John Jay Papers
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To John Jay from Benjamin Kissam, 6 November 1769

From Benjamin Kissam

[NYork 6th Novr. 1769.]

Dear Jack:

When you consider that all the Causes you have hither to tried, have been by a kind of Inspiration; you will need only a small degree of Enthusiasm to be persuaded, that my Lameness is a providential Mercy to You, by calling you to action again. If it was not for you or some other such Apostolic Lawyer, my Clients would be left in the Lurch this Court, as I am afraid I cannot attend myself; But Sir, You have now a Call to go forth into my Vine Yard, and this ^you must do^ too, upon an evangelical principle, that the master may receive the Fruits of it.

All I can tell You about the Causes, is little more than to give you a List of their Titles—But this is quite enough for You—One is about a horse Race, in which I suppose there is some Cheat. Another is abt. an eloped Wife, another of them also appertains unto Horse Flesh. These are short hints they may serve for Briefs. If You admire Conciseness, here You have it. There is one Writt of Inquiry.

As to the Cause abt. Capte. Island, this tell Mr. Morris1 must go off; because as you are concerned against me, I cant tell where to find another, into whose head the Cause can be infused in the miraculous way of Inspiration and without this, it would rather be too intricate for any one to manage from my short hints.

There will probably be some of my old Friends who may enquire after me, and perhaps some new ones may want to employ me Will You be kind enough to let them know that you will take Care of any Business for me. I ask these favours from You, John with great Freedom,—I wish You good Success with my Consignments, and hope they’ll come to a good market. If they dont I am sure it will not be the Factor’s Fault; and if my Clients Wares are bad, let them bear the Loss.

You will see my Dockets with Memoranda to direct what is to be done If my Leg is better perhaps I may see You on Wednesday but it is very uncertain. Where Mr Morris is not against me, I am sure he will be with me, and You may call on him for that purpose, with as much freedom, as if I had a perfect Right to command his Service. I know the goodness of his Heart, and his Friendship for me will make him embrace every opportunity to serve me with pleasure—I am, Your humble Servt

Benjn. Kissam

ALS, NNC (EJ: 6726). Addressed: “To/John Jay Esqr./at/White Plains.” Endorsed.

1Richard Morris. In 1762, he was appointed judge of the Vice Admiralty Court for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

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