Carrington reports, I have as yet passed through no more of this state than what is called the Northern Neck- there I find the opponents of the Constitution pretty numerous and vociferous. Mentions that [Richard Henry] Lee has in great measure declined to act in the opposition, finding that even his own family have separated from him. Declares that in the southern part of Virginia, many influential figures have united on the wrong side. Mentions that Governor [Edmund] Randolph has committed to the public view his opinions as to the conduct which it will be wise now to pursue with respect to the Constitution... Knox writes beneath the docket: Answered on the 10th Feby and gave a state of affairs in Massachusetts.

Written in Manchester, a present-day neighborhood of Richmond. Comments on the state conventions held to discuss ratification of the United States Constitution (Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Virginia). On Virginia, writes, My situation here is in the midst of Mr. Henries influence, and I find he has pretty well prepared the people for being his blind followers- his demagogues are loud in their clamors against the Constitution, professing a determination to reject unless amendments can be had even at the hazard of standing alone... (referring to Anti-Federalist Patrick Henry). Writes, Without consulting the extent of my influence, or the hazards of facing the Torrent, I have thought it my duty to make an unequivocal declaration of my sentiments in the Counties with which I am immediately connected, and shall endeavor to fix the minds of the people upon the preservation of the Union as the first object...

Informs Carrington, a Continental Congressman, of Massachusetts' ratification of the Constitution. Reports that those at the convention who previously opposed the Constitution have declared their intention of uniting their influence in support of the constitution. Notes that [Elbridge] Gerry, who sat in but did not participate in the Massachusetts ratifying convention, has also pledged himself to the Constitution. Discusses the interests of some of the Constitution's opponents. Encloses papers describing the celebration in Boston after its passage. Notes that the New Hampshire ratification convention met the previous day.

Comments on the United States Constitution in Virginia. Notes that he was banished from the house of delegates, but returned to one of the most antifederal assemblies that could possibly have been collected from amongst the people. This body met in [Phrenzy], and [Patrick] Henry took advantage of that circumstance to push and carry measures which could not have been obtained in the latter parts of the session. Refers to William Grayson, Richard Henry Lee, the evacuation of American Indians, and the possibility of George Clinton being elected as Vice President. Discusses political matters at great length. Extremely fragile.

Informs Carrington that he has received his letters concerning appointments for young officers and that though they generally arrived too late, he will keep them in mind for future consideration. States that there were many more applications than positions. Speaking about the last session of Congress, he writes, The indian war, and the failure of the last expedition combined with a partial aversion to the government excited much ill humor during the last session. It was thought proper by a party, to levell some shafts at me....Parties will arise in free governments - and party prejudice is proverbally blind. Asks about the general Machine in Virginia and comments on prosperity in Pennsylvania. Discusses the New York governor's election, [John] Jay it would seem had a majority of votes - but [George] Clinton is the governor ...the essence of republicanism is done away and if a man can perpetuate himself to office by a minority. Also comments he has heard that some one in Virginia wants Clinton to run for Vice President against John Adams and wants to know if this is true.

Opens by thanking Knox for his role in obtaining Carrington a presidential appointment [as marshal of Virginia]. He then discusses the French revolution, writing that [t]he Revolution in France is as singular as it is important to the cause of Liberty. It is perhaps the first instance in the History of Nations of a King & his people uniting to extend the Rights of the latter in abridging the power and privileges of the Nobles. The Common tendency of Revolutions founded in a [sense] amongst the people of oppression from the Nobility has ever been to an implicit surrender of every thing unto the hands of the Sovereign to say nothing of ancient Precedents, the modern, nay recent, Revolution in Denmark & Sweden terminated thus: there is in France a spirit never before known in the old world; my pride suggests that it was imbibed from America, and I am compleatly [sic] gratified in being that a Son of America did in the extremity of confusion, 'Mount the Whirlwind & direct the Storm.' Sends greetings to Mrs. Knox and mutual friends. Stamped Richmond. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Writes from Powhatan via Richmond, most likely in Virginia. Writes that he has, in fact, decided not to travel to New York City in pursuit of a government appointment. Adds, I did expect that many would collect there in quest of appointments, and that it would draw on them remarks which would tend rather to injure than promote their wishes - I now learn that this is in fact the case - I would not be ranked amongst them for the world. Believes that the President will not make appointments based on absence or presence but instead based on character. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox. Free handwritten on address leaf with no signature.