To John Jay from Edward Rutledge, 20 June 1788
From Edward Rutledge
[Charleston June 20. 1788]
My dear Friend
A gentleman for whom I have a considerable share of esteem has informed that he is on the Wing for New York, & tho’ I am much indisposed with a large Share of Fatigue that public & professional Business have oppressed me with from day to day since the 12th: of the last Month, I could not forgo his requesting being made known to one whose Character he very much respects. He is himself a Gentleman, & a Man of much Worth;—I shall be obliged to you for any Attention you may shew him.
I hope the Friends of the Federal Government may be as successful in New York, as they have been in South=Carolina.—We had a tedious, but trifling opposition to contend with. We had prejudices to contend with, & Sacrifices to make. Yet they were worth making for the good old Cause—People become more & more satisfied with the adoption, & if only administered, & administered with moderation they will cherish & bless those who have offered them a Constitution which will secure to them all the Advantages that flow from good Government.1
Mrs: Rutledge joins me in best respects to Mrs: Jay & Henry to his young Friend—I am, long have been & ever shall be my dear Friend affectionally Yours,
Ed: Rutledge
ALS, NNC (EJ: 7093). Addressed: “The Honble / John Jay Esqr. / New York / Handed by / W. De-Saussure Esqre”. Endorsed: “… and 15 Octr 1788”. Henry William de Saussure (1763–1839), of South Carolina, lawyer, jurist, state legislator, second director of the U.S. Mint. Politically, de Saussure was a Federalist.
1. For JJ’s reply of 15 Oct. (ms. not found), see 3: 362; 23: 2474–75. JJ reported: “that the new Constitution was with difficulty adopted in this State. The opposition which was violent has daily become more moderate, and the minds of the people will gradually be reconciled to it in proportion as they see the government administered in the manner you mention. The measure of a new convention to consider and decide on the proposed amendments will, I think, be expedient to terminate all questions on the subject. If immediately carried, its friends will be satisfied, and if convened three years hence, little danger, perhaps some good, will attend it.”