To John Jay from John Sloss Hobart, 7 January 1795
From John Sloss Hobart
New York 7th Jany 1795
My dear Sir
Having heard this morning that the Adriana is to sail in a day or two for London I embrace the opportunity of my being in town to wish you and the family with you the compliments of the season. I paid my respects to Mrs. Jay on coming to town, and found her in good health and sprits having just returned from a visit to our Friends at Rye, but I suppose you’ll hear the particulars of that from herself— however, since I am up I have to regret that the canvassers did not make a board yesterday as it prevents me from giving you the result of our election of Representatives to congress, in the western counties it is supposed Judge Cooper has succeeded, Mr. Russell from Washington, Glen Gilbert and Bailey are supposed to be reelected, the cidevant Ch. Justice has run Cortlandt hard if not beat him— Watts or Ed [war]d Livingston for NYork Jones or Havens for Longisland in the doubtfull gender—1 Govr. Clinton has been in bad health for some months past, and is at present so much indisposed, that, I am told, he has apprised the Legislature who were ^to meet^ at Poughkeepsie the day before yesterday, of the very great improbability of his being able to meet them there, they must therefore come here— I should not be surpized if this circumstance should induce the Northern folks to insist on bringing forward Mr. Yates as a candidate at the ensuing election for governor, as they would by that fix the government at Albany without the formality of removing a Governor— the public mind is much distracted at present on that subject—2 the uncertainty of the time of your return occasions much perplexity— many will contend stoutly for holding you up as the candidate your absence notwithstanding, while others, and those not a few, are fearfull that will be an insuperable objection with the bulk of mankind3
This much for the politics and parties of the State. The changes that have taken place and are expected at court you will hear from other hands—
Professor Kent has commenced his course of lectures, the introductory lecture has been printed at the request of the Trustees of the college. he gave me two copies one of which by his desire I inclose to you—4 You will be pleased to hear that I am at last fixed at Throggs Neck, tho’ my house is not yet furnished. I experience a growing attachment to the place, and flatter myself with a pleasing close to life, it will heighten the enjoyment of the good things, with which I am surrounded if a gracious providence will permit the friend I most respect and esteem to return home and sometimes participate with me in it— Adieu yours most sincerely and affectionately
Jno. Sloss Hobart
Mr. Ch. Justice Jay
ALS, NNC (EJ: 05678). Addressed: “His Excellency John Jay Esquire / Envoy Extra. and Minister Plenipotentiary / from the U.S. of America to the King of / Great Britain”. Endorsed: “… recd. 13 march / and. Do. Do 1795”. JJ’s reply not found.
1. In New York’s 1794 elections for the U.S. House of Representatives, Federalist William Cooper defeated his main opponent, Republican John Winn, in District 10 by a vote tally of 2,462–1,417. Federalist John Evert Van Alen trounced Republican Thomas Tredwell (1743–1831) in District 7, 1,109–298. Republican John Williams (1752–1806) defeated Federalist Ebenezer Russell (1747–1836) in District 9, 1,297–1,079. Republican Edward Livingston defeated Federalist John Watts in District 1, 1,843–1,638. Republican Jonathan Havens (1757–99) defeated Federalist Samuel Jones in District 2, 815–494. Republican Theodorus Bailey defeated Federalist David Brooks in District 4, 1,449–1,090. Federalist Ezekiel Gilbert defeated Republican John Bay in District 6, 1,168–441. Federalist Henry Glen defeated Republican Abraham Yates by a wide margin in District 8, 677–20. Republican Philip van Cortlandt defeated former New York Chief Justice Richard Morris in a close race in District 3, 991–972. (accessed Aug. 2018).
In a letter to PAJ, PJM informed his cousin (and therefore JJ) of his efforts on behalf of the Federalists, in part to prepare for JJ’s candidacy for governor. In addition, he shared the latest political gossip, commenting about Morris that “few men are more unpopular than the late Ch. Justice and I doubt whether his own direct interest ^Influence^ could have procured him 100 votes.” PJM to PAJ, 28 Dec. 1794, Dft, NNMus (EJ: 0044.0).
2. Albany became the permanent state capital under JJ’s governorship in March 1797. See the editorial note “The Capital Moves to Albany,” below.
3. In his letter to PAJ, PJM wrote “A Letter from your side of the Water declaring with precision the Certainty of your return, and ascertaining the precise time of your embarcation is highly necessary.” In February 1795, Federalist election committees in New York City and Albany nominated JJ as their candidate for governor, while the Democratic-Republicans nominated New York Chief Justice Robert Yates of Albany as their candidate. , 433–34.
4. Enclosure not found, but see An introductory lecture to a course of law lectures, delivered November 17, 1794. By James Kent, Esquire, professor of law in Columbia College. Published at the request of the trustees (New York, 1794; , series 1, no. 27183).