From John Jay to George Clinton, 10 January 1779
To George Clinton
Philadelphia 10 Jany 17791
Dear Sir
Had I more Leisure I should send you less blank Paper— Intelligence of Importance we have none— The News Papers will tell you little— I wish they said less— If I am not greatly decieved the Vermont Affair will end well— Send us the Papers—2 If my Brothers are with you request them to write to me— My Compts to those about you whom you know I esteem—particularly Livingston Benson & Platt—3 my best Respects to Mrs. Clinton— I am Dear Sir very much Yours &c.
J. Jay
Govr. Clinton
ALS, MHi: Washburn (EJ: 4651). Endorsed.
1. On this date JJ also addressed to Clinton a circular letter to the governors, covering copies of acts of Congress of 1, 2, and 5 Jan. on the subject of finance. NN: Emmet Collection (EJ: 1055). Similar letters were sent to the governors of the other states. See DNA: PCC, item 14, 1: 10 (EJ: 1197); , 11: 446–47; , 13: 20–23, 28–29.
2. The “papers” requested by JJ were maps and documents relating to the New York-Vermont dispute. After Vermont’s declaration of independence from New Hampshire and New York in January 1777, the Vermonters petitioned Congress for recognition. Congress responded by asking Vermont to desist from its separation and submit itself to New York’s jurisdiction, so the matter had remained unresolved. , 8: 509–10, 513.
3. Sir James Jay and Zephaniah Platt, who were then members of the state senate; Frederick Jay and Egbert Benson, who served in the assembly; Chancellor Robert R. Livingston.