John Jay Papers
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From John Jay to Charles Thomson, 19 July 1783

To Charles Thomson

Passy 19 July 1783—

Dear Sir

My last to you was a short Letter by Mr John Penn,1 who I suppose is near america by this Time—

When I consider that no Person in the World is so perfectly acquainted with the Rise, Conduct, and Conclusion of the american Revolution, as yourself, I cannot but wish that you would devote one hour in the four and twenty, to giving Posterity a true account of it. I think it might be comprized in a small Compass—it need not be burdoned with minute accounts of Battles, Seiges, Retreats, Evacuations &ca.—leave these matters to voluminous Historians— The political Story of the Revolution will be most liable to misrepresentation, and future Relations of it will probably be replete both with intentional & accidental Errors.

Such a work would be highly advantageous to your Reputation, as well as highly important to the Cause of Truth with posterity. I dont mean that it should be published during your Life—that would be improper for many Reasons—nor do I think it should be known that you was employed in such a work—this Hint therefore is for yourself, and shall go no further.2 With very sincere Esteem & Regard I am Dear Sir your Friend & Servant

John Jay

Chs. Thompson Esqr

ALS, DLC (EJ: 12559). Addressed: “Charles Thompson Esqr. / Secy of Congress / Philadelphia / Prince Town / by the Washington / Capt. Barney”. Endorsed: “Forwarded by DrSir / Your obt. Servt / RMorris”. Dft, NNC (EJ: 7670).

1Letter not found. John Penn had been consulting with the American Peace Commissioners in January 1783. See the notes to JJ to Juliana Penn, 4 Dec. 1782, above.

2JJ was not the only one to suggest that Thomson write a history of the American Revolution. Thomson collected notes for such a history and wrote a lengthy account but destroyed everything shortly before his death because he “could not tell the truth without giving great offense” and believed that an idealized account would do more to encourage patriotism than the truth. Gary Nash, The Unknown American Revolution: The Unruly Birth of Democracy and the Struggle to Create America (New York, 2005), xx–xxi.

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