To John Jay from Charles Gerrit De Witt, 4 August 1823
From Charles Gerrit De Witt
New Paltze, Aug. 4. 1823.
Sir J.
Having it in contemplation to draw up a memoir of the life of my grandfather, the late Charles De Witt1 of Hurley in Ulster county, and being informed that he had the honour of your acquaintance, may I beg to receive your aid in the task?— His character from your pen, still vigorous in age, would be an exceeding great favour: I will thank you likewise for letters or other documents, illustrative of his public services during the Revolution, as well as for any anecdotes or facts connected therewith, if any such remain in your possession. Should I be so fortunate as to receive any thing from your hands on this subject too bulky for conveyance per mail,2 it may be left with Peter De Witt No. 45 Cedar Street, New York.3 With great respect, I remain,
Charles G. De Witt.
John Jay Esqr.
ALS, NNC (EJ: 09119). Charles Gerrit De Witt (1789–1839), New York attorney, would become a U.S. Representative for New York (1829–31), and diplomat.
1. Charles De Witt (1727–87), militia officer during the war of independence, and delegate to the Continental Congress.
2. See JJ’s reply of 18 Aug. 1823, below.
3. Peter De Witt (1780–1851), attorney at 45 Cedar Street, New York City.