51William Jackson to John Jay, 4 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
The letter, which accompanies this, addressed to the Vice-President of the United States by Judge Sewall, with its enclosure, having been submitted to the President of the United States, he directs me to transmit them to you, as the objects to which they refer are immediately within the department of the supreme Judiciary, and will, in the first instance, come most properly before you. The...
52William Short to John Jay, 6 January 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I have at length received the ratification of the consular convention and signed the article of exchange, both of which I have the honor of forwarding to you by the way of Havre. The ratification was made out last year at the time of the convention being signed and remained in one of the bureaux unknown to the minister, where it only waited his signature. I mention the circumstance that it may...
53To John Jay from David Humphreys, 7 January 1790 (Jay Papers)
In consequence of the conversation which I had the honor to hold with you a few days ago, & of having reported the substance of it to the President; I now take the liberty to acquaint you, that he will meet the two Houses of Congress tomorrow morning at 11 OClock, in the Senate Chamber. I know it is his only wish that you should act on the subject of our conversation, in the manner which shall...
54David Humphreys to John Jay, 8 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
I am commanded by the President of the United States of America to send to you some Papers which have just come to him, and which are of a nature highly interesting to the Community. His object is to avail himself of your opinion, relative to the measures which should be adopted in consequence of this Communication. I have the honor to be with perfect respect &c. N.B. the above letter was from...
55William Short to John Jay, 12 January 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
In my last I had the honor of forwarding to you the consular convention by the way of Havre. The French packet by which I write at present being by no means certain as to the time of its sailing I preferred sending it by the way of Havre as I understood there were vessels there bound for New-York. You will have seen Sir by the Journals of the debates of the Assembly which have been regularly...
56To John Jay from William Livingston, 18 January 1790 (Jay Papers)
Yesterday I was called upon by a Sailor of the name of Charles Blinckhorn, who told me that he lives in West Nottingham in Maryland where he has a Wife & 3 Children, and whither he is now travelling on foot from Boston, where he lately arrived from Sea— That he sailed as Cook on Board the Brig Betsey commanded by Cap n . Joseph Ross out of the Port of Philadelphia in Aug t . 1785. That they...
57William Short to John Jay, 23 January 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was sent to Bordeaux to be forwarded by the French Packet which I had been told would sail about the middle of this month. Not knowing however whether it was certain I preferred sending the consular convention by the way of Havre from whence vessels are frequently sailing for America. It was accompanied by No. 16 and I hope will meet with a safe conveyance to New York.—I forward to you...
58I. Tench Coxe to John Jay, 25 January 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
An ingenious Artist of this City has informed me within a few days that he has made a discovery which has been for some time a desideratum both in Science and Commerce. It is connected with the Uniformity of weights and measures, and as that object has been refered to the Secretary of State whose Duties I presume you discharge till you enter on those of your judicial station I do myself the...
59William Short to John Jay, 10 February 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last an event which has been expected for some time has taken place. On the 4th. inst. the King went to the assembly and addressed them in a speech which I have the honor of inclosing. The object is to put himself at the head as it were of the revolution, and thus to remove all the doubts and fears of its friends and destroy the hopes of those who might wish to bring back the ancient...
60From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 14 February 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with your favor of Dec. 12. and thank you for your friendly congratulations on my return to my native country as well as for the interest you are pleased to express in the appointment with which I have been honored. I have thought it my duty to undertake it, tho with no prepossessions in favor of my talents for executing it to the satisfaction of the public.—With respect to the...
61William Short to John Jay, 3 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the honor of recieving your letter of the 11th. of Decr. after an uncommonly long passage. That which it inclosed for the Agent of the United States at Morocco has been confided to Monsieur de Rayneval who assures me it shall be forwarded with safety. It is the only conveyance from hence which can be relied on, particularly for letters passing through Spain. Your letter was...
62William Short to John Jay, 9 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 6th. inst. Mr. Necker sent to the national assembly the memorial which had been expected for some days. I have the honor of forwarding it to you. You will see that there were some grounds for the public suspicion of his intention to quit the helm of affairs, or at least to relieve himself from a part of the task. I think it certain however that he has no design at present to abandon it...
63William Short to John Jay, 17 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last Mr. Necker has sent another memorial to the assembly, which I have the honor of inclosing to you. It is still certain that the assembly will not subscribe to it in allowing a treasury-board to be formed among its members. You will see that the Minister makes a point of obtaining this. The committee of finance which had been directed to report on the minister’s memorial were not...
