51From John Jay to Henry Lee, 11 July 1795 (Jay Papers)
Accept my cordial thanks for the friendly Congratulations expressed in your obliging Letter of the 30 of last month, which I rec d . Yesterday— It was obvious to me when I embarked on my late mission, that so many Circumstances combined to render pacific arrangements with Great Britain unwelcome to certain Politicians and their Partizans both here and elsewhere, that their approbation of any...
52From John Jay to the New York City Committee, [13 July 1792] (Jay Papers)
IT is far more pleasing to receive proofs of the confidence and attachment of my native city, than it is easy to express the sense which that confidence and that attachment inspire. When I reflect on the sacrifices and efforts in the cause of Liberty, which distinguished this state during the late war, my feelings are very sensibly affected by the favourable light in which you regard my...
53To George Washington from John Jay, 18 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
private You can have very little Time for private Letters, and therefore I am the more obliged by the one you honored me with on the 31 of last month. I was not without apprehensions that on Enquiry it might not appear adviseable to gratify Mr Pickman’s wishes; for altho’ Integrity and amiable manners are great, yet they are not the only Qualifications for office. Your answer to the Call for...
54From John Jay to Grenville, 6 August 1794 (Jay Papers)
M r . Jay presents his respectful Compliments to Lord Grenville and encloses some Outlines for a Convention & Treaty of Commerce. Some of them appear to him questionable— more mature Reflection and the Light which usually springs from mutual Discussions may occasion alterations— Many of the common articles are omitted—& will be inserted of course. It is very desireable that it may be concluded...
55From John Jay to George Clinton, 10 March 1790 (Jay Papers)
The Marks of early and uniform Confidence with which I have been honored by the State, render me very reluctant to [ illegible ] ^retire from my Place at the Board of Regents of the University w h .^ has for its Object the Promotion of Science and useful Knowledge. [ illegible ] The Business ^of that Board must^ will increase as they become enabled by proper Funds to perform it; and to this...
56From John Jay to Sarah Livingston Jay, 20 April 1794 (Jay Papers)
I this moment rec d . yours by Gen. Schuyler— As yet I have not seen him— it found ^me^ alone and not a little pensive. your own Feelings will best suggest an Idea of mine— God’s will be done— to him I resign— in him I confide— do the like— any other Philosophy applicable to this occasion is delusive— away with it— Your Indisposition affects me— resist Despondency— hope for the best— When we...
57From John Jay to George Washington, 30 April 1794 (Jay Papers)
I was this day honored with your’s of yesterday. There is nothing I more ardently wish for than Retirement, and Liesure to attend to my Books and papers: but parental Duties not permitting it, I must acquiesce, & thank God for the many Blessings I enjoy. If the Judiciary was on its proper Footing, there is no public Station that I should prefer to the one in which you have placed me—it accords...
58To George Washington from John Jay, 13 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
Mr Jay has the honor of informing the President of the United States, that yesterday afternoon he received a letter from Sir John Temple in the following words, vizt “New York 12th of October 1789, Sir. I beg leave to submit in the most respectful manner, the enclosed memorial to the consideration of the Government of the United States. The memorialist informs me he hath in his possession all...
59From John Jay to George Washington, 13 March 1791 (Jay Papers)
Percieving that Col. Smith you have been pleased to appoint Col. Smith a Supervisor for this District, I conclude that on his acceptance of that place, another the office of Marshall will be conferred on some other person. It is probable that Several Candidates, will offer, and [ illegible ] I take the Liberty of availing myself of your [ Permission ?] to communicating my Sentiments respecting...
60From John Jay to the Indians of St. Regis, 10 August 1795 (Jay Papers)
Brothers I send you this Message to fulfil the Promise which the Agents for the State who met you in this City last Winter then made to you. Brothers This promise was that we would meet You on the Business of the Lands which you say belong to You. Brothers I now inform you that we will meet you and hold the proposed Treaty at Fort George at the South end of Lake George on the Eighteenth day of...