![[CONSTITUTION.] [GERRY, Elbridge.] BOWDOIN, James (1726-1790), Governor. Autograph letter signed ("James Bowdoin"), TO ELBRIDGE GERRY (1744-1814), Boston, 31 May 1787. 1 page, folio, integral address leaf with free frank, closed tears at center fold an edges, remnants of mounting on address leaf.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2012/NYR/2012_NYR_02572_0217_000(constitution_gerry_elbridge_bowdoin_james_governor_autograph_letter_si050110).jpg?w=1)
Details
[CONSTITUTION.] [GERRY, Elbridge.] BOWDOIN, James (1726-1790), Governor. Autograph letter signed ("James Bowdoin"), TO ELBRIDGE GERRY (1744-1814), Boston, 31 May 1787. 1 page, folio, integral address leaf with free frank, closed tears at center fold an edges, remnants of mounting on address leaf.
"I WISH THE ISSUE OF IT MAY BE ANSWERABLE TO OUR HOPES"
The Massachusetts governor informs the noted lawmaker Gerry that he will represent Massachusetts at the historic constitutional convention in Philadelphia. Bowdoin is "glad to find that as the federal Convention had not formed, you will be able to attend to the business of it in all its stages. I wish the result of it may be answerable to our hopes..." Gerry, who was shocked by the violence and popular rage revealed in Shays's Rebellion, was eager to replace the Articles of Confederation with a new charter that enhanced the powers of a central, national government, but which paid due respect to the powers of the states and the liberties of the people. Gerry would play a leading role in the convention's deliberations (see following lot).
"I WISH THE ISSUE OF IT MAY BE ANSWERABLE TO OUR HOPES"
The Massachusetts governor informs the noted lawmaker Gerry that he will represent Massachusetts at the historic constitutional convention in Philadelphia. Bowdoin is "glad to find that as the federal Convention had not formed, you will be able to attend to the business of it in all its stages. I wish the result of it may be answerable to our hopes..." Gerry, who was shocked by the violence and popular rage revealed in Shays's Rebellion, was eager to replace the Articles of Confederation with a new charter that enhanced the powers of a central, national government, but which paid due respect to the powers of the states and the liberties of the people. Gerry would play a leading role in the convention's deliberations (see following lot).