1To George Washington from John Jay, 25 August 1785 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of an Act of Congress of the 19th Instant, of which a Copy is herewith enclosed, I have desired Mr Taylor, one of the Clerks of this Office, to wait upon your Excellency, and agreeable to your Letter of the 5th April last to Mr Thomson, to take Copies of the papers mentioned in it, and in the enclosed Act of Congress. With the best and most sincere Wishes for your Health and...
2From George Washington to John Jay, 27 September 1785 (Washington Papers)
Mr Taylor presented me the honor of your favor of the 25th Ulto—and gave me the pleasure of hearing that Mrs Jay & yourself were well, when he left New York. Upon your safe return to your native Country, after a long absence, & the important services you have rendered it—in many interesting negotiations—I very sincerely congratulate you, and your Lady. It gave me great pleasure to hear of your...
3To John Jay from George Washington, 27 September 1785 (Jay Papers)
M r . Taylor presented me the honor of your ^ favor ^ of the 25 th . Ultim o — and gave me the pleasure of hearing that M rs . Jay & yourself were well, when he left New York. Upon your safe return to your native Country, after a long absence, & the important services you have rendered it in many interesting negotiations—I very sincerely congratulate you, and your Lady— It gave me great...
4To George Washington from John Jay, 2 March 1786 (Washington Papers)
at & for some time after the arrival of your kind and friendly Letter by mr Taylor, official Business obliged me to postpone writing the Letters due to my private Correspondents. In Decr a young Man under the Influence of more important advisors, made an attack in the Papers, which rendered the Publication of my Correspondence with him expedient. The first Edition being replete with Errors of...
5To George Washington from John Jay, 16 March 1786 (Washington Papers)
Under the same cover with my Letter to You of 2 Instant, I transmitted a Pamphlet, in which I have since remarked the Errors mentioned in the inclosed printed Paper. altho’ you have wisely retired from public Employments, and calmly view from the Temple of Fame, the various Exertions of the Sovereignty and Independence which Providence has enabled You to be so greatly & gloriously instrumental...
6From John Jay to George Washington, 16 March 1786 (Jay Papers)
Under the same Cover with my Letter to You of 2 Instant, I transmitted a Pamphlet, in which I have since remarked the Errors mentioned in the inclosed printed Paper. altho you have wisely retired from public Employments, and calmly view from the Temple of Fame, the various Exertions of that Sovereignty and Independence which Providence has enabled You to be so greatly & gloriously instrumental...
7From George Washington to John Jay, 18 May 1786 (Washington Papers)
In due course of Post, I have been honoured with your favours of the 2d & 16th of March; since which I have been a good deal engaged, and pretty much from home. For the inclosure which accompanied the first, I thank you. Mr Littlepage seems to have forgot what had been his situation—What was due to you—and indeed what was necessary for his own character. And his Guardian I think, seems to have...
8To John Jay from George Washington, 18 May 1786 (Jay Papers)
In due course of Post, I have been honoured with your favours of the 2 d . & 16 th . of March; since which I have been a good deal engaged, and pretty much from home.— For the enclosure which accompanied the first, I thank you.—M r Littlepage seems to have forgot what had been his situation,—What was due to you—and indeed what was necessary for his own character.—And his Guardian I think,...
9To George Washington from John Jay, 27 June 1786 (Washington Papers)
Being deputed by the Church Convention of New York, to attend a general one convened here, I brought with me your obliging Letter of the 18 ult. that I might devote the first Leisure Hour to the Pleasure of answering it. Congress having freed the Papers of which the enclosed are Copies from Injunctions of Secrecy, and permitted the Delegates to make and send Extracts from them to their...
10From John Jay to George Washington, 27 June 1786 (Jay Papers)
Being deputed by the Church Convention of New York, to attend a general one convened here, I brought with me your obliging Letter of the 18 Ult. that I might devote the first Leisure Hour to the Pleasure of answering it. Congress having freed the Papers of which the enclosed are Copies from Injunctions of Secrecy, and permitted the Delegates to make and send Extracts from them to their...
11From George Washington to John Jay, 15 August 1786 (Washington Papers)
I have to thank you very sincerely for your interesting letter of the 27th of June, as well as for the other communications you had the goodness to make at the same time. I am sorry to be assured, of what indeed I had little doubt before, that we have been guilty of violating the treaty in some instances. What a misfortune it is the British should have so well grounded a pretext for their...
12To John Jay from George Washington, 15 August 1786 (Jay Papers)
I have to thank you very Sincerely for your interesting letter of the 27 th . of June, as well as for the other communications you had the goodness to make at the same time. I am sorry to be assured, of what indeed I had little doubt before, that we have been guilty of violating the treaty in some instances. What a misfortune it is the British should have so well grounded a pretext for their...
