John Jay Papers

From John Jay to David Hartley, 22 February 1784, enclosing John Jay to Messrs. Smith, Wright, and Gray, 22 February 1784

To David Hartley

Chaillot ^near Paris^ 22 Feby 1784

Dr Sir

In whatever Point of Light our two Countries may in future view each other, or whatever System of Politics may prevail in either, I always ^shall^ continue to consider you as one to whom who merits my Esteem as a public Man, and my acknowledgments as a Friend. I regret my leaving England without having seen ^had an opportunity of bidding^ you farewell, and the more ^so^ as it is not very probable that we shall again see each other—1 It is my Intention to embark for America in the Spring; and the present complection of affairs affords little Room to expect either that public Business will ^in the mean Time^ either call you here or me to London— I thank you most sincerely for the kind attentions with wh. you favored me when in England; and shall be happy in every opportunity of giving you better Evidence than Professions of the Sense I entertain of them—

In the Haste with wh. I left Bath I inadvertently omitted to leave the usual Fee which I think is a Guinea at the Kings pump Room—as you frequently go there permit me to beg the Favor of you to supply this omission for me, and to apologize for it— I still remain indebted to You for the Sword & Candle sticks—not knowing what they amount to ^nor what the usual Fee to the pump Room is^ I cannot give you an order on my Banker for the exact Sum—but I subjoin one to the Extent of ten Guineas, of which you will be pleased to receive whatever may be due—

I beg the Favor of ^You^ ^Be so obliging as^ to present my best Compts. to your Brother, and to let me know whether your Sister has recovered—2 With real Regard & Esteem I am Dr. Sir Your obliged & obt. Servt3

David Harley Esqr Golden Square

[To Messrs. Smith, Wright & Gray]

chaillot, near paris, 22 Feb 1784

Be pleased to pay to Davd Hartley Esq on order ten Guineas, or as much less as he shall call for—

J. J.

To Messrs. Smith Wright & Gray Bankers near in Lombard Street— London

Dft, UkWC-A (EJ: 35). Endorsed by JJ. C, MiU-C: Hartley (EJ: 4942).

1JJ and Hartley met to exchange ratifications of the definitive treaty on 12 May 1784. See the President of Congress to the American Peace Commissioners, 14 Jan. 1784, note 1, above.

2Hartley’s half-sister Mary (1736–1803) and half-brother Winchcombe Henry Hartley (c. 1740–94), M.P., and, like David, an opponent of the North ministry.

3See Hartley’s reply of 2 Mar. 1784, below.

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