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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02437.09886 |
| From Archive Folder | The Henry Knox Papers [0083] January-March 1788 |
| Title | Nathaniel Gorham to Henry Knox discussing attempts to ratify the constitution in Massachusetts |
| Date | 20 January 1788 |
| Author | Gorham, Nathaniel (1738-1796) |
| Recipient | Knox, Henry |
| Document Type | Correspondence; Government document |
| Content Description | Gorham signs with his initials. Discusses the ongoing Massachusetts Convention to ratify the Constitution. Applauds the resolutions of the "Boston Trades men" and asks Knox to see that they are published in New York, as they will convert or silence the delegates there. Analyzes the prospects for ratification, enclosing a list of names [not present] of supporters, opposers, and undecided delegates. Says whoever wins will do so by only a small majority. Warns that the “temper which creates the difficulty here ought to alarm all the other States who wish for good Government.” Describes a heated exchange between [Elbridge] Gerry and [Francis] Dana over Gerry’s right to speak at the Convention as a representative for Cambridge. |
| Subjects | Politics Government and Civics Federalists US Constitution Merchants and Trade Ratification |
| People | Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Gerry, Elbridge (1744-1814) Dana, Francis (1743-1811) |
| Place written | Charlestown, Massachusetts |
| Theme | Creating a New Government; Government & Politics |
| Sub-collection | The Henry Knox Papers |
| Additional Information | Gorham, a signatory of the Constitution, was one of the Federalist delegates to the Massachusetts Convention. He notes that this letter was written on "Sunday noon." According to the Massachusetts volumes of “The Documentary History of the Ratification of the Constitution,” the letter was written 20 January 1788. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |