To John Jay from John Vaughan, [before 27 June] 1788
From John Vaughan
[Philadelphia, before 27 June 1788]
D Sir
I have perused with Singular pleasure some thoughts on the Constitution addressed to the State of NYk & was expressing my Sentiments to our good friend Dr Franklin—who observed that if you was the Author (as Said) he thought it incumbent upon you to put your name to it—to give it additional Weight at this awful Crisis I call it awful because a rejection in your State would be productive of infinite mischief Virginia will I believe adopt— Randolph has declared highly for it in the present Situation of affairs—1 my intelligence comes from a Member of the Va Convn—
Let me request Sir that you will attend to the observation of our Venerable friend Could I presume I could with propriety intrude my own opinion upon the occasion—I would urge it from myself—being actuated not by intemper[ate] Zeal—but by a Strong impression & persuasion that you will by it add one more to the many Signal Services you have rendered this Country I remain Dr Sir Your friend & admirer
Jn Vaughan
P.S. I should be happy at recg one from you—
Jn Jay Esqr New York
ALS, NNC (EJ: 08143). Endorsed: “… ansd. 27 June 1788.”
1. On Randolph’s role in the Virginia ratifying convention, see GW to JJ, 8 June 1788, and note 3, , 4: 719–21; and , 3: 86.