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Letter from Robert Morris to John Hanson, February 11, 1782

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Letter from Robert Morris to John Hanson, February 11, 1782

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Robert Morris writes to John Hanson to address the critical financial problems facing the United States during the Revolutionary was. In his letters, Morris talked about issues like the government's unpaid debts, the lack of public trust, and how the confederation was ineffective in getting states to give funds. He wanted financial reform and a stronger central government to stabilize the nation's economy and ensure its survival.

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A letter from James Madison to James Monroe on August 7, 1785

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A letter from James Madison to James Monroe on August 7, 1785

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James Madison writes to James Monroe about his concerns about how the severely weak government is causing distress and suffering to the people of the U.S, and the continuity of this form of government is becoming a real issue to the point where even the lowest minority won't respect the government. And due to the respect of the government being so low, he expects that their(the people's) loyalty to the U.S and the government will be questioned and will eventually fail.

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Letter to James Duane from Alexander Hamilton on September 3, 1780

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Letter to James Duane from Alexander Hamilton on September 3, 1780

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Alexander Hamilton writes to James Duane about his complaints over the Articles of Confederation. His complaints stem from his belief that Congress is not powerful enough. He also states that Congress lacks confidence in its power, being timid and indecisive in decision-making. He goes on to say that the entire confederation is defective and needs to be changed. He believes that the states have too much influence individually over the army. He thinks they should have nothing to do with the army and that it belongs to Congress.

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Letter to Edmund Pendleton from James Madison on February 24, 1787

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Letter to Edmund Pendleton from James Madison on February 24, 1787

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On February 24, 1787, James Madison wrote a letter to Edmund Pendleton. James Madison says that the government under the Articles doesn’t have and doesn’t deserve supporters. There is no money paid to the Treasury, no respect paid to the authority, and no state follows the laws of the Articles. Ever since the peace, payments have been decreasing and the government cannot last under these circumstances. The violent scenes in Massachusetts and Rhode Island have done indescribable injuries to the Republican name. Most of the people want the Union to break into three different, more practicable governments. James Madison hopes that the danger of this will bring the real friends to the Revolution, take down the Union, and redeem the honor of the Republican name.

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Letter to Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Franklin (Philadelphia) April 19, 1787

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Letter to Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Franklin (Philadelphia) April 19, 1787

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In this letter to Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin expresses how how he both hopes and prays that the next meeting dealing with the Articles of Confederation will do well. He states that a group of representatives that are the best of the best have been selected to revise and propose some amendments since the current articles have proven to have been defective. He explains that he believes that this meeting will either show that America deserves to govern themselves or it will show that they do not deserve to be where they are now.

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Letter to James Madison from George Washington on November 5, 1786

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Letter to James Madison from George Washington on November 5, 1786

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A letter George Washington wrote to James Madison on November 5, 1786. Washing expresses deep concern about the weakness of the Articles of Confederation and the disunity among the states. He warns that the nation is on the brink of anarchy and confusion, as self-interest, ignorance, and the lack of a strong central authority threaten stability. Washington argues that without reform and unity, the country risks ruin, wastes sacrifices, and loses the respect it had gained. He urges wide leadership and a stronger government to save the nation from collapse.

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Letter to James Madison From Thomas Jefferson (Paris) January 30, 1787

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Letter to James Madison From Thomas Jefferson (Paris) January 30, 1787

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Thomas Jefferson writes from Paris to James Madison about Shays’ Rebellion in Massachusetts. He says the rebellion is not too dangerous and should not be punished too harshly. Jefferson argues that “a little rebellion now and then” is good for a republic because it reminds leaders of the people’s rights and helps keep the government from becoming corrupt. He compares rebellions to storms in nature, saying both are necessary to keep things healthy.

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A letter from Benjamin Franklin(Paris) to Robert Morris 25 Dec, 1783

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A letter from Benjamin Franklin(Paris) to Robert Morris 25 Dec, 1783

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In this letter to Robert Morris, Benjamin explains that the failure of people paying tax is highly blamable and that it needs to change. He also goes on to explain that many of the individuals that don't pay are the ones taking loans and the money from banks and that there needs to be a law forcing those citizens to pay their dues. It continues to push the fact that it is "necessary to a Man for the Conservation of the Individual and the Propagation of his natural right" stating that it needs to be done for the sake of peoples natural born rights.

