From John Jay to Sarah Livingston Jay, 21 November 1794
To Sarah Livingston Jay
London 21 Novr. 1794
My dear Sally
I have within a few Weeks past written to you by the Eagle—by the Packet—and by Capt. Burril bound to New York—1 This letter will go by the way of Virginia, under cover to the Secretary of State—
It will give you Pleasure to be informed that my mission has been successful— A Treaty was yesterday signed, and will be transmitted under the same cover with this Letter— I hope it will give Satisfaction to our Country in general. My further stay here not being very necessary, I exceedingly regret that I cannot immediately return to you—but the Season is too far advanced— I have not Health enough for a winters Voyage—2 I have been for some Time past troubled with the Rheumatism— Having been advised to wear vests of fleecy Hosiery under my Shirt, I have had some made, and think them useful— for some Days past I find myself better, and I ascribe it to that Circumstance—
my Letter by the New York Ship was intended to be given to Mr. Blaney, who talked of going a passenger in her— he has since changed his mind— He is mentioned in that Letter.
Peter is well, and has written to you by the NYork Vessel— He is now attending the Tryal of Mr Tooke—3 He has many advantages here, and is not a little indebted to you for them— my Love to the children &c. Yours sincerely,
John Jay
Let Yaff forward the enclosed.
Mrs. Jay
ALS, NTucW (EJ: 02854). Addressed: “Mrs. Jay / Broadway / New York”. Endorsed: “… recd. March / 9th. ’95”.
1. Letters not found. The Brig Eagle arrived in New York from London on 24 Dec. Daily Advertiser (New York), 24 Dec. 1794.
2. This passage was quoted in an address “To the Electors of the State of New York” by JJ’s supporters Nicholas Cruger, Robert Troup, and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, dated 17 Apr. 1795, as evidence that JJ did not plan to wait until after the ratification of the treaty to return to America. This piece was intended to offset rumors spread by JJ’s election opponents that he would not return on time to assume the post of governor. Also cited as evidence was a letter to Frederick Jay of 21 Nov. (not found), an extract of which had already been published in the newspapers announcing the signing of the Jay Treaty. See, for example, New-York Daily Gazette, 31 Jan.; Independent Gazetteer (Philadelphia), 4 Feb. 1795; one to a friend in the city dated 22 Nov. 1794, (not found); and another to SLJ of 5 Dec. 1794, ALS, PC: Kenneth W. Rendell (EJ: 06566). See also Herald (New York), 22 Apr. 1795. JJ arrived in New York on 28 May as the votes were being counted.
3. John Horne Tooke (1736–1812), a radical politician tried for treason in 1794 but later acquitted. PAJ recorded attending the trial from 17 to 22 Nov., feeling that “From the evidence which I heard I am of opinion that Tooke was not guilty of high Treason, but that that he certainly was guilty of very high Misdemeanor—”. PAJ Diary, A, AD, NNC.