Details
HUNTINGTON, SAMUEL, Signer (Connecticut). Autograph letter signed ("S. Huntington") as Governor of Connecticut, to Benjamin Huntington, Norwich, [Connecticut], 11 August 1788. One page, folio, small portion of blank corner torn away, a retained copy, with Huntington's autograph docket on verso.
An interesting letter on the newly instituted Federal government and the first meeting of Congress under the new Constitution. "I have received your letter...which informs me that Congress have affixed Baltimore as the place for the meeting of the new Congress. I Believe however that your expectation that the question is not finally determined, will not be disappointed....the Dissentary [sic] prevails of late...very considerably....Mrs. Huntington your Lady is out of health but you receive from your Family, Intelligence by this Conveyance, more particular than I am able to Communicate, respecting her...."
Connecticut had been the fifth state to ratify the new Federal Constitution, in January 1788, and Governor Huntington had been a staunch and vocal supporter of ratification. By the date of this letter a total of nine states had ratified, and the President of Congress, Cyrus Griffin, announced on July 2 that a sufficient number of states had ratified for the Constitution to take effect and the new government to be organized. Huntington's cryptic reference to "the Question" may be an oblique reference either to ratification or to the issue of the selection of the site for the meeting of the new Congress. As it turned out, New York was chosen as the first Capitol. In the first Presidential election, Huntington himself received two votes from electors for the office of President and Vice-President.
An interesting letter on the newly instituted Federal government and the first meeting of Congress under the new Constitution. "I have received your letter...which informs me that Congress have affixed Baltimore as the place for the meeting of the new Congress. I Believe however that your expectation that the question is not finally determined, will not be disappointed....the Dissentary [sic] prevails of late...very considerably....Mrs. Huntington your Lady is out of health but you receive from your Family, Intelligence by this Conveyance, more particular than I am able to Communicate, respecting her...."
Connecticut had been the fifth state to ratify the new Federal Constitution, in January 1788, and Governor Huntington had been a staunch and vocal supporter of ratification. By the date of this letter a total of nine states had ratified, and the President of Congress, Cyrus Griffin, announced on July 2 that a sufficient number of states had ratified for the Constitution to take effect and the new government to be organized. Huntington's cryptic reference to "the Question" may be an oblique reference either to ratification or to the issue of the selection of the site for the meeting of the new Congress. As it turned out, New York was chosen as the first Capitol. In the first Presidential election, Huntington himself received two votes from electors for the office of President and Vice-President.