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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02437.09416 |
| From Archive Folder | The Henry Knox Papers [0083] January-March 1788 |
| Title | George Washington to Henry Knox on ratification of the Constitution |
| Date | 5 February 1788 |
| Author | Washington, George (1732-1799) |
| Recipient | Knox, Henry |
| Document Type | Correspondence; Government document |
| Content Description | Expresses regret that "the important question" Massachusetts is deliberating "stands on such precarious ground" (referring to ratification of the Constitution; Massachusetts ratified 6 February 1788). Predicts that Virginia will choose to ratify, but admits he does not have the most recent or accurate information (Virginia ratified 26 June 1788). Declares Holland's case pitiable (possibly referring to the Triple Alliance of 1788). Notes that navigation of the Potomac has been stopped for five weeks. Sends his and Martha's good wishes to Knox and his wife Lucy. In a postscript, asks the identity of the author or authors of Publius, a reference to The Federalist Papers, influential pamphlets in defense of ratification of the Constitution, written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay. Docketed in Knox's hand. |
| Subjects | President Ratification Government and Civics US Constitution Global History and Civics Foreign Affairs Travel Transportation First Lady Federalists Literature and Language Arts Politics |
| People | Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Washington, George (1732-1799) Washington, Martha (1731-1802) Knox, Lucy Flucker (1756-1824) |
| Place written | Mount Vernon, Virginia |
| Theme | The Presidency; Government & Politics; Children & Family; Women in American History; Creating a New Government; Arts & Literature |
| 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 |
| Transcript | Show/hide Download PDF |