Reports on Massachusetts' adoption of the Constitution of the United States. Writes, It may with great truth be asserted that no subject was ever more candidly debated- Many of the minority express their determination, of inculcating the principle of union among their constituents. Categorizes those who oppose the Constitution into three groups: the insurgent interest, the desperate debtors, and honest men, without information whose minds are apprehensive of danger to their Liberties. Encloses a paper containing a description of the demonstration of Joy by the Boston people on the occasion (not present). Notes that New Hampshire's ratification convention assembled the previous day.

Knox updates Washington on various state conventions meeting to decide on ratification of the United States Constitution. Writes, The new Constitution has hitherto been as well received as could have been expected considering the various existing opinions prejudices and parties in the respective states. Reports that Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut have all voted in favor of ratification. Mentions Jeremiah and James Wadsworth, both part of the Connecticut convention. Thinks Connecticut's decision to ratify will influence the Massachusetts convention (Massachusetts ratified the Constitution 6 February 1788). Discusses political factions in Massachusetts, including the commercial part, the Eastern part, and the insurgents and their favorers... Notes that Samuel Adams, one of the Massachusetts state ratifying convention members, has declared opposition to the Constitution. Comments on his rheumatism. Knox's retained draft.

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.

Later copy. A note at the top of page one states, Recd from Mr. Bancroft Feb 1857. Knox reports, 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.

Later copy of GLC02437.03793. A note at the top of page one states, Recd. from Mr Bancroft Feb 1857. Knox relates details of the Massachusetts ratifying convention: 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 enclosed [not included]. The propositions were seconded by Mr. Samuel Adams, and committed to a large committee being Federalists. Notes that the friends of Hancock and [James] Bowdoin have united on the issue. Reports, 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.

Knox's retained draft, riddled with struck text and insertions. Acknowledges receipt of applications Washington sent for admission into the Society of the Cincinnati. Comments on the Constitution at great length: In the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut, the great object of organizing the new Constitution has engrossed the attention of the people. Notes that Rhode Island's paper money system and tender laws are sufficiently characteristick of their pursuits. Refers to the Constitution, the new government, and Federalism in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Virginia and New Jersey. Declares, Mr. John Adams will probably have the plurality of views for vice President- from his principles of government as well his professions of regard to the character universally decided on for the President- he will probably be one of the best characters for the office of vice president. Notes that his three youngest children have had the measles. In a post script, reports that Major Haskell, who is on his way to Europe, hopes to obtain a certificate of service from Washington.

Severely faded on p. 1 right margin (from water damage). Also, opposition in remaining states and predicting revolution in France. Accompanied by provenance note of John F. Smith. This document had been removed from Gen. Knox's papers by his granddaughter in the nineteenth century.