13To George Washington from John Jay, 7 January 1787 (Washington Papers)
They who regard the public good with more Attention & Attachment than they do mere personal concerns, must feel and confess the Force of such Sentiments as are expressed in your Letter to me by Col. Humphreys last Fall. The situation of our Affairs calls not only for Reflection and Prudence but for Exertion. What is to be done? is a common Question, but it is a Question not easy to answer....
14From John Jay to George Washington, 7 January 1787 (Jay Papers)
They who regard the public good with more attention & attachment than they do mere personal Concerns, must feel and confess the Force of such Sentiments as are expressed in your Letter to me by Col. Humphreys last Fall. The Situation of our Affairs calls not only for Reflection and Prudence but for Exertion. What is to be done? is a common Question, but it is a Question not easy to answer....
15From George Washington to John Jay, 10 March 1787 (Washington Papers)
I am indebted to you for two letters: The first, introductory of Mr Anstey needed no apology—nor will any be necessary on future occasions. The other, of the 7th of Jany is on a very interesting subject, deserving very particular attention. How far the revision of the fœderal system, and giving more adequate powers to Congress may be productive of an efficient government, I will not, under my...
16To John Jay from George Washington, 10 March 1787 (Jay Papers)
I am indebted to you for two letters:—The first, introductory of M r . Anstey needed no apology— nor will any be necessary on future occasions.—The other, of the 7 th . of Jan y . is on a very interesting subject, deserving very particular attention.— How far the revision of the fœderal system, and giving more adequate powers to Congress may be productive of an efficient government, I will...
17To George Washington from John Jay, 25 July 1787 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honored with your Excellency’s Favor of the 22d Inst: & immediately delivered the Letter it enclosed to Commodore Jones, who being detained by Business, did not go in the french Packet, which sailed Yesterday. Permit me to hint, whether it would not be wise & seasonable to provide a strong check to the admission of Foreigners into the administration of our national...
18From John Jay to George Washington, 25 July 1787 (Jay Papers)
I was this morning honored with your Excellency’s Favor of the 22 d Inst: & immediately delivered the Letter it enclosed to Commodore Jones, who being detained by Business, did not go in the french Packet, which sailed Yesterday— Permit me to hint, whether it would not be wise & Seasonable to provide a strong check to the admission of Foreigners into the Administration of our national...
19From George Washington to John Jay, 2 September 1787 (Washington Papers)
I avail myself of the polite assurance of your last, to trouble you with the enclosed. If the Commodore should have left New York, you would oblige me by forwarding it. I regretted exceedingly, not having had it in my power to visit New York during the adjournment of the Convention, last Month. Not foreseeing with any precision the period at which it was likely to take place, nor the length of...
20To George Washington from John Jay, 6 September 1787 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your Letter of the 2d Inst., inclosing one for Commodore Jones, which was immediately conveyed to him. New York entertained Hopes of seeing you here, and wishd for such an occasion of giving you fresh Proofs of Esteem & attachment, for your consenting to take a Seat in the Convention has given your Country fresh Reasons for both. You will oblige me by putting it in...
21From George Washington to John Jay, 20 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your goodness upon a former occasion, accompanied with assurances of forwarding any dispatches I might have for Europe in future, is the cause of my troubling you with the letters herewith sent. The one for the Marquis de la Fayette contains a vocabulary of the Delaware and Shawanese languages for the Empress of Russia. I beg leave therefore to recommend it to your particular care. To send it...
22To John Jay from George Washington, 20 January 1788 (Jay Papers)
Your goodness upon a former occasion, accompanied with assurances of forwarding any dispatches I might have for Europe in future, is the cause of my troubling you with the letters herewith sent. The one for the Marquis de la Fayette contains a vocabulary of the Delaware & Shawanese languages, for the Empress of Russia.— I beg leave therefore to recommend it to your particular care.—To send it...
23To George Washington from John Jay, 3 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
an English Gentleman having been so obliging as to procure for me some Rhubard Seed which, from his account of it, there is Reason to believe is of the best kind, I take the Liberty of sending you a little Parcel of it—If the seed prove good you will soon be able to determine whether it will flourish in your climate, & in what Soil & Situation best. It is a prevailing and I believe a just...
24From John Jay to George Washington, 3 February 1788 (Jay Papers)
An English Gentleman Having been so obliging as to procure for me some Rhubarb Seed which from his account of it, there is Reason to believe is of the best kind, I take the Liberty of sending you a little parcel of it—If the Seed proves good, you will soon be able to determine whether it will flourish in your climate, & in what Soil & Situation best— It is a prevailing and I believe a just...
25From George Washington to John Jay, 3 March 1788 (Washington Papers)
In acknowledging the receipt of your obliging favor of the 3d Ult., permit me to thank you for the Rhubarb seed which accompanied it. To the growth of which, if good, a fair trial shall be given. I have two imported female asses from the Island of Malta; which, tho’ not quite equal to the best Spanish Jennies, will serve to establish a valuable breed of these animals in this Country. Besides,...
