1To John Adams from John Jay, 26 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
I hope I may by this Time congratulate You on your safe Arrival, and happy meeting with your Son at amsterdam. M r. Laurens is here, & in better Health than I have heretofore seen him since he left America— His Stay will probably be short, for his Permission to return creates Doubts in his Mind as to the Propriety of his continuing to act with us, unless by our particular Request; and M r...
2To John Adams from John Jay, [2? March 1783] (Adams Papers)
on calling this Moment for my Man Manuel to comb me I am told he is gone to shew my Nephew the Fair— I fear they will have so many fine Things & Raree shows to see and admire, that my Head will remain in statu quo ’till afternoon, & consequently our intended Visit to C t. Sarsfield be postponed. Thus does Tyrant Custom sometimes hold us by a Hair , and thus do ridiculous Fashions make us...
3From John Jay to John Adams, 17 July 1780 (Jay Papers)
On the 4 June last I had the Pleasure of writing you a Letter acknowleging the Reciept of yours of the 15 May —since which none of your Favors have reached me. I have just been reading the Capitulation of Charles Town. I suspect they wanted Provisions. The Reputation of the Garrison will suffer till the Reasons of their Conduct are explained. I wish a good one may be in their Power. They are...
4To John Adams from John Jay, 18 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
I had the Pleasure of recg your favor of the 28 ult. a few Days ago. I congratulate You sincerely on the accession of Friesland and the flattering Prospect there is that the Example of that Province will be followed by that of Holland and the others. It would give me great Satisfaction to be able to transmit you In telligence equally agreable, but that is not the Case. Prudence forbids me to...
5From John Jay to John Adams, 1 September 1782 (Jay Papers)
I am this Moment informed of a safe opportunity of conveying you a Letter, and as such another may not soon offer, I must not omit it. My opinion coincides with yours as to the Impropriety of treating with our Enemies on any other than an equal footing. We have told M r Oswald so, & he has sent an Express to London to communicate it, and to require further Instructions. He has not yet rec d ....
6From John Jay to John Marsden Pintard, 7 June 1783 (Jay Papers)
Your Favor of the 13 th . April last reached me a few Days ago. It gives me Pleasure to find that you are informed of the Friendship which formerly subsisted between our Families, and you rightly suppose that I will be influenced by it. The American Ministers in Europe are not authorized either severally or jointly, to appoint a Consul; and consequently I cannot have the Satisfaction of...
7To John Adams from John Jay, 1 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
M r. Fitzherbert has just been with me. He will give passports for american merchantmen, on our doing the like for british ones. He informed me that Doct r. Franklin is preparing a number of these Passports, in his own name. As this Business appears to both of us to appertain rather to the american Commissioners for peace, than to the residentiary minister at this or any other Court; would it...
8From John Jay to John Adams, 1 February 1783 (Jay Papers)
M r . Fitzherbert has just been with me— He will give passports for american merchantmen, on our doing the like for british ones. He informed me that Doct r . Franklin is preparing a number of these Passports, in his own name. As this Business appears to both ^ of ^ us to appertain rather to the american Commissioners for peace, than to the residentiary Minister at this or any other Court;...
9To John Adams from John Jay, 17 July 1780 (Adams Papers)
On the 4 June last I had the Pleasure of writing you a Letter acknowledging the Reciept of yours of the 15 May—since which none of your Favors have reached me. I have just been reading the Capitulation of Charles Town. I suspect they wanted Provisions. The Reputation of the Garrison will suffer till the Reasons of their Conduct are explained. I wish a good one may be in their Power. They are...
10From John Jay to John Dickinson, 22 March 1779 (Jay Papers)
Your Election to a Seat in Congress is an Event for many Reasons pleasing to me. I have for some time past flattered myself with soon having the Pleasure of again seeing you in a Place which you formerly filled with advantage to your Country and Reputation to yourself. Permit me to hint that your State is unrepresented, & that were you apprized of the very important Affairs now under...
11To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams and John Jay, 28 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Delaware Mr Adams and Mr Jay present their Compliments to Dr Franklin and inform him, that they have just seen Mr Laurens and agreed with him upon a Meeting of the American Ministers Tomorrow at Eleven, at Mr Laurens’s Lodgings. The Drs Company is desired, and Mr Franklin Junr is requested also to attend. Addressed: Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre...
12To John Adams from John Jay, 15 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
Many weeks have elapsed since I recd. a Letter from our Country, but a Packet of News papers, which I think must have been sent from the office of the Secretary for foreign affairs, was brought to me by the last Post from Bilboa. They contain nothing very interesting. There is a Paragraph in one of them under the Boston Head which mentions the safe arrival of the Cicero Capt. Hill, and among...