64William Short to John Jay, 25 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Whilst I was writing my last letter on the 17th. of this month, the national assembly received one from M. de Montmorin which brought before them in an indirect way, the subject of the disturbances in Brabant. This letter dated the 15th. inst. informed them that the Sieur Van der Noot had in the month of January addressed a letter to the King that his Majesty had then deemed it neither...
65William Short to John Jay, 29 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I make use of a private conveyance to London in order to send you the gazettes of France and Leyden to this date. You will recieve also at the same time the observations of Mr. Necker on the report of the committee of finance, the journals of the assembly, and a proposal of the Bishop of Autun for rendering uniform the standard of weights and measures. You will see that he proposes this...
66To John Jay from John Hancock, 31 March 1790 (Jay Papers)
Being confined with the gout I am oblig’d to employ a Second hand to communicate my wishes— Learning that it is Your intention to be at Boston with your Lady, M rs Hancock and myself present our best respects, and beg the favour of Yourself and Lady to take up your residence at my house during your tarry in town I am with Sentiments of Esteem Dear Sir Your most Obed t & hum b1 Sv t ALS , NNC (...
67William Short to John Jay, 4 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of forwarding for the President of the United States, a letter from Count D’Estaing which he submitted to my inspection some days ago. He had concieved the present a favorable moment for carrying into execution the plan there proposed, for the reasons mentioned in his letter. He had hoped that the influence and credit which M. de la fayette enjoys would have been sufficient to...
68William Short to John Jay, 12 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I make use of the present private conveyance merely to forward to you the journals of the national assembly and some other papers. You will find among them the answer of M. Montesquieu to M. Necker, and the list of gratifications called the livre rouge . It is thought the committee of pensions exceeded their powers in publishing this list. The preface contains a kind of unnecessary libel...
69William Short to John Jay, 23 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last the national assembly have completed a subject which had fixed the attention of all parties, and which in the course of its deliberation seemed to threaten serious disorders—the emission of a paper currency. In order to insure its success and to distinguish it as much as possible from other paper currencies, it is to bear an interest of 3. p.Ct. p. Ann. to be calculated daily and...
70To John Jay from Henry Hill, 24 April 1790 (Jay Papers)
The parties whose names are distinguish’d with your’s as Executors to the will of the late Doctor Franklin present you the inclosed exemplification of the same. They wish it were accompanied with a token left by our venerable Testator to General Washington The “Friend of mankind” but expect soon to find some gentleman going whose honor may prove a sufficient pledge for it’s safe delivery into...
71William Short to John Jay, 1 May 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I still continue to address you my letters under the ancient form because I have had no indication of any other mode of making my official communications. Until then I shall suppose the department of foreign affairs under your direction, particularly as I learn by a letter recieved yesterday from Mr. Jefferson, dated the 14th. of December, that he had declined, so far as depended on him,...
72William Short to John Jay, 9 May 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
It has been for some time publicly advertised here that the French packet would in future sail regularly every two months for New-York to begin the 15th. of this month. After so many disappointments few people will probably commit their letters to that conveyance for some time. I am induced to do it by an assurance from the Administrators of the post that they shall be punctual in future. It...
73William Short to John Jay, 11 May 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
When I wrote to you the day before yesterday there were such various conjectures as to the preparations making in Spain for fitting out a fleet, that I thought it useless to trouble you with them, and particularly as I had learned in a letter recieved some time ago from Mr. Carmichael, that he had given and should continue to give you information respecting what was doing there relative to...
74William Short to John Jay, 16 May 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 11th. of this month. It was then altogether problematical what would be the dispositions of the national assembly as to the warlike preparations which were making in England and Spain. The leading members were uncertain themselves what turn the decisions on this subject would take. A letter written to them by M. de Montmorin the day before yesterday...
75William Short to John Jay, 23 May 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The constitutional question of the right of war and peace , which I mentioned to you in my last, has occupied the assembly without interruption since that time. It was finally decided yesterday evening as you will see by the articles of the decree which I have the honor to inclose you. It seems to have given general satisfaction. The ministry and aristocratic party are contented because they...
76From George Washington to John Jay, 13 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
Would there be prudence, justice or policy in extending mercy to the Convict mentioned in the enclosed Papers? Under this cover I send you for perusal two letters, just recd, from Mr Gouvr Morris. Yours sincerely and affectionately ALS , NNC : John Jay Collection. See Thomas Bird to GW, 5 June 1790 , and notes. In a letter to Gouverneur Morris of 7 July 1790, GW acknowledged receipt of...
