Wanted: A Strong Central Government
Document 1786Knox laments lack of unity among the thirteen independent sovereigns and mentions the idea of strengthening the central government. Powers of Congress are inadequate for preserving peace for the "general good." Believed there could be "a rebellion against reason" and unless the general government becomes unified, the United States would be ruled by "an arbitrary and capricious armed tyranny". Mentioned defense of borders against hostile Indians.
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Type
Modern Printed Transcription of Letter/Document
Description
Knox laments lack of unity among the thirteen independent sovereigns and mentions the idea of strengthening the central government. Powers of Congress are inadequate for preserving peace for the "general good." Believed there could be "a rebellion against reason" and unless the general government becomes unified, the United States would be ruled by "an arbitrary and capricious armed tyranny". Mentioned defense of borders against hostile Indians.
Date
10/23/1786
Author
Recipient
Sent from
New York
Collection
Document number
1786102300000
Notable persons
George Washington
Henry Knox
independent sovereign
government
Indians
Indian Nation
Notable locations
New York
Boston
Massachusetts
Conrespective States
Britain
Rhode Island
New Hampshire
Connecticut
Notable items
taxes
taxation
unity
political machine
thirteen independent sovereigns
loyalty
powers of Congress
weakness
states' rights
federal authority
justice
foreign relations
political alliance
Indian relations
preserving peace
war
dispute
protection
liberty
law
unity
central government