26To John Jay from George Washington, 3 March 1788 (Jay Papers)
In acknowledging the receipt of your obliging Favor of the 3 d . Ult, permit me to thank you for the Rhubarb seed which accompanied it.—To the growth of which, if good, a fair trial shall be given.— I have two imported female asses from the Island of Malta; which, tho’ not quite equal to the best Spanish Jennies, will serve to establish a valuable breed of these animals in this...
27From John Jay to George Washington, 24 March 1788 (Jay Papers)
M r . Jay presents his Compliments to his Excellency General Washington, & sends him herewith inclosed the 1 vol. of the Fœderalist— AL , DLC : Washington ( EJ : 10394 ). Endorsed. Dft , NNC ( EJ : 8425 ). Dft
28To John Jay from George Washington, 15 April 1788 (Jay Papers)
Your Card of the 24 th . Ult, and first Vol. of the Fœderalist came safe, for which I pray you to accept my thanks, and assurances of the sincere esteem & regard with which I am, Dear Sir, Y r . most Obed t . and Affect e . H ble Serv t ALS , ICN : Ruggles ( EJ : 13397
29To George Washington from John Jay, 20 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 3d Ult. gave me great Pleasure, and I thank you for the friendly offers contained in it. Some Gentlemen here and in Jersey have it in Contemplation to form a Society to promote the Breeding of good Horses and mules—in that Case we will endeavour to introduce some Jennies, of which we have none at present, and send them to your Jack. The Constitution still continues to cause...
30From John Jay to George Washington, 20 April 1788 (Jay Papers)
Your favor of the 3 d . Ult. gave me great Pleasure, and I thank you for the friendly offers contained in it. Some Gentlemen here and in Jersey [h]ave it in Contemplation to form a Society to promote the Breeding of good Horses and mules—in that Case we will endeavour to introduce some Jennies, of which we have none at present, and send them to your Jack. The Constitution still continues to...
31To George Washington from John Jay, 24 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
It occurs to me that you would probably be glad to know when and in what manner the Letters you sent to me to be forwarded were sent on. The large Packet for the Marqs de la Fayette was committed to the Care of the french minister, who was so obliging as to take Charge of it. Those for Count de Rochambeau, Countess d’Essarts, Gen: Duplessis, Mesdames Van Winter Van Merken &c: Monsr de Bourden,...
32From George Washington to John Jay, 15 May 1788 (Washington Papers)
I am indebted to you for your favors of the 20th & 24th Ult. and thank you for your care of my foreign letters. I do the same for the Pamphlet you were so obliging as to send me. The good sense, forceable observations, temper and moderation with which it is written cannot fail, I should think, of making a serious impression even upon the antifœderal mind where it is not under the influence of...
33To John Jay from George Washington, 15 May 1788 (Jay Papers)
I am indebted to you for your favors of the 20 th . & 24 th . Ult and thank you for your care of my foreign letters.— I do the same for the Pamphlet you were so obliging as to send me.—The good sense, forceable observations, temper and moderation with which it is written cannot fail, I should think, of making a serious impression even upon the anti fœderal mind where it is not under the...
34To George Washington from John Jay, 29 May 1788 (Washington Papers)
I was two Days ago favored with yours of the 15th Instant. it gives me pleasure to find that the Probability of Virginias adopting the proposed Constitution rather encreases—such an Event would undoubtedly disarm the opposition. It appears by recent advices from Charleston that we may count on South Carolina, and the New Hampshire Delegates assure me that their State will come into the...
35From John Jay to George Washington, 29 May 1788 (Jay Papers)
I was two Days ago favored with yours of the 15 th . Instant—it gives me Pleasure to find that the Probability of Virginia’s adopting the proposed Constitution rather encreases—such an Event would undoubtedly disarm the opposition. It appears by recent advices from Charleston that we may count on South Carolina, and the New Hampshire Delegates assure me that their State will come into the...
36To George Washington from John Jay, June 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your obliging Letter of the 8 Inst. found me at this Place—I thank you for the interesting Circumstances mentioned in it. The Complection of our Convention is such as was expected. They have hitherto proceeded with Temper & moderation, but there is no Reason to think that either Party has made much Impression on the other. The Leaders in opposition seem to have more extensive views than their...
37From George Washington to John Jay, 8 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
By the last Mail, I had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 29th of May—and have now the satisfaction to congratulate you on the adoption of the Constitution by the Convention of South Carolina. I am sorry to learn there is a probability that the majority of members in the New York Convention will be Antifederalists. Still I hope that some event will turn up before they assemble, which...