77To John Jay from George Washington, 13 June 1790 (Jay Papers)
Would there be prudence, justice or policy in extending Mercy to the Convict mentioned in the enclosed Papers?— Under this cover I send you for perusal two letters, just rec d ., from M r . Gouv r . Morris.— Yours sincerely and Affectionately ALS , NNC ( EJ : 07246 ). Enclosures: David Sewall to GW , 5 June 1790, DLC
78To John Jay from Edward Rutledge, 20 June 1790 (Jay Papers)
I know you will give me Leave with Pleasure to introduce to you the Son of my deceased Friend Middleton— He is a Youth of very excellent Conduct, & very amiable Disposition— He is fond of Improvement, & has a great desire to be acquainted with Men & Things. It is his Intention to go abroad at a future day, and fit himself for the various duties of Social, and political Life, which we are...
79From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [9 July 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
Certain Circumstances of a delicate nature have occurred, concerning which The President would wish to consult you. They press. Can you consistently with the Governor’s situation afford us your presence here? I cannot say the President directly asks it, lest you should be embarrassed; but he has expressed a strong wish for it. I remain yr. Affect & Obed ALS , Columbia University Libraries....
80To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 9 July 1790 (Jay Papers)
Certain Circumstances of a delicate nature have occurred, concerning which the President would wish to consult you. They press. Can you consistently with the Governor’s situation afford us your presence here? I cannot say the President directly asks it, lest you should be embarrassed; but he has expressed a strong wish for it— I remain Y r . Affect & Obed ALS , NNC ( EJ : 05618 ). Addressed:...
81To John Jay from John Blair, 5 August 1790 (Jay Papers)
Since our meeting on Tuesday-evening, I have revolved in my mind the subject of our consultation, & having thought proper, merely for my own use, to make a short minute of what passed at that time, or of what made the most forcible impression on my understanding, I have briefly expressed the substance in the few observations hereto subjoined. As these were much better enforced then than I can...
82From George Washington to John Jay, 27 August 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Jay, 27 Aug. 1790. On 28 Aug. 1790 Jay wrote to GW about “the Case which I had Yesterday the Honor of recieving from you.” See also GW to John Adams, 27 Aug. 1790 (second letter), n.2 .
Provided the dispute between Great Britain and Spain Should come to the decision of Arms, from a variety of circumstances (individually unimportant & inconclusive, but [ illegible ] very much the reverse when compared and combined) there is no doubt in my mind, that New Orleans & the Spanish Posts above it on the Mississipi will be among the first attempts of the former, and that the reduction...
84To John Jay from Joseph Willard, 3 November 1790 (Jay Papers)
The University in this place, the last Commencement, conferred on you the degree of Doctor of Laws. The Corporation and Overseers were happy in having the opportunity of thus shewing their regard to a Gentleman of such distinguished merit, and who has, in various departments, served his Country with great ability and fidelity. I hope, Sir, this mark of esteem and respect will not be...
85From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [13 November 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you copies of two resolutions which have passed the house of representatives of Virginia. Others had been proposed and disagreed to. But the war was still going on. A spirited remonstrance to Congress is talked of. This is the first symptom of a spirit which must either be killed or will kill the constitution of the United States. I send the resolutions to you that it may be...
86To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 13 November 1790 (Jay Papers)
I inclose you copies of two resolutions which have passed the house of representatives of Virginia. Others had been proposed and disagreed to. But the war was still going on. A spirited remonstrance to Congress is talked of. This is the first symptom of a spirit which must either be killed or will kill the constitution of the United States. I send the resolutions to you that it may be...
87To John Jay from Sarah Livingston Jay, 14 November 1790 (Jay Papers)
Last thursday evening Gov r . Langdon waited upon me to give me tidings of you— he told me that himself & Lady had but just arrived & were to leave N. York on saturday— as I thought his early attention ^to me^ proceeded from his regard for you, I was solicitous to shew them civility in return; & therefore waited upon M rs . L[angdon] in the morning, & requested them to take tea & pass that...
88From George Washington to John Jay, 19 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir, Mount Vernon Novr 19th 1790 The day is near, when Congress is to commence its third Session; and on Monday next—nothing intervening to prevent it—I shall set out to meet them at their new residence. If any thing in the Judiciary line—if any thing of a more general nature, proper for me to communicate to that body at the opening of the Session, has occurred to you, you...