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Letter to George Washington from Henry Lee, 8 Sept, 1786

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Letter to George Washington from Henry Lee, 8 Sept, 1786

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In the early US on Sept 8, 1786, Henry Lee wrote a letter to George Washington. He was concerned and warned George Washington of the horrors of anarchy and lack of moral restraint. Henry is concerned because he thinks that they'll establish a hierarchy due to jealousy, suspicions, and envy so they'll attempt to overthrow them in order to create a hierarchy. Due to this concern, he sent a letter to George Washington in order to create a permanent government.

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Letter to George Washington from Henry Knox 21 Dec, 1786

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Letter to George Washington from Henry Knox 21 Dec, 1786

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Henry Knox explains to George Washington how the rebels at Worcester, Massachusetts, have disbanded. People in Boston believed it was due to fear, but the truth is, the rebels reached their goal to prevent the civil court from continuing work. Imprisoning some of the rebels at Middlesex beforehand had likely led to a larger number of rebels at Worcester. Those in Massachusetts have now raised concerns about the powers of government. They fear for the protection of their liberty or property. Henry Knox emphasizes that action must be taken now, or else much trouble is expected in the following years.

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“given no Power to compel” Robert Morris to John Hanson, president of Congress, 11 Feb. 1782

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“given no Power to compel” Robert Morris to John Hanson, president of Congress, 11 Feb. 1782

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Robert Morris is explaining to John Hanson how they cannot pay the debt they have, and that no other people should trust a government without being well because of it. He goes on to say that the eight million the United States or the U.S. got cannot be paid back due to no states giving up the taxes for it. He explains how the U.S. congress cannot force the states to give up money but they can get them to not spend.

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Letter from George Washington to Rev. William Gordon, 8 July 1783

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Letter from George Washington to Rev. William Gordon, 8 July 1783

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In his letter to Rev. William Gordon, George Washington expresses his strong belief in the necessity of a strong central government for the states in order to flourish and avoid collapse under the Articles of Confederation. He then argues in the letter that there was no danger in Congress being granted more power in order to correct the critical deficiencies of the Articles of Confederation.

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Letter to James Monroe from Thomas Jefferson (Paris), 11 Aug. 1786

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Letter to James Monroe from Thomas Jefferson (Paris), 11 Aug. 1786

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Thomas Jefferson expresses his desire for a stronger central government to James Monroe. He argued that under the Articles of Confederation, the federal treasury wouldn’t earn any money and remain empty. Jefferson believes that the confederacy has to demonstrate its power and “show its teeth” to collect money in the form of insurance (tax) from each state in debt.

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James Madison to James Monroe August 7, 1785

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James Madison to James Monroe August 7, 1785

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James Madison expresses his concern about the defects of the federal system. He states that these defects should be fixed not only for it to become a stronger, more effective system but also because he feared what would happen to the nation if it was not fixed. Madison says that if even a small part of the nation is suffering that will affect the whole nation.

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Letter to Benjamin Harrison from George Washington, January 18, 1784

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Letter to Benjamin Harrison from George Washington, January 18, 1784

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George Washington warns that without more power given to Congress, the already weak, “Half starv’d, limping”, and divided U.S. government will fail, leaving the American Revolution meaningless. Britain already sees this weakness, and Washington stresses that only by uniting, empowering delegates, and strengthening Congress can America become a strong, happy, rich, and respected nation- otherwise, it will collapse.

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Something fantastic

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Letter to John Jay from George Washington, May 18, 1786

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Letter to John Jay from George Washington, May 18, 1786

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The Articles need to be changed, but there isn’t enough support to do so yet.  Most people don’t realize how ineffective the Articles of Confederation are as a form of government, but something needs to be done in order to fix the critical situation that the nation finds itself in.