From John Jay to George Washington, 19 November 1778
To George Washington
Fish Kill 19th. Novr. 1778
Sir
This will be delivered by my Brother, who will communicate & explain to your Excellency a mode of Correspondence, which may be of use, provided proper agents can be obtained. I have experienced its Efficacy by a three Years Trial.1 We shall remain absolutely silent on the Subject. I have the Honor to be with the highest Esteem & Respect Your Excellencys most obedient Servant
John Jay
His Excellency General Washington
ALS, DLC (EJ: 3588). Addressed: “His Excellency General Washington / Head Quarters / By Sir Jams. Jay.” Endorsed.
1. On the invisible ink developed by Sir James Jay, used previously in correspondence with Silas Deane, see JJ to Robert Morris, 15 Sept. 1776, above. This letter initiated the process by which Sir James provided ink to Washington for use by the famous Culper Ring in New York City and Long Island in forwarding information about British troop and fleet movements. Under Washington’s auspices, Sir James also set up a laboratory for the production of more such ink. Washington to Sir James Jay, 9 Apr. (EJ: 12650) and 12 May 1780 (EJ: 12651), and Sir James Jay to Washington, 13 and 20 Apr. (EJ: 12484, 12485) and 19 Sept. 1780 (EJ: 12488), all in Washington Papers, DLC; and Morton Pennypacker, The Two Spies: Nathan Hale and Robert Townshend (Boston, 1930), 23–25.