1. The circumstances alluded to were the possible outbreak of war between Britain and Spain over the Nootka Sound Controversy. In the course of a meeting on 8 July, George Beckwith, who had been sent to New York to ascertain the disposition of the United States on a number of matters, had informed AH about the possible outbreak of war between Britain and Spain and attempted to dispose the United States against Spain’s pretensions. GW solicited JJ’s opinions on the issues the controversy raised in a letter of 27 Aug., below. On the controversy, and on Beckwith’s mission, see PGW: PS description begins Dorothy Twohig et al., eds., The Papers of George Washington, Presidential Series (19 vols. to date; Charlottesville, Va., 1987–) description ends , 6: 24–30.

2. Here JJ marked an asterisk after “Governor’s*”, with the marginal note: “(Livingston then Ill)”. William Livingston died on 25 July 1790. See JJ to John Mathews, 30 Nov. 1790, Dft, NNC (EJ: 08868).