1To George Washington from John Jay, 19 September 1796 (Washington Papers)
It occurs to me that it may not be perfectly prudent to say that we are never to expect Favors from a nation, for that assertion seems to imply that nations always are , or always ought to be moved only by interested motives. It is true that disinterested Favors are so rare, that on that account they are not to be expected between nations; and if that Sentiment turned on that Reason vizt their...
2From John Jay to George Washington, 19 September 1796 (Jay Papers)
It occurs to me that it may not be perfectly prudent to say that we are never to expect Favors from a Nation, for that assertion seems to imply that Nations always are , or always ought to be moved only by interested motives. It is true that disinterested Favors are so rare, that on that account they are not to be expected between nations; and if that Sentiment turned on that Reason viz t ....
3To George Washington from John Jay, 18 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
private You can have very little Time for private Letters, and therefore I am the more obliged by the one you honored me with on the 31 of last month. I was not without apprehensions that on Enquiry it might not appear adviseable to gratify Mr Pickman’s wishes; for altho’ Integrity and amiable manners are great, yet they are not the only Qualifications for office. Your answer to the Call for...
4From John Jay to George Washington, 18 April 1796 (Jay Papers)
John Jay, by Ellen Sharples (probably after James Sharples), c. 1795. Pencil on paper. (£ Bristol Culture/Bristol Museum & Art Gallery) You can have very little Time for private Letters, and therefore I am the more obliged by the one you honored me with on the 31 of last Month. I was not without apprehensions that on Inquiry it might not appear adviseable to gratify M r Pickman’s wishes, for...
5To George Washington from John Jay, 25 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
Govr Jay presents his respectful Compliments to the president of the United States, & takes the Liberty of sending the enclosed Copy of a Letter which he this Day recd from Mr S. Bayard. AL , DLC:GW . In his letter from London of 6 Jan., Samuel Bayard informed Jay “of the favourable disposition which has lately been evinced both in Court of appeals and of admiralty in cases where our citizens...
6From John Jay to George Washington, 25 March 1796, enclosing Samuel Bayard to John Jay, 6 January 1796 (Jay Papers)
Gov r . Jay presents his respectful Compliments to the President of the United States, & takes the Liberty of sending the enclosed Copy of a Letter which he this Day rec d . from M r S. Bayard. I am honored with your favour of the 11 Nov r . for which I beg you will accept my acknowledg ts : the one enclosed for Col: Trumbull I sent immediately to Mr. Deas, who has almost daily opportunities...
7To George Washington from John Jay, 26 January 1796 (Washington Papers)
the British Ratification of the Treaty not having arrived and consequently the Time for appointing the Commissioners mentioned in it not being come, I have thus long postponed replying to yours of the 21 of last month. It certainly is important that the Commissioners relative to the Debts, and also the captures, be men the best qualified for those places. Probably it would be adviseable to...
8From John Jay to George Washington, 26 January 1796 (Jay Papers)
The British Ratification of the Treaty not having arrived and consequently the time for appointing the Commissioners mentioned in it not being come, I have this long postponed replying to yours of 21 last month. It certainly is important that the Commissioners relative to the Debts, and also the Captures, be men the best qualified for those places. Probably it would be adviseable to appoint...
9To George Washington from John Jay, 14 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
apprehensive that my Letter to you (herewith enclosed) is not exactly such an one, as the Gentleman mentioned in it, may perhaps wish and expect it to be, I think it adviseable to send him a copy of it: and that you may have the more perfect and accurate Information, I enclose a copy of my Letter to him. I have lately received much Intelligence from several Quarters—some allowances are to be...
10To George Washington from John Jay, 4 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
private Since mine to you of Yesterday I have occasionally turned my Thoughts to the Subject of it. I presume that the Treaty is ratified agreable to the advice of the Senate—and that if Great Britain consents to the Suspension of the 12 art: (which I believe will be the Case) the Treaty will thereupon be ratified on her part and become final. of Consequence that the modification contemplated...
11From John Jay to George Washington, 4 September 1795 (Jay Papers)
Since mine to You of Yesterday I have occasionally turned my thoughts to the subject of it— I presume that the Treaty is ratified agreable to the advice of the Senate— and that if G. Britain consents to the Suspension of the 12 art: (which I believe will be the Case) the Treaty will thereupon be ratified on her part and become final. Of Consequence that the modification contemplated of the 12...
12To George Washington from John Jay, 3 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
private I have been honored with yours of the 31 of last month. the article in the Treaty to which you allude vizt the last was proposed by me to Lord Grenville, because it seemed probable that when the Treaty should for some time have gone into operation, Defects might become manifest, and further arrangements become desireable which had not occurred to either of us. because no plan of an...
