From John Jay to Richard Morris, 10 May 1777
To Richard Morris
Kingston 10th May 1777
Dear Sir
The enclosed is a Copy of the Constitution of this State, which I am persuaded you will read with Pleasure.
By the 1 Section, the appointment of Clerks of Courts is vested in their respective chief Judges. The Convention having appointed me to the first Place on the Bench, affords me an opportunity of acknowledging the friendly Obligations you have often conferred on me; particularly the first Court after I was licenced.
What the Emoluments of Clerk of the Sup. Court & Circuits may amount to, I am at a Loss to determine. They will probably be considerable. Your Acceptance of these Places would open a Way to others, and I may add that should you hereafter be disposed to resign them in favor of your Son2 when qualified for them, you will meet with no Obstacles.
Be pleased to favor me with your Answer without Delay. I am Dear Sir Your obliged & obedt. Servt
John Jay
Richd. Morris Esqr.
ALS, DLC: Morris-Popham Papers (EJ: 11813). Enclosure: Constitution of the State of New York.
1. Left blank in manuscript. For a discussion of article 27 of the constitution, referred to in this passage, see above, Robert R. Livingston and Gouverneur Morris to JJ, 26 Apr. 1777, and the editorial note on pp. 403–4; and JJ to Livingston and Morris, 29 Apr. 1777.
2. Lewis Richard Morris (1760–1825).