13From John Jay to John Adams, 24 February 1781 (Jay Papers)
Since my last to you before you left Paris, I have been favored with no Letters from you except a few Lines sent me by M r Montgomery of Alicante, recommending that Gentleman as friendly to our Country. The enclosed is a Copy of an Act of Congress adopting the Regulations proposed by the Empress of Russia, and of which I was desired to transmit Copies to you and Doct r . Franklin— Agreable to...
14From John Jay to John Ten Broeck, 6 June 1777 (Jay Papers)
Having understood that I was named as one of the candidates for the office of Governor, by some of my friends in Albany; and being desirous that as much unanimity as possible should prevail on this occasion, I take the liberty of informing you, that in my opinion it will be most for the common good that I should remain in the office I now hold. I am very sensible of the honor intended to be...
15From John Jay to John Laurens, 26[–28] March 1781 (Jay Papers)
The Arrival of the Alliance has relieved your Friends from the anxieties occasioned by the Reports of your having sailed in the Shelaly who has long been missing. I sincerely congratulate you and my Country on your being now safe at the place of your Destination, and be assured of my warmest wishes for your becoming as much distinguished in the Cabinet as you have been in the Field. Rely on,...
16From John Jay to John Adams, March 1783 (Jay Papers)
On calling this Moment for my Man Manuel to comb me, I am told he is gone to shew my Nephew the Fair— I fear they will have so many fine Things & Raree Shows to see and admire, that my Head will remain in Statu quo ’till afternoon, & consequently our intended Visit to C t . Sarsfield be postpond. Thus does Tyrant Custom sometimes hold us by a Hair , and thus do ridiculous Fashions make us...
17To John Adams from John Jay, 1 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
I am this moment informed of a safe opportunity of conveying you a Letter, and as such another may not soon offer, I must not omit it. My opinion coincides with yours as to the Impropriety of treating with our Enemies on any other than an equal footing. We have told mr Oswald so, and he has sent an Express to London to communicate it, and to require further Instructions. He has not yet recd....
The enclosed Memorial was Yesterday given me by Mr Pell with a Request that I would transmit it to the Congress. He appears much hurt at being omitted in the Arrangement of officers intended for the Regiment lately ordered to be raised in this Colony; and I sincerely wish he had less Reason to think himself neglected. He is a fine, spirited, young Gentleman; of one or two and twenty, of an...
19From John Jay to John Adams, 28 September 1782 (Jay Papers)
M r Oswald rec d . Yesterday a Commission to treat of peace with the Commissioners of the United States of America — I have Reasons for wishing that you would say nothing of this till you see me, which I hope & pray may be soon—very soon— This is a short Letter, but notwithstanding its Brevity be assured that I am with great Esteem & Regard D r Sir Your most ob t . Serv t . Dft , NNC ( EJ :
20From John Jay to John Adams, 18 March 1782 (Jay Papers)
I had the Pleasure of rec g your Favor of the 28 Ult. a few days ago. I congratulate You sincerely on the accession of Friesland & the flattering Prospect there is that the Example of that Province will be followed by that of Holland & the others It would give me great Satisfaction to be able to transmit you some agreable ^ you ^ Intelligence from hence ^ equally agreable ^ but that is not the...
21To John Adams from John Jay, 24 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
Since my last to you before you left Paris, I have been favored with no Letters from you except a few Lines sent me by Mr. Montgomery of Alicante, recommending that Gentleman as friendly to our Country. The enclosed is a Copy of an Act of Congress adopting the Regu lations proposed by the Empress of Russia, and of which I was desired to transmit Copies to you and Doctr. Franklin. Agreable to...
22From John Jay to John Laurens, 2 May 1781 (Jay Papers)
I have been favored with your very polite & obliging Letter by the Return of my Courier. None of the Letters for me from America, which you mention to have committed on your arrival to the Care of Doct r . Franklin have as yet reached me. The nature of the Warrant under which your good Father is detained, is if I am rightly informed, such as that I fear his Enlargement on Parole will not be...
23From John Jay to John de Neufville & Son, 8 January 1781 (Jay Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the fourth ult. together with the one referred to in it. England has it seems declared war against the United Provinces, and that in a stile of such eminent Superiority as I am persuaded will remind your Countrymen, that the united Netherlands are not comprehended among the Territories depending on the Crown of G. Britain. The English Ministry...
