Says war seems less likely in Europe now, but that the English "however are haughty and overbearing - too much so I am apprehensive, for a firm and durable peace." Below the docket, a later note initialed by "EY" sums up the letter and states that Lafayette's letters to Knox referenced in this letter is feared lost. In the hand of William Knox.
Subjects US Constitution  Ratification  Society of the Cincinnati  Revolutionary War General  France  Global History and Civics  Politics  President  US Constitutional Amendment  Government and Civics  Literature and Language Arts  US Constitutional Convention  Women's History  Children and Family  Education  Fraternal Organization  Revolutionary War  Military History  
People Lafayette, Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, Marquis de (1757-1834)  Knox, Henry (1750-1806)  
Place written New York, New York
Theme Creating a New Government; Children & Family; Women in American History; Education; Foreign Affairs
Sub-collection The Henry Knox Papers
Copyright The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
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