From John Jay to Alexander Hamilton, 22 September 1800
To Alexander Hamilton
Albany 22 Septr. 1800
Dear Sir
On my Return to this place on Friday last,1 I was favored with yours of the 3d. Instant—2
It seems that contradictory Reports still prevail respecting our negociations at Paris— I am not yet persuaded that Buonaparte has adopted in all its Extent, the System of Domination which the preceeding Rulers of France attempted to execute; and therefore I presume that a Treaty of peace with america on fair and just Terms may comport with his Views. A Treaty of peace on any other than fair and just Terms is not desireable; and in my opinion that nation must be deficient in spirit, power, or wisdom, that will accept of peace on any other. These Ideas however are not new to You— for I well remember your opinion, relative to settling our then existing Differences with Great Britain, that unless an arrangement on solid Terms could be made with Great Britain, it would be better to do nothing—3 With great Esteem and Regard I am Dr. Sir your most obt. Servt
John Jay
Maj. General A. Hamilton
ALS, DLC: Hamilton (EJ: 10798). Note at top of letter reads: “Consequences as to policy of Napoleons Reference as to Hamilton’s opinion of Treaty of 1794”. Dft, NNC (EJ: 05655).
1. In early September, JJ traveled to Rye and Bedford to visit his family and estate. See SLJ to PAJ, 1 Sept. 1800, ALS, NHi:Jay (EJ: 13228); and PAJ to SLJ, 6 Sept. 1800, ALS, NNC (EJ: 06096).
3. For AH’s views regarding the treaty negotiations with Britain in 1794, see AH to JJ, 19 Aug. 1800, and note 2, above.