From John Jay to the President of the New York Provincial Congress (Nathaniel Woodhull), 26 November 1775
To the President of the New York Provincial Congress (Nathaniel Woodhull)
[Philad. 26 Novr. 1775]
Sir:
I have the honour of transmitting to you the enclosed Resolutions of Congress relative to the Island of Bermuda.1
We have not yet had the Pleasure of hearing that you had made a House, and are not without some Anxiety on that head. In a few days we shall write you collectively, and should be glad frequently to be informed of the State of the Province.
The New England Exploit is much talked of, and Conjectures are numerous as to the Part the Convention will take relative to it.2 Some consider it as an ill Compliment to the Governmt. of the Province, and prophesy that you have too much christian Meekness to take any Notice of it. For my own part, I dont approve of the Feat, and think it neither argues much Wisdom nor much Bravery—At any Rate, If it was to have been done, I wish our own People and not strangers had taken the Liberty of doing it. I confess I am not a little jealous of the Honor of the Province, and am persuaded that its Reputation cannot be maintained without some little Spirit being mingled with its Prudence—I am Sir with Respect & Esteem, Your most obt. Servt
John Jay
ALS, partially damaged, N: New York Provincial Congress Papers (EJ: 4391). Addressed: “To Colo. Nathl. Woodhull/at New York.” Tr, MH. Printed: , 4: 410. Missing words supplied from printed text. JJ’s letter was read at the provincial congress on 14 Dec.
1. The enclosed “Resolutions of the Continental Congress of the 22d of Nov. relative to the Island of Bermuda” are printed in , 4: 410–11. These resolutions, adopted in response to petitions from Bermuda regarding the distresses experienced because of the nonexportation agreement, authorized each colony to supply Bermuda annually with a specific amount of provisions under the supervision of the local conventions or committees of safety, in exchange for salt. New York was authorized to ship to Bermuda 800 barrels of flour or bread and 400 barrels of beef or pork. The resolutions added that these regulations did not exclude Bermuda from receiving additional American produce in exchange for arms, ammunition, and other military supplies as stipulated under congressional resolutions adopted 15 July 1775. See “Operating under the Continental Boycott” (editorial note) on pp. 139, 141n11.
2. On this incident, see also Alexander Hamilton to JJ, 26 Nov., below. After extensive debate and amendments, on 12 Dec. the provincial congress directed a letter of protest to Governor Jonathan Trumbull of Connecticut. , 4: 393, 400–402; Alexander McDougall to JJ, 14 Dec. 1775, below.