John Jay Papers

From John Jay to John Lowell, 24 August 1796

To John Lowell

New York 24 Augt. 1796

Dear Sir

Your Letter of the 1st. Instant1 was last Week left at my House—presuming from that Circumstance that your Son was in town,2 I sent my Son to enquire for him at our principal Lodging Houses, and at other Places—but without Success. I regret ^my^ not having had the Pleasure of seeing him, and evincing by friendly attentions my Esteem and Regard both for You and for him—

It is happy for the United States that so great a part of the People are able to discern their true Interests. The Nature of our Government demands from the virtuous and enlightened unceasing Vigilance and Effort—not merely that Good may be done, but that Mischief may be prevented. How far we may prudently calculate on there being constantly a due portion of this vigilance & Effort Experience is yet to decide—

The general Tranquility we at present enjoy exceeds what might have been expected. I wish it may be durable— we shall be more free from Danger, when a greater proportion of our People become well informed— Schools Colleges and Churches are in my opinion absolutely essential to Governments like ours.

The Desire of Destinction operates most powerfully in this Country as an Incitement to the Acquisition of Wealth— it will perhaps become a Characteristic in our national Character; and in many Respects produce Evil— But altho’ many things are not exactly as we wish, we have nevertheless abundant Reason to be thankful— With the best Wishes for the Health and Happiness of Yourself and Family I am Dear Sir Your most obt. & hble Servt

John Jay

ALS, NHi (EJ: 02963).

1Lowell to JJ, 1 Aug. 1796, ALS, NNC (EJ: 06915).

2When Lowell’s eldest son, John Lowell Jr., travelled to Philadelphia on private business, he planned to visit New York on his return trip to Boston for the purpose of meeting JJ. Lowell noted that he would feel “wounded if a Son of yours, should visit our State without giving me an Opportunity of seeing him,” and further informed JJ that his son “will render himself agreable by being able to give you a correct State of the Politics of our Part of the Union.” Lowell to JJ, 1 Aug. 1796, ALS, NNC (EJ: 06915).

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