Henry Jackson To Henry Knox About Ratification Of The Constitution In Massachusetts 23 January 1788

Reports news of the Massachusetts ratifying convention. Writes, The Convention are still seting they have now under debate one of the most important articles, that is, the powers of Congress... the Federal party are gaining ground every day, so much so, that the Anti's are much alarmed & talk of proposing an adjournment in order to influence the Country at large against the Constitution... Notes that Mr. Gerry (possibly Elbridge Gerry) sat in at the convention, and his notes have been published. Because of his description of Judge [Francis] Dana, Dana will not return unless the Convention justified his conduct...