From John Jay to Alexander Hamilton, 28 September 1792
To Alexander Hamilton
New York 28th. Sepbr. 1792.
Dr. Sir;
On Monday the 17th. inst. I set out for sussex in New Jersey with design after dispatching some private business I had there to proceed from thence on my Circuit On the 19th. I found myself with a slight inflamation on one eye & some flying Rheumatic pains, to which not suspecting any thing serious I paid little attention— By the 25th. my Eyes were so much inflamed that it was with difficulty I read your letter which I receiv’d that morning—throughout the course of the day those symptoms attended with a little fever increased & convinced me that I was not to be well in a few days under these circumstances it appeared to me best if possible to return home— I set out the next day, the weather was favorable, & I arrived with much pain the day before yesterday— notwithstanding bleeding & physick, both inflamation & Rheumatism continue obstinate—1 As my eyes would not permit me to answer your letter I’ve sent it to Mr. King— Judge Cushing does not appear yet— It wd. be a sad thing if he also shd. be laid up— respecting the duration of my confinement I can as yet form no conjectures— the moment I regain sufficient health for the purpose I shall again proceed on my circuit— Yours sincerely—
Dft, NNC, in hand of SLJ (EJ: 05642). Endorsed by both JJ and SLJ. , 12: 497–98.
1. On 8 Oct. 1792, Charles Adams wrote his mother Abigail from New York that “Mr Jay has been at death’s door but is now somewhat recovered.” , 9: 313. On 27 Oct. 1792, JJ wrote William Cushing, explaining that while the “fever attended with violent rheumatic pains” had ceased, it left him “so weak & low as that I have no prospect of seasonably regaining sufficient strength to enable me to be with you either in Maryland or Virginia—”. LS, in SLJ’s hand, MHi (EJ: 04759). By 12 Nov., JJ was well enough to travel to Rye on his doctor’s orders for further convalescence. SLJ wrote her sister Susan that “it was a most fortunate resolution that he took of returning when he did, for had he postponed it one day longer, it would not have been in his power, & perhaps I never should have had the pleasure of seeing him again.” 12 Nov. 1792, ALS, NNC (EJ: 06464).