Edward Carrington To Henry Knox Expressing Support For Ratification Of The Constitution 10 February 1788

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...