From John Jay to Grenville, 31 March 1795
To Grenville
Royal Hotel—Pall Mall—31 March 1795
My Lord
As it was expected that my mission should terminate with the Business which gave occasion to it, I should have been the Bearer of the Treaty which I had the Honor of negociating with your Lordship, if my Health had been equal to a winter’s voyage—1
The Season having now become mild and favorable, I have engaged a Passage,2 and expect to embark in a Vessel that will sail from Bristoll on the 12th. of april at furthest—3
Permit me therefore to request that I may have the Honor of taking Leave of their Majestys the first opportunity that may offer— The Sense I entertain of their Condescension, and of the Kindness I have experienced during my Residence here, will remain unimpaired by absence; and be assured my Lord! that I shall always be happy in every opportunity of manifesting those Sentiments of Respect and Esteem with which I have the Honor to be Your Lordships most obedient & most h’ble Servant
John Jay
The Right Honorable Lord Grenville
Dft, NNC (EJ: 08510).
1. See JJ to SLJ, 21 Nov. 1794.
2. Two weeks earlier, JJ had written to Grenville: “All the Vessels bound from hence to New York have sailed except one, which will be ready early in April; and I purpose to return in her, unless some unexpected Circumstances should occur to prevent me— as that may possibly, tho’ not probably be the Case, I think it best to be silent on the Subject for the present; but the attention due from me to your Lordship, induces me to apprize you of it.” JJ to Grenville, 15 Mar. 1795, ALS, UK-BL: Dropmore, Ms 59049 (EJ: 03499); , 3: 34.
3. JJ sailed from Bristol on the Severn, Captain Goodrich, on 12 Apr. and arrived at New York on 28 May. Argus, Greenleaf’s New Daily Advertiser (New York), 29 May 1795.