From John Jay to Jacob I. Griswold Jr., 5 August 1816
To Jacob I. Griswold Jr.
Bedford 5 Augt. 1816
Sir
I have recd. your Letter——July last, and have read the Proposals for “a grand national Institution,” and also the Pamphlet ^explaining^ it which were inclosed within1
Whether, (if I may use the Expression) the public Mind is prepared to give competent Support to an Institution so comprehensive; and whether provision can be made for ably doing the Business assigned to each of its numerous Departments; are Questions which I am not in capacity to answer— neither of these Points appears to me to be free from Doubts—
As to the proposed Contract, by which the Subscribers become a Company and are to transact certain parts of the Business by their Committees, I will only observe,— that I think it adviseable at my Time of Life, to decline entering ^into^ any Engagements of that Description—
From a Desire to promote litterary pursuits I have subscribed for various periodical Publications; and the same motive will induce me to take such others, as that which from being well conducted and well calculated to do good, shall appear to merit Encouragement— I am Sir your obt Servant.
Dft, NNC (EJ: 08743). Jacob I. Griswold Jr. was a shopkeeper, publisher, editor, and educator, who worked out of his dry goods store at 6 Chatham Square. Between November 1807 and February 1808, he edited and published Columbian Herald (New York) and briefly, in 1817, the New-York Moralist & Washington Statesman and the Columbian Herald and Christian Friend (New York), which may have only appeared as single issues. In 1818, he opened the Washington Academy (briefly renamed the Columbian Academy in 1819), located on Grand St. (later moving to Church St.), where he promised “the several branches of literature are designed to be taught according to the best systems and in the most approved manner.” Religious instruction was also provided, later, public lectures in natural theology were offered. In 1821, he joined with fellow schoolmaster Benjamin Wiggins, of the Franklin Juvenile School, to form a “Society for promoting the education of youth”; however, it appears the society met only twice. National Advocate (New York), 16 Jan. 1817; Mercantile Advertiser (New York), 16 May 1818; New York Commercial Advertiser, 9 Oct. 1819; National Advocate (New York), 3 Mar. 1821; Patron of Industry (New York), 31 Mar., 2 June 1821.
1. JJ’s copy of the letter or circular not found. Griswold sent the same to TJ. See PTJ, 10: 283–84. The pamphlet is New periodical publications proposed.: Also, a grand national institution, for promoting Christian and other valuable knowledge; and for the more general diffusion of correct political information.: Likewise, proposals for re-publishing by subscription, stereotype-plate editions of two excellent commentary family Bibles.: To all which, the attention of an enlightened community is most respectfully solicited. (New York, 1816; Early Am. Imprints, series 2, no. 55340).