John Jay Papers
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From John Jay to James Iredell, 12 February 1791

To James Iredell

Philada. 12 Feb. 1791

Dear Sir

The Letter you did me the Honor to write Yesterday, enclosing one to Judge Cushing Judge Willson and myself,1 was delivered to me at Mr Keans just before Dinner; and being detained by previous Engagemts. late in the Eveng. I have not had an opportunity of communicating it to those Gentlemen, but shall do it this Morning. I have not the least objection to re-examining the merits of the Question of Rotation. If the Decision on it at New York should on further Consideration appear to have been erroneous, it ought to be relinquished. The Inconveniences you mention are doubtless great and unequal: and yet Sir: an adequate Remedy can in my opinion be afforded only by legislative Provisions. The Case in No. Carolina is disagreably circumstanced. Judge Cushing & myself have points of some Importance reserved, on which we expect to decide this Spring in the Eastern Circuit. Perhaps Judge Willson & Judge Blair may be differently circumstanced— if so, I think it would be expedient for one of them to attend that court in your Stead— I purpose to set out for New York on Monday Morning— The State of the Roads & Ferries, & the approaching special Session of the Circuit Court forbid longer Delay. This being Saturday, the various little Matters which previous to my Departure must be attended to, altho not very important in themselves, will not now permit me to enter into a full Description of the Subject— With Sentiments of very sincere Esteem & Regard I am Dear Sir Your most obt. & hble Servt

John Jay

The Honb. Judge Iredell

ALS, Nc-Ar: Charles E. Johnson Coll. (EJ: 13410). Addressed: “The Hon’ble / Judge Iredell.” Endorsed: “… John Jay. / Ansd.” Griffin J. McRee, ed., Life and Correspondence of James Iredell (2 vols.; New York, 1857–58), 2: 322–25; DHSC description begins Maeva Marcus et al. eds., The Documentary History of the Supreme Court of the United States, 1789–1800 (8 vols.; New York, 1985–2007) description ends , 2: 135–36.

1Above.

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