89To John Jay from George Washington, 19 November 1790 (Jay Papers)
The day is near, when Congress is to commence its third Session; and on Monday next— nothing intervening to prevent it— I shall set out to meet them at their new Residence.— If any thing in the Judiciary line— if any thing of a more general nature, proper for me to communicate to that body at the opening of the Session, has occurred to you, you would oblige me by submitting them with the...
90To John Jay from Sarah Livingston Jay, [28 November] 1790 (Jay Papers)
Our dear little Girl being now in a sweet slumber, & the house all quiet, I will endeavor to employ some of my lonely sleepless moments in continuing an account of her situation. You know I wrote you by the last Post, which was on Wednesday evening; on thursday the Doct r . gave her more mercury, & finding her on friday considerably salivated desisted, and, tho’ her throat still continued...
91From John Adams to John Jay, 20 December 1790 (Adams Papers)
Permit me in this Severe Season, to Salute your fireside, and congratulate you on your return from the Northern Circuit. As the time approaches when We are to expect the Pleasure of Seeing you at the Supream Court in Philadelphia, you will give me leave to solicit the Honour and the Pleasure of your Company and that of M rs Jay, and whoever else of the Family who may accompany you, at Bush...
92To John Jay from John Adams, 20 December 1790 (Jay Papers)
Permit me in this Severe Season, to Salute your fireside, and congratulate you on your return from the Northern Circuit. As the time approaches when We are to expect the Pleasure of Seeing you at the Supream Court in Philadelphia, you will give me leave to Solicit the Honour and the Pleasure of your Company and that of M rs . Jay, and whoever else of the Family who may accompany you, at Bush...
93To John Jay from George Washington, 26 December 1790 (Jay Papers)
Your favors of the 13 th . of last month, & 12 th . of the present came safe to hand.— The first however, not so soon as might (from the date and distance) have been expected.— I thank you for both, particularly for the communications in the first.— In every good wish for you and M rs . Jay I am joined by M rs . Washington and in offering the Compliments of the Season and the happy return of...
When I had the honour of Meeting You and M r . Blair at New York, in order to deliberate on the ensuing Circuits, I was entirely unapprized that any general question was to be put, whether there should be a rotation at all until the moment when it was proposed, and I confess it was so unexpected by me, and I saw it lead to such distressing consequences to myself, that I had it not in my power...
95To John Jay from John Shields, 24 February 1791 (Jay Papers)
Agreeably to the request of the Honorable James Wilson Esq r . to me I have this day drawn on you in favour of M r . George Douglas for 53 dollars and Eighty Seven Cents at Three days sight which you will please to Honor This Sum is for a Robe and making agreeably to the Account Stated to M r . Wilson I am very respectfully Sir Your most Obed t . Servant, ALS , NNC ( EJ : 13187 ). Endorsed: “…...
96To John Jay from James Creighton, 2 September 1791 (Jay Papers)
It will be great consolation to me to know, that length of time, and the various occurrences which have intervened since I last had the pleasure of seeing you, have not deprived me of your friendly concern, and that I shall not have to lament, among other calamities, the misfortune of having forfieted your favor and esteem.— I have heard with much satisfaction, of the many distinguishing...
97From George Washington to John Jay, 4 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
The indisposition, and consequent absence from Mount Vernon of my Nephew, Majr Washington, to whom the care of my private business is entrusted, makes it indispensably necessary for me to go home before the meeting of Congress. My stay there will be longer or shorter according to circumstances —but it cannot exceed the middle of October, as I must be back before the meeting of that Body. Will...
98To John Jay from Peter Van Schaack, 20 September 1791 (Jay Papers)
Various causes, some of them of a very unpleasing Kind, have prevented my answering your favor of the 15 July till this late moment I thank you, however, most sincerely for it. I now return the Pamphlets, but without having been able to go through them— I must leave those great subjects to minds more capacious. I own the affairs of Europe affect me but little. My concern about political...
99To John Jay from Tench Coxe, 16 November 1791 (Jay Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose to you an enlarged copy of the Examination of Lord Sheffield, which one of our printers was desirous to republish. You will perceive, in the interspersed and additional new matters, I have endeavoured to bring up such Ideas as would tend to answer the report of the British privy council contained in a letter which I requested M r . King to lay before you. In...
100To John Jay from Peter Augustus Jay, 23 November 1791 (Jay Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 12 th . Inst t . last Saturday. Essex desires me to tell you that he answered your letter to him the next post to that by which I wrote. I go frequently to visit Uncle Fady, & shall continue to pay him every mark of attention, & respect in my power. Agreable to your advice I have read the life of Cicero attentively. I am not able to point out...