From John Jay to William Livingston, 21 March 1785
To William Livingston
New York 21 March 1785
Dr Sr
The Proposal contained in Col. Stewarts Letter which is herewith sent, was so new & unexpected to me that I have not had Time to make up an opinion on the Subject.1 In case it should meet with your approbation there is great Reason to believe you would be chosen—If you decline, the steady attachment of Jersey to you for many Years will justify your continuing in their Service in Preference to any other. You wd. have a better Salary as Minister, but to enjoy it you must remain abroad—I should like to talk the Matter over with You, but the Packet sails on Wednesday, and therefore cannot possibly leave Town—The Situation of Mr Watkins is a serious one, and I wish to confer with you also on that Subject, and to cooperate in some plan for his Relief—2 I am Dr Sir your afft. Servt
John Jay
His Exy Govr. Livingston
ALS, MHi: Livingston (EJ: 4710). Addressed: “His Exy. Governor Livingston”. Endorsed. Enclosure not found.
1. Charles Stewart, delegate from New Jersey, proposed that WL accept the post of minister to The Hague.
2. John Watkyn Watkins, husband of Judith Livingston Watkins. Watkins had been left money by his father, but the family’s finances were hurt during the war, and Watkins was, in the words of Catharine W. Livingston “an extreme helpless Man,” prone to illness, and failing to manage his estates or conduct his legal practice. Under the terms of William Livingston’s will in 1790 Judith’s share of his estate was placed under JJ’s management and direction and used to provide for her support during her lifetime. After John Watkins’s death, Judith was supported by the Jays and was buried in their family plot at Rye. See 4: 452–53, 460–61; 5: 443, 601–2; Catharine W. Livingston to JJ, 9 Nov. 1783, 3: 511–13; WL to JJ, 21 Mar. 1785, ALS, NNC (EJ: 6891); and JJ’s records as trustee of William Livingston’s estate related to the Watkins share of the estate, Harlan Crow Library, Dallas, Texas.