Henry Knox To John Hancock Discussing The Need For A Republican National Militia 28 January 1790

Encloses (not included) his report on the subject of a republican national militia. Discusses his thoughts concerning a republican national militia... Believes republic governments are the sort of governments that will be more productive of happiness and an enlargement of the mind than other forms [of] government, But that they cannot be [effectively] secured [against] the machinations of the interested and ambitious unless the people will sacrifice some [portion] of [ease], and establish strong institutions... Solicits Hancock's help saying he does not know the fate of the report but believes if it meets Hancock's and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts approbation it will take deep root... Mentions Mrs. Knox just gave birth to another son. Date taken from docket. Knox's working draft. Docketed in Knox's hand.