To John Jay from William Cooper, 19 December 1800
From William Cooper
Washington December 19 1800
Dear Sir,
You are nominated and will this day no doubt be approved Chiefe Justice of the United States in the Place of O. Elsworth Resigned.1 the french treaty may be Conditionally Ratifyed,2 but I think not as the Senators speak of it in bitter termes and count on many mischiefs that will follow. Jefferson and Burr is head and head. Burr or no President is the order of the day. Poor America how thou art torn to Pieces by thy own Prosperity. the Revennue has Exceeded the anticipation $2:400000 for the Last year. and Prospects are still more Pleasing what may we not Injoy by quietly Persueing the Plain way. With great Regard, I am &c
William Cooper
John Jay Esqr Governor of New York
ALS, N (EJ: 04022; EJ: 05307). Addressed: “John Jay / governor of / the State of new York / Albany”. Franked. Stamped: “Wash City / Dec / 19.” Endorsed: “Judge Cooper / 19 Decr 19 1800 / that I had been nominated for / ch. Justice of U.S.” William Cooper (1754–1809), proprietor of Cooperstown and Federalist official, served as a judge of Otsego County, and represented New York’s Tenth District in the House of Representatives (1795–97, 1799–1801).
1. For JJ’s appointment as chief justice, see JA to JJ, 19 Dec., and the editorial note “Jay Declines a Second Appointment as Chief Justice,” both above.
2. The Treaty of Mortefontaine, also known as the Convention of 1800, ended the Quasi-War. After the treaty was signed on 30 Sept. 1800, JA submitted the articles for approval to the U.S Senate on 16 December.