1From John Adams to John Jay, 24 November 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received, last week your friendly private Letter of the tenth—The assurance of the continuance of your friendship was unnecessary for me, because I have never had a doubt of it—But others invent and report as they please. They have preserved hitherto, however more delicacy to wards the friendship between you and me than any other. The last Mission to France, and the consequent dismission of...
2To John Jay from John Adams, 24 November 1800 (Jay Papers)
I received last Week your friendly private Letter of the tenth.— The assurance of the continuance of your friendship was unnecessary for me, because I have never had a doubt of it.— But others invent and report as they please. They have preserved hitherto, however more delicacy to wards the friendship between you and me than any other. The last Mission to France, and the consequent dismission...
3To John Jay from John Adams, 19 December 1800 (Jay Papers)
M r Elsworth afflicted with the Gravel and the Gout in his Kidneys and intending to pass the Winter in the South of France after a few weeks in England, has resigned his office of Chief Justice, & I have nominated you to your old Station. This is as independent of the Inconstancy of the People, as it is of the Will of a President. In the future Administration of our Country the firmest...
4To John Jay from John Adams, 30 August 1798 (Jay Papers)
I had last night the pleasure to receive the letter your Excellency did me the honor to write me on the 21 st of this month inclosing the resolutions of the Senate & Assembly of New-York, & their unanimous address. I can scarcely imagine any event that could do me more honor or give me greater satisfaction. The unanimity of New York, of vast importance in the union, is a happy omen of success...
5From John Adams to John Jay, 19 December 1800 (Adams Papers)
Mr Elsworth afflicted with the Gravel and the Gout in his kidneys and intending to pass the Winter in the south of France after a few Weeks in England, has resigned his office of Chief Justice, and I have nominated you to your old station. This is as independent of the Inconstancy of the People, as it is of the Will of a President. In the future Administration of our Country the firmest...
6From John Adams to John Jay, 30 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had last night the pleasure to receive the letter your Excellency did me the honor to write me on the 21st of this month inclosing the resolutions of the Senate & assembly of New York & their unanimous address. I can scarcely imagine any event that could do me more honor or give me greater satisfaction. The unanimity of New–York, of vast importance in the union, is an happy omen of success...
7From John Adams to John Jay, 21 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
I am informed by my son at New York, that Mr. Samuel B. Malcom has applied for an office under your Excellency, ad and desired me to write to you in his behalf. This I can do without hesitation and with pleasure. Mr. Malcom lived in my family as my private Secretary for about an year and half, and conducted himself always like an amiable and honorable young gentleman. In my service he was...
8From John Adams to John Jay, 17 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received last night your favour of the 26. of September, with a Copy of an Act of the Legislature of the sState of New York, for the further Defence of the State and for other Purposes. I shall transmit these Papers to the Secretary at War, that a proper consultation may be had upon their Contents and a final Arrangement made according to Rules which generally obtain in Such Cases. In the...
9To John Jay from Sebastian Bauman, [15 May 1797] (Jay Papers)
To his Excellency John Jay Esq r . Governor and Commander in chief of the Militia of the State of New York & c & c I am sorry that circumstances have finally brought me to quit and give up my Military Commission, which I cannot hold any longer without the greatest degradation, inadmissable and incoherent with the Character of a Soldier. The Appointment of Brigadier General Hughes who was a...
10To John Jay from Aaron Burr, 23 February 1801 (Jay Papers)
In Case M r Morris should not be ^re-^^appointed Sheriff, the name of John Stagg Jun r . will, among others, be offered to your Consideration. I have understood that Major Stagg was introduced into the War department through your patronage and recommendation: The manner in which he left it appears from the letter contained in the Second page of the paper which I take the liberty to enclose. He...
11To John Jay from John Charlton, 19 December 1799 (Jay Papers)
with respect to the pamphlet on the efficacy of Olive Oil in pestilential diseases, which I had the honor of receiveing from you last August, I have to remark that we have been some time in possession of it. the letter from Doctor Blane, whose reputation stands high, I consider as a very important communication, tho’ I must take the liberty of differing in opinion from you, with respect your...
12To John Jay from Matthew Clarkson, 23 September 1799 (Jay Papers)
I have rec d . your Letter of the 13 th . Inst. informing me of a Letter you had rec d . from M r . C. Sands & recommending M r . W m . Livingston in strong terms for the Office of Surrogate for Kings County, this Letter was inclosed to me by M r . Livingston & which I forwarded to you, M r . L. in his Letter to me mentioned the subject & wished me to promote his views in endeavoring to obtain...
13To John Jay from Matthew Clarkson, 10 June 1798 (Jay Papers)
The Citizens of New York, anxious and disquieted on account of the imperfect state of defence of this port and City, and fearing from the great and complicated objects which engage the attention of the General Government at this juncture, that measures for their security may not be executed as promptly as the danger may require:—have been induced to appoint Committees to devise and pursue such...
14To John Jay from William Cooper, 19 December 1800 (Jay Papers)
You are nominated and will this day no doubt be approved Chiefe Justice of the United States in the Place of O. Elsworth Resigned. the french treaty may be Conditionally Ratifyed, but I think not as the Senators speak of it in bitter termes and count on many mischiefs that will follow. Jefferson and Burr is head and head. Burr or no President is the order of the day. Poor America how thou art...