13From John Jay to George Washington, 3 September 1795 (Jay Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 31 of last month. The article in the Treaty to which you allude viz t . the last was proposed by me to Lord Grenville, because it seemed probable that when the Treaty should for some time have gone into operation, Defects might become manifest, and further arrangements become desireable which had not occurred to either of us, because no plan of an article...
14To George Washington from John Jay, 29 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed contains my Resignation of the office of chief Justice —I cannot quit it, without again expressing to You my acknowledgments for the Honor you conferred upon me by that appointment; and for the repeated marks of confidence & attention for which I am indebted to You. It gives me pleasure to recollect and reflect on these circumstances—to endulge the most sincere wishes for your...
15From John Jay to George Washington, 29 June 1795 (Jay Papers)
The enclosed contains my Resignation of the office of chief Justice— I cannot quit it, without again expressing to You my acknowledgments for the Honor you conferred upon me by that appointment; and for the repeated marks of Confidence & Attention for which I am indebted to You. It gives me pleasure to recollect and reflect on these circumstances—to indulge the most sincere wishes for your...
16To George Washington from John Jay, 6 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
My last to you was written on the 25th ult: and is gone in the ohio Capt. Kemp, who sailed last week for New York. It was not untill after my Dispatches were sent to him, that I had the Pleasure of recieving your’s of the 18th of December last. After considering all that I have seen and heard on the subject, it is my opinion that the common and popular (not official) Language and conduct of...
17From John Jay to George Washington, 6 March 1795 (Jay Papers)
My last to you was written on the 25 th . ult: and is gone in the Ohio, Cap t . Kemp, who sailed last week for New York. It was not untill after my Dispatches were sent to him, that I had the Pleasure of recieving your’s of the 18th of December last— After considering all that I have seen and heard on the Subject, it is my opinion that the common and popular (not official) Language and Conduct...
18To George Washington from John Jay, 25 February 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your very friendly Letter of the 1 Novr last, gratified me not a little. The Insurrection had caused disagreable Sensations in this Country, the objects and Efforts of the Jacobin Societies in america were known here, and the hate of our Government was considered as being involved in that of the Insurrection. The manner in which it has terminated has given sincere Satisfaction to this...
19To George Washington from John Jay, 8 January 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Design of this Letter is merely for the Purpose of transmitting to You the pamplet herewith enclosed. I recd it (in two parcels) from Doctr Anderson with a Request that I would send it to You; but not knowing who the Bearer will be I omit adding any thing except the most sincere assurances of my remaining with perfect Respect Esteem & attachment Dear Sir your obliged and obt Servt ALS ,...
20To George Washington from John Jay, 19 November 1794 (Washington Papers)
A Letter which I wrote to you on the 29 Octr last contained the following Paragraph vizt. “I am authorized by Lord Grenville to assure you in the most explicit Terms, that no Instructions to stimulate or promote Hostilities by the Indians against the United States, have been sent to the Kings officers in Canada—I am preparing an official Representation to him on this Subject, and he will give...
21To George Washington from John Jay, 29 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your’s of the 5th of September. Want of Liesure constrains me to be concise. I am authorized by Lord Grenville to assure you in the most explicit Terms, that no Instructions to stimulate or promote Hostilities by the Indians against the united States have been sent to the Kings officers in Canada. I am preparing an official Representation to him on this Subject, and he...
22From John Jay to George Washington, 29 October 1794 (Jay Papers)
I have been honored with your’s of the 5 th . of September. Want of Liesure constrains me to be concise— I am authorized by Lord Grenville to assure you in the most explicit Terms, that no Instructions to stimulate or promote Hostilities by the Indians against the United States have been sent to the King’s officers in Canada. I am preparing an official Representation to him on this Subject,...
23To George Washington from John Jay, 3 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have written to Mr Randolph by this opportunity, rather because I make it a Rule to write frequently, than because I have any thing of much Importance to communicate. and I should have omitted writing to you at present, had not the Intelligence contained in this morning’s Papers induced me to endeavour to send them to you by Capn morgan. He was to have left Town last Eveng, but I am told is...
24To George Washington from John Jay, 22 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
22 Sept. 1794. Introduces "Monsr De la Rochefoucauld de Liancourt, who was President of the national assembly and a Duke and Peer of France." ADf , NNC . François-Alexandre-Frédéric, Duc de La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt (1747-1827) briefly presided over the Constituent Assembly in the summer of 1789. Both a democratic reformer and strong supporter of the French king, he emigrated to England in...
25To George Washington from John Jay, 13 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
private Dear Sir London 13 Septr 1794 My Letter to Mr Randolph which accompanies this, contains very full and accurate Information respecting our negociations here. You will perceive that many points are under Consideration , and that alterations will probably yet take place in several articles. altho it is uncertain, yet it is not altogether improbable that Lord Grenville and myself may agree...
