BENJAMIN LINCOLN TO GEORGE WASHINGTON. [EXTRACT.] BOSTON, 9 February, 1788. Nothing very material has taken place since my last, saving what is mentioned in the inclosed paper. By that you will learn what was the temper of many of those who had been in, the opposition. I think they discovered a candor, which does them honor, and promises quiet in the State. Some, however, will, I fear, sow the seeds of discontent, and attempt to inflame the minds of the people in the country. They have no real object, as they cannot be certain that it will ever pass nine States. I hope and trust this consideration will quiet them at present; when it shall have passed nine States, it will be too late for any one State to think of opposing it. Considering the great disorders, which took place in this State the last winter, and considering the great influence that the spirit which then reigned has had since upon all our operations, it may be supposed that we have got through this business pretty well; and, considering, also, that when we came together a very decided majority of the Convention were against adopting the Constitution. Every exertion will be made to inform the people, and to quiet their minds. It is very fortunate for us, that the clergy are pretty generally with us. They have in this State a very great influence over the people, and they will contribute much to the general peace and happiness. HENRY KNOX TO GEORGE WASHINGTON. [EXTRACT.] NEW YORK, 10 February, 1788. The Constitution has labored in Massachusetts exceedingly more than was expected. The opposition has not arisen from a consideration of the merits or demerits of the thing itself, as a political machine, but from a deadly principle levelled at the existence of all government whatever. The principle of insur gency expanded, deriving fresh strength and life from the impunity with which the rebellion of last year was suffered to escape. It is a singular circumstance, that in Massachusetts, the property, the ability, and the virtue of the State, are almost solely in favor of the Constitution. Opposed to it are the late insurgents, and all those who abetted their designs, constituting four-fifths of the opposition. A few, very few indeed, wellmeaning people are joined to them. The friends of the Constitution in that State, without overrating their own importance, conceived that the decision of Massachusetts would most probably settle the fate of the proposition. They therefore proceeded most cautiously and wisely, debated every objection with the most guarded good nature and candor, but took no questions on the several paragraphs, and thereby prevented the establishment of parties. This conduct has been attended with the most beneficial consequences. It is now no secret, that, on the opening of the Convention, a majority were prejudiced against it. HENRY KNOX TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON. NEW YORK, Sunday, 10 February, 1788. Dear Sir:-I send you a summary statement of my last information from Boston. In a few days I expect to be able to congratulate you on the adoption of the new Constitution by Massachusetts. On Wednesday, the 30th ultimo, Mr. Hancock was well enough to take his seat in the Convention. On Thursday he brought forward the proposition for adopting the Constitution, and for recommending certain alterations, agreeably to the paper herein inclosed. The propositions were seconded by Mr. Samuel Adams, and committed to a large committee of two members from each county, a majority of the committee being Federalists. As the propositions were the production of the Federalists, after mature deliberation, there cannot be a doubt that the committee will report in favor of the propositions as they are stated. The final question was most certainly taken in the Convention somewhere between the 5th and 8th inst. The members of the Convention, and others, who wrote to me on the 3d inst., have no doubt with respect to the adoption of the Constitution, but they do not flatter themselves with a large majority. A most perfect union was effected between the friends of Mr. Hancock and Mr. Bowdoin. Handsome things are said of the open and decisive conduct of Mr. Hancock, and also of Mr. S. Adams, notwithstanding his neutrality in the first part of the business. Please to let Mr. Benson see this letter. I am, with great esteem, dear Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, H. KNOX. HENRY KNOX TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON. NEW YORK, 13 February, 1788. My Dear Sir:-The new Constitution was adopted in Massachusetts on the 6th instant, by a majority of 19. The whole present, 355; 187 for it, 168 against it. The minority behave with magnanimity on the occasion, declaring they will support it with their lives and fortunes. The Boston people have lost their senses with joy. Your affectionate H. KNOX. GEORGE WASHINGTON TO JAMES MADISON, IN CONGRESS. [EXTRACT.] MOUNT VERNON, 2 March, 1788. Sir: The decision of Massachusetts, notwithstanding its concomitants, is a severe stroke to the opponents of the proposed Constitution in this State; and, with the favorable decision of those States which have gone before it, and such as are likely to follow, will have a powerful operation on the minds of men, who are not more influenced by passion, pique and resentment, than they are by candor, moderation and judgment. Of the former description, however, I am sorry to say there are too many; and among them some who would hazard every thing rather than fail in their opposition, or have the sagacity of their prognostications impeached by the issue. GEORGE WASHINGTON TO HENRY KNOX. [EXTRACT.] MOUNT VERNON, 3 March, 1788. My Dear Sir:-I pray you to accept my acknowledgments of your favors of the 10th and 14th ultimo, and congratulation on the acceptance of the new Constitution by the State of Massachusetts. Had this been done without its concomitants, and by a larger majority, the stroke would have been more severely felt by the anti-Federalists in other States. As it is, it operates as a damper to their hopes, and is a matter of disappointment and chagrin to them all. Under the circumstances enumerated in your letters, the favorable decision which has taken place in that State could hardly have been expected. Nothing less than the good sense, sound reasoning, moderation and temper of the supporters of the measure, could have carried the question. It will be very influential on the equivocal States. In the two which are next to convene, New Hampshire and Maryland, there can be no doubt of its adoption, and in South Carolina but little, which will make nine States, without a dissentient. The force of this argument is hardly to be resisted by local sophistry. Candor and prudence, therefore, it is to be hoped will prevail; and yet I believe there are some characters among us, who would hazard every thing rather than cease their opposition, or leave to the operation of the government the chance of proving the fallacy of their predictions, by which their sagacity and foresight might be impeached. |