38To John Jay from George Washington, 8 June 1788 (Jay Papers)
By the last Mail, I had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 29 th . of May—and have now the satisfaction to congratulate you on the adoption of the Constitution by the Convention of South Carolina.— I am sorry to learn there is a probability that the Majority of members in the New York Convention will be Antifederalists.—Still I hope that some event will turn up before they assemble,...
39From John Jay to George Washington, [post 24 June 1788] (Jay Papers)
Your obliging Letter of the 8 Inst. found me at this Place— I thank you for the interesting Circumstances mentioned in it. The complection of our Convention is such as was expected— They have hitherto proceeded with Temper & moderation, but there is no Reason to think that either Party has made much Impression on the other. The Leaders in opposition seem to have more extensive views than their...
40To George Washington from John Jay, 4–8 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
I congratulate you my dear Sir! on the adoption of the constitution by Virginia. That Event has disappointed the Expectations of opposition here, which nevertheless continues pertinacious. The unanimity of the southern District, and their apparent Determination to continue under the wings of the union, operates powerfully on the minds of the opposite Party. The constitution constantly gains...
41From John Jay to George Washington, 4[–8] July 1788 (Jay Papers)
I congratulate you my dear Sir! on the Adoption of the Constitution by Virginia. That Event has disappointed the Expectations of Opposition here, which nevertheless continues pertinacious. The unanimity of the southern District, and their apparent Determination to continue under the Wings of the union operates powerfully on the Minds of the opposite Party. The Constitution constantly gains...
42To George Washington from John Jay, 17 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
Since my arrival here I have written you two or three hasty letters—being constantly involved in Business or Company from wh. it would not be here very practicable or perhaps prudent to retreat, I have been able to write but very little—The Convention this moment adjourned and I am writing in their Chamber—a Question being about to be put on the mode of adoption which you have seen, we moved...
43From George Washington to John Jay, 18 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago, I had the pleasure to receive a letter of yours from Poughkeepsie—since which I have not obtained any authentic advices of the proceedings of your Convention. The clue you gave me, to penetrate into the principles & wishes of the four classes of men among you who are opposed to the Constitution, has opened a wide field for reflection & conjecture. The accession of ten States...
44From John Jay to George Washington, 17 [i.e., 18] July 1788 (Jay Papers)
Since my arrival here I have written you two or three hasty Letters— being constantly involved in Business or Company from w h . it would not be here very practicable or perhaps prudent to retreat. I have been able to write but very little— The Convention this moment adjourned and I am now writing in their Chamber. a Question being about to be put on the mode of adoption which you have seen,...
45To John Jay from George Washington, 18 July 1788 (Jay Papers)
A few days ago, I had the pleasure to receive a letter of yours from Poughkeepsie—since which I have not obtained any authentic advices of the proceedings of your Convention.— The clue you gave me, to penetrate into the principles & wishes of the four classes of men among you who are opposed to the Constitution, has opened a wide field for reflection & conjecture.— The accession of ten States...
46To George Washington from John Jay, 23 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you a few Days ago and inclosed a copy of certain Propositions, or mode of adoption—great objections to it being urged it was withdrawn for the present —The Convention proceeded to Day in debating on the Plan of conditional amendment. some of the anti Party moved for striking out the words on Condition and substituting the words in full confidence —it was carried 31 to 29 in the...
47From John Jay to George Washington, 23 July 1788 (Jay Papers)
I wrote to you a few Days ago and enclosed a Copy of certain Propositions, or mode of adoption— great objections to it being urged it was withdrawn for the present — The Convention proceeded to Day in debating on the Plan of conditional amendment, some of the anti Party moved for striking out the word on Condition and substituting the words in full Confidence — It was carried 31 to 29 in the...
48From George Washington to John Jay, 3 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
The letters which you did me the favor of writing to me on the 17th & 23d of last Month from Poughkeepsie, came duly to hand, & claim my particular acknowledgments. With peculiar pleasure I now congratulate you on the success of your labours to obtain an unconditional ratification of the proposed Constitution in the Covention of your State; the acct of which, was brought to us by the mail of...
49To John Jay from George Washington, 3 August 1788 (Jay Papers)
The letters which you did me the favor of writing to me on the 17 th . & 23 d . of last Month from Poughkeepsie, came duly to hand, & claim my particular acknowledgments.— With peculiar pleasure I now congratulate you on the success of your labours to obtain an unconditional ratification of the proposed Constitution in the Convention of your State; the acc t . of which, was brought to us by...
50To George Washington from John Jay, 21 September 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your Ideas relative to the Diffusion of Intelligence and useful Information by means of news Papers and the Press, appear to me exceedingly just; nor do I percieve any good Objection to preferring the Stages to Post Riders for the Transportation of the Mail, on the contrary I think the Ballance of Advantages is clearly in favor of the former. How far it was the Duty of the Post office to...