24To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 29 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 29 June 1779 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing an extract of a letter from Gen. Washington of 11 June and a resolve of Congress of 28 June, resulting from the general’s letter, calling on the states speedily to fill up their battalions. Washington’s letter is to be kept as secret as possible. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 1 p. Enclosures missing. Washington’s letter...
25From John Jay to John de Neufville & Son, 29 July 1780 (Jay Papers)
Your favor of the 13 th Ins t. was delivered to me last Evening— I admire the generous principles which lead you to take so decided & friendly a part in favor of America— I have too great confidence in the Honor; Justice & gratitude of Congress to Suspect that they will permit you to be sufferers by your Exertions in their favor— On the contrary I am persuaded they will entertain a proper...
26To John Adams from John Jay, 4 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
There is a Destinction between Ceremony and Attention which is not always observed tho often useful. I Of the latter former I hope there will be little of V between us, of the latter much. Public as well as personal Considerations dictate this Conduct, on my Part, and I am happy to find by your favor of the 15 Inst. Ultimo, that you approve it in the same Light mean not to be punctilious. The...
27To John Adams from John Jay, 26 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have at Length had the Pleasure of recieving your very friendly Letter of the 22d. Feby. last. It has been very long on the Road. Accept my Thanks for your kind Congratulations; and permit me to assure you that I sincerely rejoice in your having safely reached the Place of your Destination on a Business which declares the Confidence of America, and for an Object, in the Attainment of which,...
28To John Adams from John Jay, 2 August 1782 (Adams Papers)
Your friendly Letter of the 8th. Ult. should not have remained so long unanswered, had I not been obliged by Sickness which lasted several Weeks to postpone writing to any of my Correspondents. Mrs. Jay has also been much indisposed—Indeed neither of us have been blessed with much Health since we left America. Your Negociations in Holland have been honorable to yourself as well as useful to...
29From John Jay to John Adams, 15 December 1781 (Jay Papers)
The two last posts brought me your Favors of the 26 & 28 th . Ult. It really gives me great Satisfaction at Length to see a prospect of a regular Correspondence between us. The failure of my former attempts had almost discouraged me, tho’ from the frequent miscarriages of Letters to and from me, I had Reason to impute your Silence more to that than to any other Cause. I have not rec d . a...
30From John Jay to John Adams, 2 August 1782 (Jay Papers)
Your friendly Letter of the 8 th . Ult. should not have remained so long unanswered, had I not been obliged by Sickness which lasted several Weeks to postpone writing to any of my Correspondents. M rs . Jay has also been much indisposed— Indeed neither of us has been blessed with much Health since we left America— August Your Negociations in Holland have been honorable to yourself as well as...
31From John Jay to John Adams, 26 April 1780 (Jay Papers)
I have at Length had the Pleasure of recieving your very friendly Letter of the 22 d . Feb y last— It has been very long on the Road. Accept my Thanks for your kind Congratulations; and permit me to assure you that I sincerely rejoice in your having safely reached the Place of your Destination on a Business which declares the Confidence of America, and for an Object, in the Attainment of...
32To John Adams from John Jay, 15 December 1781 (Adams Papers)
The two last posts brought me your Favors of the 26 and 28th. Ult. It really gives me great Satisfaction at Length to see a prospect of a regular Correspondence between us. The Failure of my former attempts had almost discouraged me, tho’ from the frequent miscarriage of Letters to and from me, I had Reason to impute your Silence more to that than to any other Cause. I have not recd. a...
33To George Washington from John Jay, 8 January 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Jay, 8 Jan. 1777. On 20 Feb. GW wrote Jay that “your Card of the 8th Ulto I have had the honour to receive.”
34To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 14 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have this Day drawn. a Set of Bills of Exchange on your Excellency in Favour of the Marquis D’Yranda payable at Ninety Days after Date for forty thousand one hundred and twenty five Livres Tournois— I shall soon be obliged to draw also for the Residue of the Money for the two months Bills and for our Salaries. I have the honour to be, Your Excellency’s most obedt. &...
My last particular Letter to your Excellency, was dated the 3 d . of October last, by Major Franks. I now transmit a Duplicate of it by M r . Stephen Codman, a Young Gentleman of Boston, who is passing through this City to Cadiz, from whence he will either be the bearer of it himself to America, or forward it by some Person of Confidence. From the Date of that Letter to this Day, the Minister...
36To George Washington from John Jay, 22 Sept. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from John Jay, 22 Sept. 1779. On 30 Sept., GW wrote Samuel Huntington: “I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 22d and 23d instants.”
