From John Jay to Robert Morris, 26 December 1777
To Robert Morris
Fish Kill 26 Decr. 1777
Dear Sir
About a Fortnight ago I recd. three Letters from France, one dated at Dunkirk the 2d June, another at Passy near Paris the 8th. June, and the third at Havre the 10th. June, 1777— All of the same Import & nearly in the same words; an exact Copy of the first is enclosed for the Committee.1
I should have immediately on the Rect. of them have sent you Copies, but the necessary Materials for rendering ^them^ visible, were in the Neighbourhood of Kingston; and the Ice on the River prevented my getting them till within a few Days past.
Military Matters with us are strangely managed. Gates is playing with his Laurels at Albany, and Putnam catching oysters on the Banks Shores of the Sound. In my opinion the Resolutions of Congress respecting the Forts & Navigation of Hudsons River, will not be ^executed^ properly, if at all, unless under other Directors.2 Pray hasten the Inquiry into the Causes to which the
Loss of the Forts &ca. is to be ascribed. A fair Opportunity will then offer of redressing one of the Evils we suffer.
I hear Deane is recalled. Greece over again. Nothing like the ostracism.3 Your Confederation, if I am not mistaken will be ratified by our Legislature. Is there any Probability of a French War?
How has the little Temple you erected to Hospitality at the Hills fared?4 polluted I suppose. God bless You I am Dear Sir with great Regard & Esteem your obt. Servt.
John Jay
The Hon’ble Robt. Morris Esqr
1. JJ’s copy of the letter from the American Commissioners of 2 June 1777, which he enclosed for the Committee of Secret Correspondence, of which Morris was a member, is printed above. The originals of the letters of 2, 8, and 10 June have not been located. The committee was renamed the Committee for Foreign Affairs on 17 Apr. 1777. , 7: 274.
2. The Continental Congress on 5 Nov. 1777 had directed Generals Gates and Putnam “to regain the possession of the forts and passes of the North or Hudson’s River.” , 9: 865.
3. The Continental Congress on 21 Nov. 1777 recalled Silas Deane from France. , 9: 946–47.
4. Morris’s country house on the Schuykill River was referred to as “The Hills.” It was severely damaged during the British occupation of Philadelphia.