15To John Jay from Oliver Ellsworth, 16 October 1800 (Jay Papers)
Altho’ our best efforts have not obtained all that justice required, or what the policy of France should have given, enough is done, if ratified, to extricate the United States from a contest, which it might be as difficult to relinquish with honour as to pursue with a prospect of advantage,— a partial saving is also made for captured property,— guards are provided against future abuses, as...
16To John Jay from Henry Glen, 22 June 1798 (Jay Papers)
This a Companies an other Communication sent by message by the president of the United States to Both Houses of Congress on the 18 th . Instand— we received this morning a message from the President with two Letters the One from M r . Gerry & the Other from Mes sr Talleyrand What has been pass d Between them Since the Departure of General s Marshall & Pinckney which I shall Forward to you as...
17To John Jay from Henry Glen, 20 December 1800 (Jay Papers)
On Thursday last the President sent up to the Senate A nomination for you to be the Chief Justice of the United States in the Room of Judge Ellsworth Resigned, yesterday the Senate took up the nomination And have appointed you the Chief Justice, My dear Sir Great Alteration since the last Election for Legislature in our State. Jefferson & Burr will be our Presidents who would Ever a thought it...
18To John Jay from Christopher Gore, 13 November 1797 (Jay Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your friendly letter of June last— Since that time you have doubtless heard, how far our board has progressed, in the business of their commission. There is little prospect of our doing much more in relation to claims, on the Brit. Govt, until next April; when the term of 18 M[onth]s, limited, by the article, for the reception of complaints,...
19To John Jay from Cornelius Ray, Robert Troup, William W. Woolsey, Richard Harison, James Watson, James M. Hughes, and … (Jay Papers)
Our feelings too well accord with those that dictated the resolution of which we have the honor to transmit a copy, not to render the execution of the task committed to us particularly agreeable. We have been long accustomed to contemplate, with sentiments of exalted satisfaction, the virtues, public and private, which adorn your character; and the distinguished talents and services which...
20From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 12 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
After a plan for fortifying our port shall have been settled, the execution of it with energy & dispatch will demand a very great portion of the time and attention of a competent character as Superintendant. This task I cannot undertake consistently with my other occupations. Col Burr will be very equal to it and will I believe undertake it, if an adequate compensation be annexed. He would...
21From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 8 November 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
The Attorney General has shewn me, in confidence, a late letter of yours to him and has asked my good offices as far as may consist with my judgment. These I always readily yield to misfortune. I have had a full and minute explanation with him of the money subject, and in my mind, there results a full conviction that there is no cause of reproach from that source, whatever may have been...
22From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 27 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I was very sorry when at Albany not to have seen you. I called the day after my arrival but you were then indisposed or abroad & the rest of my stay I was very unwell. An apprehension is excited here that in consequence of the Petitions of the Militia Officers the persons named to the new Companies will not be appointed. I take it for granted that this must be a groundless apprehension as far...
23From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 29 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The completion of the works in the vicinity of our City proceeds heavily. Some embarrassment is understood to arise in the War Department from the Question of Appropriations. I beg to be informed whether the sum appropriated by the Legislature of this State will come in aid of the Operation. Limited as that sum is, nothing upon a large scale can be undertaken in reference to it. Its Agency in...
24From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 19 August 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have occasion for a public purpose to allude to the reprobated instructions to our commissioners for making peace with Great Britain obliging them to act under the direction of the French Assembly. But though I have a general recollection of their tenor it is not precise enough for my object. I take it for granted your papers can afford the exact information. You will much oblige me by...
25From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [26–30 January 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 25th. Various circumstances have prevented my being ready to make the Report you desire. The Survey of the Port made while I was at Philadelphia was but partial; not extending beyond the Narrows. A survey of the lower part of the Bay, which presents some objects worthy of Consideration, was effected by some of the Commanders of the British Army—And is in the...
26From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 4 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
We are all here very anxious for the success of Mr Coleman. We know his abilities and we believe in his integrity. Your good disposition towards him is well understood—Yet it is feared that his pecuniary situation may prove an obstacle. It is undoubtedly a good rule to avoid embarrassed men in appointments—yet this like every other general rule may admit of exceptions in special cases. If I...
27From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 18 December 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 18, 1798. “You may remember that I have heretofore recommended to you Mr. Inglis, who studied the law with me, for the Office of Notary. He entertains an idea that a vacancy for such an appointment now exists, and has reminded me of my promise to be useful to him—I with pleasure reiterate my recommendation.…” ALS , Columbia University Libraries. Space left blank in MS. James...
28From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 8 September 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg your pardon for having omitted to attend earlier to the suggestion in your letter of the 30th. of August respecting the defence of our ports. I am sincere in saying that a charge of this kind would on various accounts be unpleasant to me among the rest as likely to involve ill natured & foolish criticism. But I shall not decline the trust if you think proper to repose it provided the...
29From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 29 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I received this day a letter from the President of the United States, requesting me to concert with you the plan, & to superintend the execution of it, for giving effect to the Act of the Legislature of this state for the further Defence of this state and for other purposes. This I am accordingly ready to do, whenever you shall be pleased to require it. With very great respect & esteem I have...
30From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 12 February 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The survey of this port to the narrows inclusively has been executed and the expence defrayed out of the funds of the Corporation. But it is interesting to the question of the defence of our port to have a survey of the bay below the narrows to Sandy Hook. There are sand banks critically situated which merit consideration as proper sites for fortification. Such a survey was made under the...