John Jay Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jay/01-01-02-0243

From John Jay to Leonard Gansevoort, 5 June 1777

To Leonard Gansevoort1

Kingston 5th. June 1777—

Dear Sir

Mr. Cuyler2 informs me that some of my Friends in your County have done me the Honor of naming me among other Candidates for the office of Governor.

Your [illegible] ^In my opinion I can be more useful in^ of the Office ^Place^ I now hold; and ^therefore^ tho the other is far more respectable as well as lucrative, yet Sir! the Regard due to the public Good induces me to desire that I may [illegible] under those conditions ^decline this Promotion^

I thought it necessary that you & others should be informed of my Sentiments on this Subject, & it would give me Pleasure to hear that the Electors in your County ^Albany^ had united in Favor of ^a Design of voting for one^ Gentleman whose Spirit Abilities and reputation might recommend him to that important Office.

Our Constitution is universally approved even in New England where few New York Productions have Credit. but unless the Govt is committed to proper Hands it will be weak & unstable at Home & contemptible abroad— For my own part I know of no person at present whom I wd. prefer to Gen. Schuyler. [illegible] Resolution of congress I am Dear Sir your most obt & hble Servt

J. J.

Leonard Gansevoort Esq

Dft, NNC (EJ: 8581). Endorsed.

1Leonard Gansevoort (1751–1810), member of New York State Assembly from Albany County, 1778–79, 1787–88; delegate to Continental Congress from New York, 1788; member of New York State Senate, 1790–93, 1796–1802 (Western District, 1790–93; Eastern District, 1796–98; Western District, 1798–99; Eastern District, 1799–1802).

2Jacob Cuyler (1741–1804), representative of Albany County and member of the Committee of Safety.

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