From John Jay to William Cushing, 19 March 1792, enclosing a copy of John Jay to James Iredell, 19 March 1792
To William Cushing
New York 19 March 1792—
Dear Sir
I subjoin a copy of a Letter which I have just written to Judge Iredell, in answer to one which I two Days ago recd. from him.1
Be pleased to present Mrs. Jays & my Compts. to Mrs. Cushing and to Mr & Mrs. Phillips.2— with great Esteem & Regard I am Dr Sir your affte. & hble Servt.
John Jay
The Honb. Judge Cushing
New York 19 March 1792
Dr Sir
I have been favd. with yours of the 15 Inst:—if our Brethren think it adviseable to offer informally 500 ^Dol^ of our Salaries for the Object in Question, I will concur— that is—I will consent to that Deduction in case we are relieved entirely from the Circuits.
Permit me however to remark, that the Sentiments of Congress on this point should be pretty well ascertained before the Proposal is made. To me it appears doubtful whether it would be recd. with pleasure— If they should regard it as conveying an Implication not flattering to their Ideas of their own Dignity, it would produce disagreable Strictures. As a mear matter of Bargain, I should think it an excellent one on our parts, but not a very handsome one on theirs. Judge Cushing passed thro’ this City in Haste. he mentioned the Subject to me— we both thought it a matter to be considered. I will immediately write to him about it, and request him to inform you of the Result of his Reflections. I am &c:
The Honb. Judge Iredell—
ALS and AC, MHi: R.T. Paine (EJ: 04753). Addressed: “The Hon’ble / Wm. Cushing Esqr. / one of the associate Judges of the United States / Middletown / connecticut.” Endorsed.
1. Not found.
2. Hannah Phillips Cushing, her brother George Phillips (1750–1802) and his wife Martha Wetmore Phillips (c. 1748–1834), both of Middletown, Conn.