From John Jay to John Ten Broeck, 6 June 1777
To John Ten Broeck1
Kingston, 6th June 1777
Dear Sir:
Having understood that I was named as one of the candidates for the office of Governor, by some of my friends in Albany; and being desirous that as much unanimity as possible should prevail on this occasion, I take the liberty of informing you, that in my opinion it will be most for the common good that I should remain in the office I now hold.
I am very sensible of the honor intended to be conferred upon me by my friends & am extremely obliged to them for this instance of their attention & confidence, but the same principles which have actuated my conduct thro’ the course of this great Contest, influence me to decline this promotion. When I consider how well General Schuyler is qualified for that important office, I think he ought in justice to the public to be preferred to Your most obt. humbe. servt.2
John Jay
To John Ten Broeck Esq. Albany
Tr, NN: Bancroft (EJ: 1041). Noted on transcription at bottom: Original in the Library of the Troy Young Men’s Association.
1. John Ten Broeck (1740–1822), an Albany delegate in the last provincial assembly, had been JJ’s colleague in the Third Provincial Congress and in the New York Convention.
2. See above, JJ to Leonard Gansevoort, 5 June 1777.