37From John Jay to John de Neufville & Son, 4 October 1780 (Jay Papers)
I have lately had the pleasure of receiving Your favor of the 7 th Sept r : after the Proofs You have given of disinterested Zeal, in the Cause of Liberty & America, I cannot harbour a doubt of Your opposing the measures of a Court industriously employed in attempts to destroy both— Your sentiments respecting the Expediency of a Connection between the United States and Your Republic, concur...
38From John Jay to John Adams, 4 June 1780 (Jay Papers)
There is a Distinction between Ceremony & Attention which is not always observed tho often useful. I Of the latter ^ former ^ I hope there will be little ^ of it ^ between us; of the latter much. public as well as personal Considerations, dictate this Conduct on my Part, and I am happy to find by your favor of the 15 Inst. ^ Ult ^ , that you
39To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 28 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 28 July 1779 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing resolves of Congress of 23 July respecting, first, the better preservation of buildings belonging to the United States and, second, the delivery of horses, cattle, and other stores owned by the United States to proper officers. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 2 p. Enclosure ( Vi ); signed by Charles Thomson; endorsed by...
40John Alsop, John Jay, George Clinton, and Lewis Morris to Walter Livingston, 17 April 1776 (Jay Papers)
We received your Favour of the 8th Ins t .— The Office of Commissary is extreamly embarrassed—The Commissary Gen al . (who it was expected woud have continued in the Eastern Department) is now (by the Removal of the Army from Bo[s]ton) in NewYork— tho it was originally intended (as we understood) that you as Deputy Commissary General shoud have the sole Managem t . of that Office in the...
41To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 14 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 14 Sep. 1779 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing resolves of Congress of 21 Aug. relative to an embargo; of 25 Aug. against restrictions on inland trade; and of 10 Sep. for providing clothing for the troops; also a copy of a circular letter from Congress to its constituents concerning finances. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 1 p. The three resolves and the circular...
42To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 8 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 8 July 1779 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing a resolve of Congress of 29 June announcing that $20,000,000 is to be raised by a new loan and giving the terms on which this sum is to be borrowed. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 1 p. Enclosure not located; printed in JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 ,...
43From John Jay to John Vaughan, 15 February 1783 (Jay Papers)
The only letter I have had the Pleasure of recieving from you is dated the 3 d . of Novemb. last— I regret the miscarriage of the others, as well because they were from you, as because they doubtless contained Information which either on domestic or public accounts, and perhaps on both, was interesting. Your elder Brother has spent much Time here— I need not add, usefully, he is at present in...
44To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 14 July 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 14 July 1779 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing resolves of Congress of 9 July respecting persons employed in provisioning the army. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 1 p. Enclosure not located; printed in JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xiv , 812–15.
45To George Washington from John Jay, 14 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from John Jay, 14 March 1779. GW wrote Jay on 20 March : “I am honored by yours of the 12th and 14th insts. with their inclosures.”
46To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 24 August 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 24 Aug. 1779 . Circular letter to the state executives enclosing a resolve of Congress of 17 Aug. relative to further provisions for the army. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 1 p. Enclosure missing; printed in JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 , xiv , 973–4.
47To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 24 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 24 June 1779 . Circular to the state executives enclosing resolve of Congress, 22 June 1779, to prevent plundering of the inhabitants of places in the enemy’s possession. FC ( DLC : PCC , No. 14); 1 p. Enclosure ( Vi ), signed by Charles Thomson and endorsed by TJ; printed in JCC Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 , ed. W. C. Ford and others, Washington, 1904–1937 ,...
^ Resolv [ ed ] ^ Whereas it is no less consonant to Reason than confirmed by the Experience of Ages almost all Nations, that military operations whose Success often depends on the proper use of critical Moments & Contingencies not be foreseen, should never be encumbered ^ delayed or perplexed ^ by Plans drawn in ^ by or Consultations with ^ large Assemblies by
49Contract between the Secret Committee and John Brown, [before 20 January 1776]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy with DS by Nicholas Brown: John Carter Brown Library <[Before Jan. 20, 1776]: Agreed between John Brown on the one part and members of the committee on the other that a voyage or voyages will be undertaken to procure thirty-six tons of gunpowder (or, failing that, sufficient saltpetre and sulphur to make up the same amount), 1,000 stand of good arms, 1,000 gun locks, twenty tons of lead,...
50To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 13 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have received your Favor respecting the Pump at aldgate. I have since (two Days Ago) recd. Letters from Congress assuring me that no further Bills shall be drawn upon me. These Dispatches have given me so much Business that I am obliged to desire Mr. Carm to write you the News, and to assure you without further additions to this Letter that I am most sincerely, Your...