26To George Washington from John Jay, 11 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Letter herewith enclosed from Mr Wangenheim came to me enclosed from him, requesting me to transmit it to You —it was as it now is, without a cover—of this Gentleman I have no knowledge or information but from these Letters. I have written to him, that the Issue of his Application to You could not be foreseen; but that as the united States interposed no Impediments to Emigrants, so on the...
27From John Jay to George Washington, 11 August 1794 (Jay Papers)
The Letter herewith enclosed from M r . Wangenheim came to me enclosed from him, requesting me to transmit it to You— it was and now is, without a cover— of this Gentleman I have no Knowledge or information but from these Letters. I have written to him, that the Issue of his application to You could not be foreseen; but that as the united States interposed no Impediments to Emigrants, so on...
28To George Washington from John Jay, 5 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
private Dear Sir London 5 Augt 1794 On the 2d Inst: I wrote to Mr Randolph, and sent him Copies of my Representation relative to Captures, and of the answer to it. I am this moment returned from a long Conference with Lord Grenville—our Prospects become more and more promising as we advance in the Business—The Compensation Cases (as described in the answer) and the amount of Damages, will I...
29From John Jay to George Washington, 5 August 1794 (Jay Papers)
On the 2 d . Inst: I wrote to M r . Randolph, and sent him Copies of my Representation relative to Captures, and of the answer to it. I am this moment returned from a long Conference with Lord Grenville— our Prospects become more and more promising as we advance in the Business— The Compensation Cases (as described in the answer) and the amount of Damages, will I have Reason to hope be...
30To George Washington from John Jay, 21 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
In a Packet sent last Week to Mr Randolph, was enclosed directed to You a Book which the author, a Mr Miles of this City, requested me to forward to You. I was then so pressed for Time as not to have Leisure to write to you. You will receive herewith enclosed a Note or Memoir which Messrs Lameth and Duport have given me for the purpose of laying it before you. These Gentlemen express an...
31From John Jay to George Washington, 21 July 1794 (Jay Papers)
In a Packet last week to M r . Randolph was enclosed directed to You a Book which the author, a M r . Miles of this City, requested me to forward to You. I was then so pressed for Time as not to have Leisure to write to you. You will recieve herewith enclosed a Note or Memoir which Mess rs . Lameth and Duport have given me for the purpose of laying it before you. These Gentlemen express an...
32To George Washington from John Jay, 23 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
private Dear Sir London 23 June 1794 on Sunday the 15th of this month I arrived here. the next Day I made Inquiries for Mr Lear, and was informed that he had gone to Liverpool to embark for america. I asked whether it was probable that Letters sent by the post would find him still there—the answer was, that it was highly improbable. under these Circumstances & well knowing the jealous...
33From John Jay to George Washington, 23 June 1794 (Jay Papers)
On Sunday the 15 th . of this month I arrived here. The next Day I made Inquiries for M r Lear, and was informed that he had gone to Liverpool to embark for america. I asked whether it was probable that Letters sent by the post would find him still there— the answer was that it was highly improbable. Under these Circumstances & well knowing the jealous attention now paid to Letters passing...
34To George Washington from John Jay, 4 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter to the chancellor went the Day after I wrote to you by his mother to Clermont; and that Day I frequently heard that the appointment to France had been offered to him—Mrs Montgomery mentioned it I am told without Reserve—whence they learned it I cannot conjecture. I have just been reading a Pamphlet written by Noah Webster which is in some Respects interesting—I take the Liberty of...
35From John Jay to George Washington, [4 May 1794] (Jay Papers)
Your Letter to the chancellor went the Day after I wrote to You by his Mother to Clermont; and that Day I frequently heard that the Appointment to France had been offered to him— M rs . Montgomery mentioned it I am told without Reserve— whence they learned it I cannot conjecture. I have just been reading a Pamphlet written by Noah Webster which is in some Respects interesting— I take the...
36To George Washington from John Jay, 30 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
I was this day honored with your’s of yesterday. There is nothing I more ardently wish for than Retirement, and Liesure to attend to my Books and papers: but parental Duties not permitting it, I must acquiesce, & thank God for the many Blessings I enjoy. If the Judiciary was on its proper Footing, there is no public Station that I should prefer to the one in which you have placed me—it accords...
37From John Jay to George Washington, 30 April 1794 (Jay Papers)
I was this day honored with your’s of yesterday. There is nothing I more ardently wish for than Retirement, and Liesure to attend to my Books and papers: but parental Duties not permitting it, I must acquiesce, & thank God for the many Blessings I enjoy. If the Judiciary was on its proper Footing, there is no public Station that I should prefer to the one in which you have placed me—it accords...
