John Jay Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jay/01-03-02-0268

To John Jay from Robert R. Livingston, 26 August 1784

From Robert R. Livingston

ClerMount 26th. Augt 1784

I can hardly my dear friend compute the time since I last heard from you, this is the fourth Letter for which you are my debtor.1 I extremely regret that the circumstances mentioned in my last have hitherto prevented & still prevent my seeing ^you^ at New York But as I persuade myself that you will not think the time ill employed that is spent in visiting the many friends you have on the North since I am not without hopes of seeing you & Mrs. Jay here with your little ones. I have learned with the most sensible pleasure that you have determined not to quit the state, I look forward with pleasure to those social hours which in the general dispersion of my old friends, & my indifference as to new ones I have lost for so many years— If interest could add to the pleasure I feel in your arrival & determination to retire remain in the state it would operate strongly at this moment. You have frequently heard me mention the injustice done my family by the Hoffmans & my determination to call them to account for it— I have now the most ample proofs of this injustice & have imployed my first moments of leisure in doing myself justice. I hinted to you in my last letter & in one written to you while in france, the need I stood in of your assistance2 I have since considered your determination to return to the bar as one of those fortunate circumstances that ensures my success. I must at all events press you into this service, & request you to spend a few days with me before the october court & examine with me a brief that will not only convince you of the justice of my cause but save you much trouble in the management of it—

Every body here is anxious to see you, & yours, Edward who I think fully answers your predictions, & my hopes will write to you by this conveyance3 pray let me hear from you if it is only to relieve the anxiety I feel at your past— I was going to say neglect but I can not bring myself to ascribe your silence to that motive. Adieu my friend love me as I all have done you & offer my & Mrs. Livingstons affectionate comps to Mrs Jay

R R Livingston

John Jay Esqr

ALS, NNC (EJ: 6873). Addressed: “The Honble / John Jay Esqr / New York / favd by / Mr Van Wagener”. Endorsed: “ . . . ansd.—5 Sep. 1784”.

1Prior to 18 Aug. 1784, above, JJ had last written RRL on 12 Sept. 1783 from France. RRL is referring to his letters of 29 Nov. 1783, and 25 Jan. and 30 July 1784, above.

3RRL’s brother Edward Livingston to JJ, 26 Aug., ALS, NNC (EJ: 8305).

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