Primary sourceLetter10 November 1787
To Bushrod Washington, 10 November 1787
George Washington · 10 November 1787
A letter from George Washington to his nephew discussing public debate over the newly proposed U.S. Constitution.
Washington wrote this letter sharing his views on the public debate over ratifying the Constitution he helped create.
About this source
What it is
A letter written by George Washington on 10 November 1787 to his nephew Bushrod Washington, from Mount Vernon, during the period when states were debating whether to ratify the new Constitution.
Why it matters
Washington discusses the risks of disunity if some states rejected the Constitution while others approved it, warning of "civil commotion." The letter shows Washington's anxieties and strategic thinking during the ratification debates that shaped the United States government.
Look closer
- What fears does Washington express about states disagreeing over the Constitution?
- Why might a private letter to family reveal views a public statement would not?
- What does this tell us about how uncertain the outcome of ratification felt at the time?
This letter is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of George Washington on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
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