Stephen Higginson To Henry Knox About A Military Position For His Son And The Feelings Of The People Towards The New Government 7 April 1790

Requests an appointment in government for his son. Discusses his, and the general population's, views on the current government. Writes that judging from the past, there appears too much reason to fear yet further fluctuation, if not changes, in the tempers & dispositions of the people toward the Government of the Union. But it appears to me, that a great alteration in the habits & feelings of the people has take place for the better; & that many new circumstances have arisen, tending to increase the force & respectability of Government, & to give a strong impression of the necessity of its being supported. - Habits of industry & frugality are taking place of those of luxury & dissipation, more generally & with more celerity than I expected. it is a growing Idea, that the manners contracted during the War must be done away; & that every class of Citizens must expect only to thrive by the means commonly successful in a time of peace... Notes the ideas that the Secretary of Treasurer (Alexander Hamilton) is proposing, along with some general commercial arrangements, will prove advantageous to the people. Believes the situation of individuals will become more easy & [eligible] & private happiness be more generally enjoyed...