38To George Washington from John Jay, 1 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
When Mr Drayton of Charleston was here last Summer he told me that the true nankeen Cotton was in So. Carolina. It appeared to me to be a valuable acquisition, and I suggested to him the Expediency of planting it always at so great a Distance from other Cotton, as to avoid the Influence which many plants of the same kind, tho’ of different Species have on each other, when very contiguous....
39From John Jay to George Washington, 1 March 1794 (Jay Papers)
when M r Drayton of Charleston was here last Summer he told that the true nankeen cotton was in S o Carolina. It appeared to me to be a valuable acquisition, and I suggested to him the Expediency of planting it always at so great a Distance from other cotton, as to avoid the Influence which plants of the same kind, tho’ of different Species have on each other, when very contiguous. Whether...
40To George Washington from John Jay and Rufus King, 27 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Jay and Rufus King, 27 Jan. 1794. In his letter to Henry Knox of 15 Feb. , GW referred to “the subject of Mr Jay and Mr King’s letter to me, of the 27th of last month.”
41To George Washington from Supreme Court Justices, 8 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
We have considered the previous Question stated in a Letter written to us by your Direction, by the Secretary of State, on the 18th of last month. The Lines of Separation drawn by the Constitution between the three Departments of Government—their being in certain Respects checks on each other—and our being Judges of a court in the last Resort—are Considerations which afford strong arguments...
42To George Washington from the Supreme Court Justices, 20 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
We have taken into consideration the Letter written to us by your Direction, on the 18th Instant, by the Secretary of State. The Question “whether the public may with propriety be availed of the advice of the Judges, on the Questions alluded to?[”] appears to us to be of much Difficulty as well as Importance—as it affects the judicial Department, we feel a Reluctance to decide it, without the...
43From John Jay to George Washington, 12 May 1793 (Jay Papers)
I really esteem myself very much obliged & honored by your kind Letter of this Day, & those enclosed with it— It is a new mark of that attention to which I am so much indebted, and of which I entertain a strong & grateful Sense— with perfect Respect Esteem & attachm t . I am Dear Sir your obliged & ob t . Servant ALS , PHi : Etting ( EJ : 01150 ). Endorsed. Dft , NNC ( EJ :
44To George Washington from John Jay, 27 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
As I shall be absent from the next sup: Court, obvious Considerations urge me to mention to You the Reasons of it. Early in the next month I expect an Addition to my family—Mrs Jay’s delicate Health (she having for more than three weeks past been confined to her chamber) renders that Event so interesting, that altho she is now much better, I cannot prevail on myself to be then at a Distance...
45From John Jay to George Washington, 27 January 1792 (Jay Papers)
As I shall be absent from the next sup. Court, obvious considerations urge me to mention to You the Reasons of it. Early in next Month I expect an Addition to my Family— M rs . Jay’s delicate Health (she having for more than three weeks past been confined to her Chamber) renders that Event so interesting, that altho she is now much better, I cannot prevail on myself to be then at a Distance...
46From John Jay to George Washington, 3 October 1791 (Jay Papers)
I shall request the favor of Lord Wycombe to take charge of this Letter — Permit me to introduce him to You.— He is the Son of the Marquis of Lansdown, of whose liberal Policy relative to the United States you are informed— This young Nobleman has already become distinguished, and will doubtless be much more so. His Visit to America marks his Desire of Information, and his Talents will render...
47To George Washington from John Jay, 23 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
My first Idea was to have made a Sketch of what, in my opinion would be proper on the occasion; but finding in the Progress of it, that my Information relative to the actual State of Affairs was not sufficiently particular, and in several Respects defective, it became necessary to confine myself to general Remarks. How far the fiscal arrangements require amendments or additions, can best be...
48From John Jay to George Washington, 23 September 1791 (Jay Papers)
My first Idea was to have made a Sketch of what, in my opinion would be proper on the occasion; but finding in the Progress of it, that my Information relative to the actual State of affairs was not sufficiently particular, and in several Respects defective, it became necessary to confine myself to general Remarks —. How far the fiscal arrangements require amendments or additions, can best be...
49To George Washington from John Jay, 13 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Perceiving that you have been pleased to appoint Col. Smith a Supervisor for this District, I conclude that on his acceptance of that place, the office of Marshall will be conferred on some other person. It is probable that Several candidates will offer, and I take the Liberty of communicatg my sentiments respecting a Gentleman who too delicate to display his own merit, possesses more than...
50From John Jay to George Washington, 13 March 1791 (Jay Papers)
Percieving that Col. Smith you have been pleased to appoint Col. Smith a Supervisor for this District, I conclude that on his acceptance of that place, another the office of Marshall will be conferred on some other person. It is probable that Several Candidates, will offer, and [ illegible ] I take the Liberty of availing myself of your [ Permission ?] to communicating my Sentiments respecting...