"They wish for a general government of unity, as they see that the local legislatures must naturally and necessarily tend to retard the general government"

This quote by Henry Knox is referring to the need for a unified federal government in the United States. He is suggesting that the regional legislatures, which are accountable for governing private states, can be a barrier to the basic federal government, which is responsible for governing the whole country. He thinks that the local legislatures can slow down the development of the basic federal government, and that a unified federal government is needed to make sure that the country can progress. He is promoting for a government that is unified and interacts, instead of one that is divided and works versus each other. He believes that a unified government is the best method to make sure that the nation can progress and accomplish its objectives. By having a unified government, the nation can work together to develop a better future for all residents.