To John Jay from Gouverneur Morris, 15 February 1813
From Gouverneur Morris
Morrisania 15 Feby. 1813
My dear Friend
Last Tuesday Evening my Wife was delivered of a Boy.1
I communicate that Event because I believe it will give you Pleasure— Moreover I wish you to be one of his Godfathers. True it is that, according to the usual Course, you may not be able to perform the Duties of that Office; but, my Friend, should you be mingled with the Dust, he shall learn from the History of your Life that a Man must be truly pious to be truly great. I do not fix the Day, because I wish you to come on, in a Fortnight or three Weeks when it best suits your Convenience. I will then summon the Priest and the other Sponsors.2 yours truly
Gouvr. Morris
P.S. I wish for a little Conversation with you on public Affairs.
John Jay Esqr Bedford
ALS, NNC (EJ: 06984); Addressed: “John Jay Esqr / Bedford— / County of Westchester / New York”. Marked: “West Plains Feby 18”. Endorsed: “… and. 22 Feb. 1813”; WJ, 2: 355; HPJ, 4: 369.
1. Gouverneur Morris Jr. (1813–88).